If it's stage one she doesn't need a total, "just" a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal. Good Lord, Bobert, do you have to repeat everything my wife and I do? We just went through that and we're still awaiting some of the news! I mean like her surgery was Feb. 1, 27 days from anomalous mammogram to surgery.

Dude, YOU'RE gonna need help too! Let me know and I'll pass on what little I know. Remember, just listen to her and that sometimes YOU can do anything except love her. But do listen to her and don't forget to hold her (SHE will let you know if it hurts).

She gonna be in EXTREME pain (they will probably inject dye and a radioactive tracer around her nipple, for instance) and there's not a helluva lot you can do except to Be There. If necessary, insist she stay overnight -- INSIST on it -- because of the pain. By the way, an ice pack will help with that for the first week or so, and then use warm, wet, things. If you have a microwavable rice bag use that, wrapped in a warm damp washcloth.

PM me if you got other questions. I'm traveling, so it might take a bit for an answer. I'll be back home on the 2nd, but ASK and I'll answer as best I can.

And remember, you damned old hillbilly, them pain-killers are for HER. :)