HELP! Scared & Confused!!

I have a 15 year old kitty cat. About a month ago I noticed her right
eye could not blink. Her third eyelid DOES close, so she is keeping her
eye moist. Took her to the vet, did tests, seems she has some facial
paralysis. We scheduled an MRI for her in Madison (I live in Wi, that is
about two hours away from me and it is where out Vet. Teaching
Hospital is). The neurologist said the following:
She has a lot of fluid in her middle ear area (but they do NOT think
that is what's causing her paraylsis. ) HOWEVER- if not treated it could
lead to other infections, diseases etc. The MRI showed NO sign of brain
disease.
My options are to do a bulla osteotomy, or just flush the ears out. But
flushing may only get some of the fluid, and probably will come back.
**He also said if we DON'T do it, there more than likely will be
problems, infections, diseases as a result down the road.
**I guess my reluctancy is due to this- she has had this for awhile,
and
she has done ok so far... my concern is putting her thru this. THEY
were not concerned about her going UNDER again a couple days apart-
that's MY concern?! (She was under for the MRI today, the surgery
would be Friday.. her organs are fine.)
She has had chronic upper respiratory infections, sniffles etc for a
couple days at a time, then just go away. It was always treated.. she's
had this for over 10 years.
She had a bad ear infection last year, all kinds of meds & cultures-
finally went away. Then developed a polyp, biopsied it, it was negative.
My concern is to ME- she dosn't have all the signs that warrants this
type of surgery...
**Maybe this is the source of her chronic upper respiratory issues,
but
she has them for a few days and then is fine. (He didn't say that, I
just concluded it)
She has had head twitching or jerking (like up & down) too. You don't
see it unless you stare at her, it hasn't gotten worse within the last
year either. Maybe the fluid build up is causing that, but nothing was
conclusive... I am also concerned if I DON'T do it now, she will be
older when I may HAVE to do it!
ANY help, thoughts, input? PLEASE help us out ....
Shirley