** Try to clarify surgical options early on: what’s the best possible, what’s the worst possible, what’s the probable middle? Manage your expectations as much as you can.

** Know your options. For mastectomy, that’s flat, implants, flap (tram or diep), nipple reconstruction, etc.

** Fat grafting covers a multitude of divots and creases.

** Know your risks and what you value (looks, function, scars).

** What’s your backup fat plan? (ie know what your surgery entails).

** Nipple tattoos: not like a normal tattoo--kind of a high end prison tattoo—and fade quickly.

** You can’t feel when your mastectomied boob pops out--so you you have to look with your eyes.

** Surgeries are going to be a pyramid: major and big at the beginning, and smaller and more delicate at the end.

** Love your plastic surgeon.

** Talk to someone who has been through your surgery and find pictures.

** Aphrodite Reborn and Reconstructing Aphrodite are nice post-breast cancer photo books.

** Silicon bandaids are reusable and help with scarring and healing.

** Use microbead pillows to get comfortable.