@kmakm I've hesitated to say much because, while I know the surgery is a massive thing, I've never felt that losing the boob was devastating - after all, it was trying to kill me. As you know, I haven't had reconstruction and I'm not sure if I ever will. If I do, it is likely to be more about other people than me as being single breasted is not a socially accepted disability. However, I did take a good look at the breast before I went to hospital and I got my husband to take a couple of photos. I did feel sad that I'd already gone through the trauma of the initial partial, come to terms with it and was very pleased in the end at the result, only to have to have the breast taken altogether. Certainly, I would suggest some sort of personal "goodbye" but then remember why you're having the op - those boobs may have played nicely in the past but they've turned on you so it's time to end what's become a toxic relationship. If I forget to say it closer to the time - good luck for the op and I'll be thinking of you. Gaye