Boy, you have been on the run. And now counting down to the big operation.
I think you and other ladies who have been living with one or both breasts removed are remarkably strong. It will be a wonderful feeling to have breasts again, a start to being able to put it all behind you.
Having a tissue flap will mean looking forward to warm soft new breasts. I recall reading that your family will not be visiting you in hospital. I am sure the nursing staff will make it easy as possible for you. I found it surprising comfortable in hospital. Especially with a lambs wool under my sheets, the hospital mattress was plastic and hot and slippery. I also found my ipod and earphones helped me escape the ward noise and was nice to have when I couldn't sleep.
I was in a hospital gown the first 5 days, then I found arh bras comfy and loose pjs. I still wear them now 4 months on.
I found a home made (so I knew the ingredients) body butter great for massaging after wounds healed. Basically coconut oil and shea butter whipped up. It stays hydrated 24 hrs, but I still massage twice a day with it. Doesn't matter what you massage with though, it's the massage part that loosens the scar tissue and softens the area.
Good luck with it all.
Louise