Have you been there? please help..

My TLE is considered refractory, and I'm being considered for surgery. I'll start with the PET scan, MRI, and neuropsych tests on 3/6. On the 10th, I'll have an intracranial device implanted to see if I am a good candidate for surgery. I'll then either go forward with surgery or discuss alternative treatments. Has anyone gone through this? Is it painful? How many seizures do they need to see before they make a decision on treatment? How long does it take to recuperate? How long were you in the hospital? Now, that this is so near, I'm scared. I've read studies about the intracranial device, and it sounds pretty major. I've known that brain surgery is major, of course, but I didn't think the tests were that intense. A friend asked me today if it was all worth it, and that's kind of put doubts in my head. I need to hear some positive stories..tell me about success. Stories about people having surgery 2 or 3 times (and still having problems) isn't very encouraging! Not only am I taking a big risk, in being open to this treatment, but I'm giving up precious time with my girls and puting major stress on my family. I know that there aren't any guarantees, but I want there to be a damn good chance that not only will this work, but that there won't be any severe cognitive effects from a surgery. I guess that I'm just trying to say that I'm scared, and I need to talk with someone who understands. Please respond if you can...thank you! Heather