Thank uou for your reasuring message x
Hi, I had a right mastectomy on Monday so just a couple of days ago. I have very little pain which is very manageable with paracetamol and ibuprofen. I was nervous about the drain too, mostly because of the unknown and āam I doing it rightā worries. But so far Iāve not had to do anything with it. I just check the little suction button on the top is still pressed down and that I can see any fluid moving slowly through it. In the hospital they also put it lower than me so that gravity could help abit. So far so good!
It is a bit of a pain though having to take it with you wherever you go, and I keep forgetting and slightly tugging it, but thatās a minor thing in the circumstances and itās not forever.
I think my biggest worry with it has been how to stop my very inquisitive cat from playing with the tube as itās quite long and dangles off my bed!
Youāll be fine. Iām a real worrier and hate not knowing what to expect or whatās ahead, not just with this but with everything in life. So Iām determined to learn how to be in the moment and focus on the here and now.
I hope all goes well with your surgery and all the very best xx
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Thank you. Just had my pre op feeling so much better about the drains, the nurses will come out everyday , the results for her2 came back and positive so will have herceptin alongside chemo . Good luck with your recovery x
Hello, I had right side mastectomy and reconstruction on Friday.
Like others have said, the drain is annoying but nothing major. Iām looking forward to having it out and being able to shower properly. The positives for me about the drain is that itās made me slow down and take things easy, which is important.
Iām hoping the surgeon might remove it tomorrow but weāll see. Iāve been told not to empty it as surgeon wants to know how much fluid has come out.
I had two lumps, grade three, her2+ so should be starting chemo and hercepton soon. A friend going through similar helped me refocus as I went in for op saying, youāll be glad to be showing cancer the door.
Small steps.
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Thank you seems we have the same thpe of cancer. Good luck with your chemo sending positive vibes xx
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And you too xx
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Hi, after my right mastectomy 13 months ago, my surgeon didnāt use drains but a special PICO. suction dressing with a longish tube and little unit attached. I could shower normally from day after the operation , just unplugged it for the few minutes in the shower. Nurse changed it after a week, and then after two weeks it was finished. I carried it around in a little bag without a problem . I even went to Bicester Village shopping outlet 5 days after the operation! I Had it at my side in the bed at night. As you have heard from others, whatever your surgeon uses will be manageable. Thinking of you - you will be glad when the operation is over and you get on with your recovery . Make sure you get a post op bra before you go to hospital. I found the M and S soft cotton camisole type bra very comfortable. The hospital will give you a āsoftieā breast form after the op, and I used it right away,
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Hi, thank you for reassuring message. My nurse is speaking to surgeon about picco dressing as i have diabetes, im getting a post op bra from m&s, the hospital will also give me a bra and boobie, drain bag and heart shaped cushion for underarm x
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@julesjp Hi 
i had a masectomy last year. I have to say the drain was uncomfortable but it wont be for too long. Itās always the unexpected we fear the most. Sending love and hugs 
you will get there.
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Just a quick note. I had a drain and pico vacuum dressing following my op. The hospital actually arranged for the District Nurses to come for two weeks, to check drains and healing with pico vacuum dressing. Drain out after one week and vacuum out around 12 days after op. This was removed by surgeon who was verp pleased with the healing process. Went to have chrmo and radiotherapy - that did make scar sore though. Good luck.
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Thank you thats very reassuring x
Hi,
I had mastectomy and full lymph node removal on 27th of June. I had 2 drains they werenāt as bad as I thought. The main problem was them getting on my nerves carrying them around, I had a PE bag with sting pull that I carried them around which helped. Removed on 7th day and district nurse came every day. At bedtime I lay on the side that my drains were at the edge. Nearly 3 weeks and Iām up and about. Good luck with your operation .
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Thank you so much im starting to chill about the drains just want the op done now ready for next step of herceptin and chemo. Good luck with the rest of your treatment and recovery x
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Just an update, had surgery monday all went well. Not as much pain as i thought , drains seem fine, so pleased . Now to recover ready for chemo . Xx
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Thatās the best news @julesjp
Onwards and upwards and hereās to a good, speedy recovery xx
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Thank you so much xx
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