Sorry to hear about your misfortunes! Replacing the chain/wire (assuming you have an Edson system) is very straight forward but also very messy (grease, etc). Once you remove the compass it will be apparent. Simply remove the cable clamps at the quandrant, attach a messenger line and then remove the chain/cable at the pedestal (from the top). Keep the old chain/wire so you'll know what size and length to order from Edson. They sell them as kits already connected. Only trick is knowing whether or not the cable is crossed within the pedestal. Might as well order a complete rebuild kit (bearings, etc) and a brake rebuild kit while you're in there. I did the whole job in about 3 hours last spring although my boat (34+) had excellent access.
Good luck!

John
When my cable broke I just disconnected from end of chain, swaged a new fitting, which took about ten minutes and replaced- all of which took maybe 90 minutes of limbo dancing stance and nominal cost- can't think why a complete kit would be needed. Yes- cables DO cross in the pedestal three times out of four which results in dyslexic steering- check before you tighten everything up!