Drainage Tube Questions

[vlcarr]

Good evening everyone,

I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal last Thursday. I have 2 drainage tubes and one has been under 30cc for 2 days in a row which means it can be removed. However, I have some swelling in my armpit (toward the front) and I have some purplish looking streaks on the scar where my breast was. I called the dr today and they said it's a little early for them to come out and said the swelling could indicate a blockage and to strip the tubes 3 or 4 times a day and call them back tomorrow. I'm not running a fever. The spot with the swelling is extremely tender (not that the rest isn't!).

I was hoping someone could tell me if they had this problem, what is was and the outcome.

I've been doing everything they told me to do to avoid lymphedema and I don't have any swelling in my arm or hand.

Thanks so much for any information you can provide!