Hi I had lumpectomy and axillary node clearance with reconstruction surgery 10 days ago. I came out of surgery with a drain and it can be removed when the fluid levels drop to less than 30 mls per day. It’s currently stuck at around 40mls. On the one hand I’m glad the fluid isn’t gathering internally, but I am concerned that I don’t want it in place for much longer in case it causes other issues.
I wondered if anyone has experience of this and if there is anything I can do, or should not do, to get the levels down? I’ve been taking things easy but wonder if I have been too sedentary? I’m probably over thinking this but watching the amount and type of fluid drain through is becoming an obsession!
I’m also concerned it might mean I’m more likely to suffer with oedema down the line, so that is not helping!
Any advice gratefully received.
I had a drain in for 10 days after the same operation as you. It was removed after 10 days, even though it was still draining more than 30mls as they said leaving it in could increase the risk of infection. I had a District Nurse come every few days to look at it and she removed it. There was quite a bit of drainage from the drain site after removal so I needed to have it dressed for a while or it soaked through my clothes. Maybe phone your Breast Care Nurse or GP to see what they say. I think drains and drain removal is very personal to the individual surgeon. I dont think theres anything you can do to help things along.
Thanks Pat - that is really helpful to know. I’m back to see the breast cancer nurse on Monday (day 13) so thinking I might press for it to be taken out then but will bear in mind the after effects. At present the entry point is sealed under the original cellophane type dressing and I’m wondering how long that can keep protecting it, so risk of infection definitely on my mind. My breast care nurse doesn’t seem unduly concerned, she is really experienced and I trust her but she doesn’t work Friday (the GP practice doesn’t instil the same confidence and hasn’t been that helpful to date, sadly). I will probably keep an eye on it, wait out the weekend, and try not to fret.
Hi - I had lumpectomy with a licap reconstruction and full axillary clearance in Feb 2022. I had my drain in for 2 1/2 weeks. Like you I was stuck on around 40mls for a few days. BCN’s were not concerned about how long it was in for, but probably worth speaking to them on Monday if you are concerned.
I have had no sign of lymphoedema if that helps reassure you
The relief after it was removed though … I was so fed up of it in the end! I was on the phone to them the day it got to 30mls. They said they could remove the next day or wait till I was in 3 days later to see the consultant anyway - I went the next day
Good luck with your healing and any further treatments you need
Thanks for the reply -that was so reassuring to hear. Like you having the thing attached all the time was starting to get to me and it will be a relief when it’s gone (assuming the wound then heals ok but I’ll cross that bridge when I get there!) Thankfully the flow seems to have slowed down a lot in the last 24 hours so I am hoping it will be ok to come out tomorrow. I hope the rest of your treatment went smoothly too.
