I'm glad to hear that hope is alive. Hang in there for Newman and cut yourself some slack. You've been through a lot and there's still more ahead.
If you go through the surgery, TALK to Newman about it. Seriously...
sometimes I think that whether or not they understand a single word we say, they get the gist by our tones. They know that we are doing something for them because we love them and want them to be better.
Thoughts and prayers continue for all of you. I hope this has the best possible outcome.