BigDog:
Em and I shall be praying for Janet. We have a very good idea of what she may be going through. Our youngest is facing that very same type of surgery, (sub-taylor fusing) and has been suffering with a birth defect for 17 years. It is painful just to move...
In fact Kristina is off to the hospital today to have her foot recasted. The Air Cast is not doing what it is supposed to do, so a fibreglass cast has to be re-applied. I think this will be #98 or so since she was 6 days old..
We shall pray for Janet and that all goes well. As you said, although not life-threatening, all surgeries are inherently risky. We also pray that she will recuperate quickly.
We are there.... walking along side of you both.
May God's Blessing and his Peace (+) be with you both and your family.