Welcome to NeuroTalk, Nicole.

It would seem a wise decision to me to talk with a counsellor prior to your having the surgery considering what you've told us about your brother's death. I'm so sorry for your loss. It would weigh very heavily on your mind for sure as you prepare for that particular type of surgery.

Don't be a stranger here. Lots of wonderfully supportive people, not necessarily having gone through the exact same experience of loss, but loss none the less. Your fears make total sense to me and that's just from reading your message and imagining how difficult this will be for you.