I got it! Will look up re: back surgeries. Grandpa Walsh had the hip replacement. He was supposed to have his other hip done and his two knees too, but elected to do just the one- his body probably wouldn't have been able to go through other surgeries. He did live to be 79. I don't think that I'll get a harder hat, but need to use a helmet when I'm in a moving vehicle. Don't like the confinement though. On a bike is one thing, but to have to wear it in a car- me no like. I did't - go there - and ask the doc if a tumor would grow back in the same location. I knew certainly then I wouldn't be able to wear a helmet. My brain has expanded so much already that I would probably have a large appendage on the top of my head. ~moi