worried about drains

ohilly
ohilly Member Posts: 441
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Throughout this entire tx journey (finding out I had breast cancer, a mastectomy, chemo, finding out I am BRCA 1, having a preventive mastectomy on the 'healthy' breast, etc.) I seem to fasten on to one worry after the other. Sometimes I feel desperate and wonder when my life will just go back to 'normal.'

Well, now I am worrying about my drain from the preventive mastectomy surgery. It has been a little over 2 weeks since the surgery, and my output from the one drain is still around 65 or 68 cc. I had two drains: they took the first out last week, but it wasn't really draining anything at all. From my understanding, the drain they took out was for my breast, and the remaining drain with all the fluid is from my back (I had lat flap immediate reconstruction).

I'm worried the drain will not stop draining and then what will they do? I think part of the reason I'm worrying is because I had a bad experience with the first mastectomy: with the first mastectomy, I had two drains and accidentally pulled one out the second day after the surgery. Because of this, the remaining drain drained even more and I eventually had to undergo surgery again to re-attach the first drain (I don't know if you are following all tis). After they re-attached it, both drains quickly stopped draining and they were able to remove them. Anyway, this time I was super careful not to pull out the drains by accident, but the one drain is still draining and I am worried! Any advice on how long drains normally drain will be helpful (I should say that with the first mastectomy, they tried to aspirate it, but when it became clear that it just kept on filling up and that could go on forever, they did the surgery to re-attach it).

Thanks. Ohilly

Comments

  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #2
    Drainage issues
    Ohilly~
    Drains are no fun, for certain. I remind myself that they are important. Your body has been thru alot. My experience with them was from a breast lift (one side) and from my mastectomy (other side). Both about a year apart. I remember about 10 days to 2 weeks for them to be finished doing the bulk of their job. Our bodies are wonderful in how they can heal. I was told my body would absorb what was "leftover". Call your Dr. to put your mind at rest. Our minds can think wild thoughts sometimes.
    My Latissimus flap is scheduled for Oct 23. I don't look forward to the drains, mainly when they remove them. I'd rather give birth. But, we have CSN to vent, get input and answers from. I too hope for normal days ahead. Recovery takes a bit of time. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
    Melanie
  • ohilly
    ohilly Member Posts: 441
    #3
    GreeneyedGirl said:

    Drainage issues
    Ohilly~
    Drains are no fun, for certain. I remind myself that they are important. Your body has been thru alot. My experience with them was from a breast lift (one side) and from my mastectomy (other side). Both about a year apart. I remember about 10 days to 2 weeks for them to be finished doing the bulk of their job. Our bodies are wonderful in how they can heal. I was told my body would absorb what was "leftover". Call your Dr. to put your mind at rest. Our minds can think wild thoughts sometimes.
    My Latissimus flap is scheduled for Oct 23. I don't look forward to the drains, mainly when they remove them. I'd rather give birth. But, we have CSN to vent, get input and answers from. I too hope for normal days ahead. Recovery takes a bit of time. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
    Melanie

    Best of luck
    Thanks for the encouragement, Melanie! I will be thinking of you on October 23 and hoping you are satisfied with the results of your lat flap as I am! Thanks. Ohilly

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