To the Mom worried about her daughter’s losing her job over the surgery, it is a possibility. My first surgery for valve repair in 1993 occurred only a few months after my annual review where I was rated 4 or 5 out of 5 in every job dimension. About four months after returning to work, I was fired without reason. I suspect that I had become one of their most-expensive employees.
Employment laws vary by state, but learn yours, and document everything.

So it can happen, and I am an example, however… This change led me to go back to school and earn a degree in health care, and changed my life for the better in many, many ways. I would never hope anyone would have to go through this, but do you want to work for a company that is so short-sighted? If this is not the career of your lifetime but instead just a job, then change (sooner-than-later) can be a good thing!

I have to say that I feel blessed to have many, many friends express support, that the actual risks are low, and the quality of the valves are much better that when I was younger. The repair bought me enough time to make my surgery on 1/20/08 my last!
Mom, this is the time to focus on what is most important in life: not a paycheck, not achievement or other’s opinions, but instead love, friendships and others. Pull together and say all the things others regret not having said.
I have prayed for you already! Jeff