Excessive drainage 3 weeks post

I had my drains in for 3 weeks and 5 days (was still producing 50 ml) and took antibiotics for 4 weeks. The PS remove the drains (his limit is 30 days) and I had to back about a week later to get 90 ml drained from my non cancerous side (and 25 ml from my cancerous side). Its been almost 2 months (BMX was 06-24) and I no longer have that iron band feeling from the TE. I have been seeing a oncology physical therapist for 6 weeks. She massages the tissue and I wear tight sports bras and compression camisoles 24/7. I hope you can get those stinkin drains out soon. Once they were out, I felt so much better! Good luck!

Hang in there. I know it feels like forever but I've been reassured that everyone eventually gets the drains removed. My surgery was different from yours and I wasn't sent home on antibiotics so I'm sure that is an extra challenge you are dealing with. I'm returning to work on Monday, trailing my drain behind me. I just don't feel like I can sit around at home any longer. I work primarily alone in an office though, so I think it is doable.

I'm more concerned that a delay in removing the drain will delay my chemo start date. I have a tentative date set to start but that was based on the expectation that Drainy-McDrainface would be removed yesterday. I called in to the surgeon's office yesterday morning to report the amount of drainage I still had and they quickly rescheduled me for Monday. Fingers and toes crossed that I'm able to keep that one.

I understand about wanting more communication from the surgeon's office. They've only ever called me if I've called first. It really is up to you to be proactive if you need anything.

How are you doing, Ringelle?!? I need to know.

I had to say goodbye to Drainey-McDrainface today. Doc was willing to let it go as late as Monday but when he realized that would postpone chemo, out it came. He's expecting me to need to come in for regular aspirations (fun fun!) but says that it is possible that my body will do better at absorbing the fluid without the drain in place. I'm not doing reconstruction so there is nothing to fill to take up space. I really hope that works for you.

Oh, and I'm not sure how I feel about a surgeon with a sense of humor. I was worried about the drain hurting upon removal since it had been in so long. He said it wouldn't and then, when the nurse yanked it out (*ouchy*!), he remarked that he didn't remember leaving so much drainline in me. Sheesh!

It's been 11 days since my last drain was removed. I've been aspirated twice by my BS and will need to go in again early next week. I'd aim for Monday except that it is a holiday. He's removing significant amounts so I can only hope that it starts reducing. I can definitely feel swelling/fullness but it isn't actually painful. The aspiration is pretty much painless since I am so numb there anyway.

Started chemo on time on Weds. Feeling off but not terrible.