Hi - jumping in here and replying to a couple of topics. I had a bilateral mastectomy back in Sept. 2019 with lobular in right breast, and ductal and lobular in the other. I had hoped to start the reconstructive process during that surgery but since I had most of my lymph nodes removed, reconstruction was delayed with the expectation of chemo & radiation. I developed a "dog ear" or "dog tag" - it looks like a mole or pimple in my case. It was at the very start of the incision on my back and was explained to me that it was not unusual and it was as a result of the start of an incision healing itself - back fat, muscle softness, etc really were not the causes. Yes drains are a hassle. You can find shirts on Amazon with pouches but I found a ribbon with 2 safety pins worked great and I could take showers. I ended up never doing radiation (and no chemo at that time) because my cancer was found in my skin so I was bumped to Metastatic - so glad I didn't cut my hair short, etc. I worked very hard to regain complete arm movement and strength, and to keep lymphoedema at bay with swimming (I hate), starting yoga and lifting weights. My surgeon was very adamant about the swimming as it works the muscles while the water provides gentle compression. I also bought compression sleeves which I still use, especially when flying. As for bras, I tried a few mastectomy bras with a proper insert. Personally couldn't stand them as I am very athletic. I ended with some great Hanes bras and various athletic bras that I took out their padded inserts, and slipping in a silicon or gel insert that normal flat chested gals use - loved them because they would worn up to my body temp and different shift. When I started my reconstruction in Dec 2020, I was told that they could take care of the "dog Ear". In fact they did, but I developed another dog tag on the other side after that surgery which we didn't deal because we rushed in May 2021 to finish the process as my cancer returned. Fast forward to now, I am very happy to have done my reconstruction even with my "reminder". We didn't make nipples - might get them tattooed. Kinda fun that I don't need to wear a bra. Most important - major kudos to those warrior gals who handled their breast cancer in the many years before now. Identification, treatments, surgery, clothing, health etc has advanced so far because of you and your loved ones advocating for everything to be better. Just Keep Moving everyone every single day!!