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How Long Did You Have Your Drains in After Mastectomy?

Posted by marybe @marybe, Feb 3, 2019

I had a left side mastectomy with all lymph nodes removed on Wednesday January 23rd. I don’t get my drains removed until Friday February 8th. Honestly the mastectomy was a breeze but the drains are so annoying! They stick out of my side at a weird angle and are still very tender although not infected at all. I just think it’s a long time to have them. What is your experience? 18 days seems a little much

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Feb 10, 2019
In reply to @marybe "Update-the reason my drain sites were so painful was that I had a massive infection, which..." + (show)
@marybe

Update-the reason my drain sites were so painful was that I had a massive infection, which my surgeon DID NOT notice. By Friday morning I was lethargic and basically unresponsive, my husband called the ambulance and they took me to Strong Memorial U of R Wilmot Cancer Center where three days of strong IV antibiotics brought me around. I have fallen through the cracks at Roswell Park Cancer Institute too many times and I will be doing my remaining cancer care with Wilmot

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So glad they figured it out - feel better soon.

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cathyhand | @cathyhand | Feb 12, 2019

I had a total of 6 drains. The last two did not come put for 6 weeks and then I had to have fluid drained off several times

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1 reply
marybe | @marybe | Feb 14, 2019
In reply to @cathyhand "I had a total of 6 drains. The last two did not come put for 6..." + (show)
@cathyhand

I had a total of 6 drains. The last two did not come put for 6 weeks and then I had to have fluid drained off several times

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They had to drain mine at my new oncologist. They might have to put them back in. Noooo!

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1 reply
polianad22 | @polianad22 | Nov 20, 2022
In reply to @marybe "They had to drain mine at my new oncologist. They might have to put them back..." + (show)
@marybe

They had to drain mine at my new oncologist. They might have to put them back in. Noooo!

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How are you @marybe ?

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drummergirl | @drummergirl | Nov 21, 2022

Mine were out in about 10 days and I think it was too soon. They look for the fluids to decrease to a certain amount per day before they are removed. I had to have the area aspirated several times and then had to have the drain put back in for another 10 days or so to close a seroma. I have had mild lymphedema that massage has corrected. I am 73 and I believe age can be a factor as well as HBP and probably other health issues.

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colely | @colely | Nov 22, 2022

I had mine in 23 days. Masectomy with 4 sentinal lymph nodes. My surgical nurse said that everyone is different, and there was no explanation.

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zeerj | @zeerj | Nov 22, 2022

I had mine for about 3wks.

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