'brake' it to me gently (pun)

[TNcargirl]

Sorry about the subject line, my attempt at trying to be funny.... I have an appointment in the morning to have my brake wear light checked and most likely my pads replaced. Could someone please mentally prepare me by tossing out some estimated costs??? It's not a dealership so that may cut the cost a little. Next time I'll be better prepared and probably order my own pads etc. but 3 days before my Christmas road trip...I'm just gonna call it my Christmas present to myself. (hey, at least they'll wash it!)

Just fyi, it's an '01 and the brake wear light did come on intermittently for a week or so but as of this past weekend, it's glaring at me constantly.

Do the rotors really have to be replaced everytime? (there are no dumb questions right?)

Thanks!
Rena