hi al!
welcome to this wonderful site. as you can already see, everyone here is so warm, helpful and informative.
i don't think that i have anything to add to what they have already said.
it is, i think, and joey thought, harder on the family that sits and waits throughout the surgery.
in fact, i think i lost 5 lbs just worrying about the surgery and then running back and forth and making sure things were ok, etc.
just try and keep busy; the waiting and the days leading up to the surgery are the hardest.
enjoy your family and try to relax and stay healthy.
we will keep you company while you wait. before you know it, feb. 4th will be here.
stay well, sylvia