MRI Results

I've been having knee pain in my right knee for a long time now. There wasn't any instance where I got hurt, it's just been getting worse and worse - especially the days after I've been really active (weekends!). So, I went to the knee doctor to see what he said and his suggestions were physical therapy, medicine and wearing a brace. Well, unfortunately, none of that has worked for me and now I'm faced with the option of having surgery. I went in for a MRI Monday and the results proved that I do have cracked cartiledge under my knee cap which causes grinding and pain. So, I'm faced with figuring out if I want to volunarily have knee surgery. It would be minor - I would be back walking the next day. But my questions are - do I need to have that unnecessary expense? Do I need to try to fit that in near the holidays? Will I regret not having surgery in a few years? (months, weeks?) Will the pain get worse? I'm just wrestling with it because it's surgery. I think that word just scares me.