I had my aortic aneurysm surgery on September 10th. I was basically in the same situation you are in. About 8 years ago they started watching the aneurysm and 6 months ago they said it was at 5.1 and we needed to move forward with surgery. It has been 7 weeks and the surgery and recovery has been much better than I anticipated. I am a 57 year old male and I highly recommend doing the cardiac rehab offered. I feel lucky to be on this side of the surgery. I had my surgery at Mayo in Phoenix. I have been coming here for my aneurysm for the past 7 years. My surgeon was great, she was about 40 years old with great confidence and bedside manner. I know it is scary thinking about it, but listen to the surgeons. We are lucky to have the option when to schedule the surgery! Best of luck!