A tub can be had for $400. It’s not wise to do all of this and not replace it. There’s also likely moisture damage under it. Plus the valves and all the rest need replacing. There is no way to do a halfway remodel when you have issues like this. You have to deal with everything. Or tear everything you’ve done later to have access to do what should have been done the first time.

Thankyou for the advice.. . . it's nice to have some constructive feed back. we have already replaced the floor under the tub ( which ironically was the only thing not damaged by water- but it was very clearly worked on at some point and we had to redo the plumbing as the pipe for the hot water was literally bowed out with pressure from the sag I guess. I was glad that we did move it because that would have ruined all the work we are putting in.

I did see there are "cheap" tubs to be had and that might just be the way to go . I need to do some research because currently the tub is one unit and I don't think we want to deal with tiling the wall so I want to find the right style for the surround and see how much we would realistically be looking at. Everything I touch has a huge pricetag but I find with a little work I am able to find ways around that- for example my husband is building the vanity to make the price tag on the out of budget sink fit in. I'm sure we can do something someplace to afford the tub :) I am trying to have a " we have come this far" attitude about this .