Mastectomy Tubes, Drains, Annoying Appendages

[shrinknurse]

I am s/p Left mastectomy X 7days. On Thursday, I am to have my Jackson Pratt removed. Your video was the most informative and realistic that I have watched! Thank YOU!

PS I'm a Registered Nurse, and STILL needed to see your video! You Rock!

[gumdokim]

I had a mammogram a week ago everything ws ok....But a month ago I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I had a radical hysterectomy and have one more surgery and then chemo. I know 2 diff cancers but we r in this war together. To kick cancer in the butt!

[heidizign]

I found it easy to wear the suction bulb in my jeans pocket. Yes, shampooing was challenging because I couldn't raise my arm, so washed with one hand. It's all do-able.

[cutykity]

Thank you Susan for sharing your experience. A few days ago I had a Mastectomy at the age of 34. Today, I found out I have triple negative breast cancer. I will do chemo starting next week. Everything is moving so fast, it's overwhelming. I wish all the best to my fellow breast cancer survivors. May God bless us all!

[joan15136]

@cutykity please stay in touch. all of us are praying for you. your courage is inspiring.

[vibraharp226]

Thank you so, so much. I am scheduled for a mastectomy tomorrow. Because I've watched your videos I feel somewhat prepared. I so appreciate your generosity in sharing your experiences. Good health to you!

[carolmarierentas]

Susan you are just like having my Mother here ...she pasted from Breastcancer overten years ago I really appreciate your posts just like having my Mother back :0)

[katrinktoes]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I agree about the cami. I have one that velcroes open in the front, with pockets inside for the bulbs. But even just the waist strap with velcro pockets is very helpful (I have that too). I think hospitals should provide something like this! Cost me $20, but wouldnt cost them that much and should be billable to insurance as necessary. It doesnt seem optional to me!

[begoneagain]

I really appreciate this video. If you want to splurge, also, there are some great post-op camisoles out there. After searching online, I bought a soft cotton, velcro closing one with inside pockets for the drains and for breast form(s). Very comfortable and loose shirts or hoodies fit well over it.

[datwins114]

Wow this is great info. I had a double Mastecomy on 2/16 and came home with 2 drains hanging. I was told to drain at 8 am, 2pm & 8 pm and keep a log of the total CC's. They will take the drains out once you read a total of 30 cc's or under. So now I had one drain removed because it was under 30 cc's and I still have one draining. What I do is tie a sting around my waist line and have the drain hang from there.

[monib19592]

Thank you sooo much for this !! I am waiting for my double Mastectomy surgery date and trying to find as many inside tips as i can. Bless you!

[TSmieja]

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing! My PBM is coming up soon - thanks for sharing video about the drains - very helpful!

[quotesnack]

Thank you for this. I have a pre-biopsy consult on Monday and am googling around looking for information that will help me take care of myself, if I need serious surgery. This sort of information is priceless to me. I don't feel like I'm walking into the unknown any more.

[shenzxkyx]

what a brave woman, I'm proud of you...

thank you so much for the information...

[bjpalmtitus]

Thank you SO much for taking the time to do this. I am facing a mastectomy soon, and had no idea about this part of the experience -- I know it'll be so much easier having been prepared. Bless you indeed.

[vicbils83]

Thank you for all the "real" info!  Very helpful, and you are wonderful for being willing to assist others!

[SirDootyDootin]

Thank you!

[dearjnb]

thanks, i might be having this soon.

[Blueracer]

My wife just had a mastectomy. So she's going thru this exact same thing.

[scorpiorat6]

Wow I wasn't allowed or cared to have a shower until after my tube came out in five days. I did have bird baths which my husband did for me every day.

My homecare nurse came and did the draining and cleaning of my wounds every day. I too had a single mastectomy. Mastectomies suck. They change us forever.

[tracy10UT]

It's women like you who make cancer people go through less trauma. No cancer organization in the world allows a woman to ask enough questions and therefore they receive shock after shock after shock. Even before the operation they have lost 10 years of their lives. I don't understand why they can't attach a ribbon to these things in the first place or make them flatter and more squarish so they better contour to the body when hanging. Seems they have progressed so very little in all ways.

[Heatherhb03]

Your video is wonderful. So helpful to women who have been through what you have. You are a very caring woman and I commend you on your time spent in supporting and comforting others with your words of experience. Thank you.

[fiddleflake]

I loved this! I'm two weeks post-mastectomy, and still have this crummy drain hanging out of my chest! My husband came up with the idea of wearing a little fanny pack to hold it, and that works, but I'm really getting tired of it!!!!!

[artbydevon7273]

Hi, I have Fibromyalgia and that is why I started watching your videos.You are an amazing woman.Being so honest and open has helped so many people.Letting women know what to expect when they have this problem makes it less scary. Thank-you and God Bless