At 81 years young, Mom had that same surgery and a cow's heart valve "installed" (her own was beyond repair). We call her "Moo-ther" now (hehe). Recovery isn't entirely unpleasant, and not taking lightly the opening of the chest cavity, which is already tough enough. She bounced back pretty quickly. I hope that you do too. She is 83 going on 84 and considerably better now with renewed energy.