I am a newbie and not a mechanic. I need help fast…….

I took my 2004 F150 in because the back window rolled down and would not go back up. It just so happened that same day the check engine light came on.

I was told that the error code pointed to problems with the VCT Valve. For them to properly diagnose the problem they would need to remove the front cover. When they did this they found that the tensioner was faulty and that it was fractured. Further, that the cam lobes were scared. Their fix was to replace the engine.

Of course since the truck was running fine when I took it in, coupled with the fact I had no loss of power, no engine knock, and no smoke, I told them no, to replace the tensioner and put it back together.

Now they are telling me that the O-ring from the VCT valve was sucked into the head.
My questions are…
1. Is it not possible to suck the O-ring back out of the head?
2. What happens if they can’t get the o-ring out?
3. Why on earth would they recommend a new engine?
4. Can you not replace the tensioner?