Well, Tuesday I went and spoke with the specialist and had more x-rays done on her. Her right femur was pretty much gone, with new cartilage growing in the wrong spots. We went ahead and scheduled surgery for today because without medication on Tuesday the tremors started up again.
She went in 4 hours ago and I just got a call that she is awake in recovery. Will get more updates as the day goes on, and she won't be home until Saturday or Sunday.
I was very impressed with the specialist and he told me that while the vet made the risks seem higher, he was wrong. And that because her knees and health is overall good, she should be fine within 6-8 weeks. So here's to having my happy girl back soon!
Thanks again everyone!