Trying for baby at 42

Little back ground. So I'm 42 going on 43 in May, trying for pregnancy (I know I'm way late in the game but that's a different story) I have an almost 10cm cyst on my left ovary, gyno said the other day that I do need to remove it but to get surgery will take about 3-6months. When I do get surgery I have to wait at least 6 months to heal and try again, by that time I will almost be 44. We are seeing a fertility Dr. In March. I guess my question is...... is there still hope? Should we still try and hope for the best? Or just give up? Is there anyone out there with somewhat a similar experience? Anything I should try? Just some guidance would help tremendously. I'm tired of friends telling me it's dangerous at my age but yet I see so many women get pregnant and have healthy babies.

Thank you in advance