@tashia-- No, I hope to not have to buy all four joints! Two will suffice, thank you. Hee hee.
I hear you on enjoying the tree this year. It's up, it's beautiful, and I have a great deal more peace internally than I have had in a long time. The rest of Christmas isn't anywhere near " done"or perfect, but you know what? All of that part is just me forgetting what is important. This whole process of preparing for and now recovering from the surgery has put SO much in perspective. I wish I could have understood these things earlier in life. I hope I remember the lessons I am learning, too.
As for the upcoming surgery, you have a whole board full of people who care. I hope that's a good net for the days when the unknowns feel like they could knock a person over.
Hugs to you-- go back to enjoying your tree!