Terrified of what lies ahead!

Hi @CathyMac - I agree with @Flaneuse, it's up to you and those closest to you to work out what is best for you all. However you may want to remember that even the best run hospital has "creative accounting" in its timetable. My mastectomy was booked for 2.30, I finally got to theatre by 6.30 and wasn't really compus mentis again until about 10pm. I had elected to go by myself and was glad I did, as that's a long time for someone else hanging around. Good to warn family too that taking a lot longer than planned is just the outcome of a busy theatre schedule, it doesn't mean anything has gone wrong for you! My single mastectomy was remarkably pain free, nurses pushed drugs with commendable zeal, you need have no fear while you are there but but I really didn't need them.  Visitors the next day when I was up and around and fully awake were very welcome. Particularly bearing decent coffee! Best wishes.