@srobinet - short answer - I was able to handle the drains myself. I had bilateral mastectomy about 4 years ago (69 YO) it was during the winter so I wore long sleeve flannel shirts that had pockets and I'd put the drains in the pockets when home - I also wore jackets that had inside pockets and kept the drains in the inside pockets. The first couple days after surgery were a slight challenge because you're sore - but I never asked my spouse for any support with the drains - not because he wouldn't do it - but I needed to feel as if I was in control. Wellgirl's description of the process is about what my process was like tool.

Before surgery I made myself a mastectomy pillow - which was extremely helpful coming home from the hospital, riding in the car and while trying to sleep. If you don't have one make sure to have pillows for cushion. I made sure to have that pillow in the car for the ride home from the hospital. I remember it took no time at all to make the pillow. I just recently repurposed the pillow as a highchair cushion for my 6 mo grandchild - my pillow is in real pretty bright flowers - he's 6 mo old and won't know the difference. I'd been holding onto it - not sure why - but I'm glad I've found a new use for it.

Best of luck to you. Please keep us update to date on your progress.