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Does everyone get these "drains" after a mastectomy? What exactly is that and what do you have to do with them?
Drains are put in place after a mastectomy and/or sentinel node biopsy to capture any drainage from the surgical site. If this wasn't done the drainage could cause infection. Drains are annoying but serve a purpose so you live with it until they can be pulled.
@A MyBCTeam Member - I had my BMX in July and lived either topless or with lightest, loosest tops I could find. If/when I went out those 10 days with drains, I'd stuff them into the pockets of my shorts. That's how I went to my 2 PT appointments (non-BC related) and my 3 post-op appointments.
My hubby initially helped me to milk and empty them but I had helped with my dad's JP drains after his surgery so I knew how to do it for myself when my hubby went to work. My teen sons took responsibility for recording the volumes every time I emtied them. They also helped me get into and out of shirts since my hubby left for work before I got up. Involving them in my care showed them that even parents can be helpless and it took the mystery and fear out of the whole episode.
@A MyBCTeam Member - if you've had kids, you've probably cleaned up much worse than emptying your own drains ;-)
You really can handle it. It's not that bad. You can do it!
I ended up up at 24 days with my right drain. That was my problem side with the cancer and biopsy of the nodes. It was irritating and I had to pin them or put in my jeans pocket but glad I waited til it was done.
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