Surgery is expected to start a 8AM EST.  The surgeon said: " it will take 6 hours or however long it takes."  I have a 95% of a sucessful surgery.  They are also replacing part (approx 6 inches) of my ascending aorta about the diameter of a garden hose.  Thanks again for all the prayers and good wishes.  Laurie and/or Erin will be taking over from here.