Before You Donate
Think very seriously before donating to any breastcancer organization, or fundraising program until you read their Annual Report to see who their top contributors are, and if they have a product that appears frequently in the message the organization sends to the public. That would be unethical and its illegal. The same applies to a request that the public buys products, but does not receive a "donor receipt" for tax-deductible purpose. Read any and all food labels that breastcancer "non-profits" are promoting to raise money. Some organizations tell the public to help them raise money by asking you to visit their websites, but that only gives them "hits" to increase their sponsors.
Another tip, "signing" an online Petition is not acceptable, so don't fall for such antics. An ethical non-profit, or professional will not request your visit to their website, nor use "cookies" placed on your computer when you visit their site.
Purchase the Breastcancer Postage Stamp, the Post Office will always give you your charitable deduction receipt. Its a valid form of fund raising.
"Do I have any say in who my anesthesiologist will be?"
Believe it or not, you must meet with your anesthesia group member, a board certified anesthesiologist (a physician or doctor, as they are commonly called) prior to any surgery! During that meeting, which should be two to three days prior to your surgery (unless its an emergency procedure - and then its a good idea to have met one before anyway, so you can ask for that doctor - or carry an instruction sheet laminated in your wallet), you will be asked a zillion questions about your past history, breathing problems, drug reaction, illnesses, any history of pneumonia, if you have any, any false teeth, caps, glasses, contacts, prostheses of any kind.
I for example have a heart bundle branch block (which has caused no problem whatsoever in nine operations in 3-1/2 years) however one anesthesiologist had a pace maker ready (on that one it was nearly the surgeons who ended up needing a pace maker!).
I also had Polio so it is of critical importance that any anesthesiologist know that. If s/he seems to be unaware of the serious potentials anesthesia holds for Post-Polio patients get another anesthesiologist in with you before you take one more step (use the Polio link and print out the information, and take the toll free phone number of the Institute with you). DO NOT go to surgery with any questions or concerns about the expertise attending you.