Studies have shown that those with the greatest peace of mind are people who feel like they have the greatest control over their own life. If you're about to undergo breast surgery, you may be feeling as if you are no longer in control. But the truth is that you can regain some peace of mind by taking charge of the things that you can control. One way to do this is to anticipate and plan ahead for your needs, both before and after your upcoming surgery.

If you have not done so already, check with your doctor to make sure you will not be staying overnight at the hospital. This will help you determine some of your arrangements. Ask your physician for the name of someone who has been through the same procedure you are about to undergo. If your surgeon is unable to provide a referral, you may want to contact a local breast cancer organization, and ask to be put in touch with someone who has been through the same procedure.

Some other things you should ask before your surgery:

• Are there medications or dietary supplements that I should stop taking prior to my surgery?
• How long will I be in surgery?
• How long will I be in the recovery room?
• How much pain will I be in? Will I receive pain medication?
• Will I have a surgical drain?
• How much will my upper body mobility be affected by the procedure, and for how long?

You will also need to coordinate with friends and family to help with a few things.

• Arrange in advance for transportation home from the hospital, since your doctor will not want you to drive.
• Do you have pets? You'll want to be sure they're fed. Your dog may need to be walked, and your cat needs fresh litter, too.
• If you have young children, they'll benefit from being with relatives or a close friend. This can be a scary time for them.
• Finally, on the day of your surgery don't forget to bring your identification and insurance cards, a list of medications and supplements you are taking, and a list of any drugs or foods to which you are allergic.

When your surgery is over, and you're in your recovery room, you will have a completely different set of issues. Your number one priority should be comfort. If you are in pain, the only way anyone will know is if you tell them, so don't be shy about asking for relief if you need it.

The first time you see your doctor after surgery, here are some questions that you may want to ask:

• When will we get the results from pathology?
• How soon after my discharge will I have a follow-up appointment?
• Are there other restrictions on what I should do at home? If so, how long will these restrictions last?
• Will I be given written instructions on home care before I leave the hospital?
• Will I need physical therapy to regain full range of motion in my upper body?

For your post-surgical comfort, you’ll also want to make sure that the bras and leisure garments you wear post-operatively have been designed with your needs in mind.