HGT,
You have been given a lot of great info here. I am so glad that you are seeking out other opinions. I know this is no fun, but what is the alternative. I like you have young kids and am young myself. I also understand the fear of work as I am a teacher and have to talk everyday. However, I did not have a major surgery like you may be looking at, I am teaching again with an accent. The cool thing about, the kids noticed my accent right away and they thought it was cool. Yeah, some words I can not say and they have been awesome to finish the words for me. I say all this to say that you can and will get through this. We are here to help each other and support each other thought it all.