What was your PS/surgeons fluid limit to remove your drain(s)?

IrvineFriend · 01-17-2013, 04:35 PM

I'm now > 4 weeks post-mastectomy and still have a drain in. It was 30 cc's between yesterday and today. She won't remove it until it's < 25 cc. Onc won't start chemo until all drains are removed + 1 week to heal. I want to get my chemo going and it seems like I'm never going to be able to start. I'm not a big person, so it's not like I have a lot of tissue to drain from or anything.

Frustrated as I hate to think of this cancer being able to do it's thing w/o any treatment going on to stop it.

BTW, I accidently partially pulled a drain out awhile back from my other breast while dressing (stepping into PJ's) and yesterday she aspirated 120 cc after 5-days from that breast before doing a 60 cc fill so clearly I'm a heavy fluid producer. I call that breast my "water bed boob"! By appt time I can hear it "sloshing" when I walk!

linn65 · 01-17-2013, 07:46 PM

Wow, poor girl! Mine drains game out in 9 days, and I was so happy to get them out too! Anyway, I measured fluid AM and PM and it needed to be less then 25 cc's in a 24 hour period, golden tan in color and for two days. I have read some people have drains in for 2 to 3 months. I hope your water bed boob stops watering soon.

. Did you decide on TCH chem? I strated rads this week 4 done....

sassy · 01-17-2013, 08:54 PM

I think I have some kind of record for drains. I had them 8 weeks. But don't let that discourage you! I was strange with a lot of things!

How active are you with your arm(s)? I always wondered if I was a bit too active with my mast side arm, and maybe didn't get sufficient rest as contributing factors?

IrvineFriend · 01-17-2013, 09:30 PM

Hi Linn,

Yes, I'm doing TCH. In the end it was an easy decision at least for me. Keep me posted on your situation. At least my pain has eased and I'm hoping and praying for the same for you.

Rhonda,

I'm a record at least in my PS's office and I definitely do not want to break YOUR record! And I know I did too much initially. For some reason, the pain meds initially caused some weird OCD behavior and I started cleaning my house days after surgery. But it was only a day or two when I realized I was not being rationale and stopped and stayed in bed and ate the freezer full of prepared meals from family.

But I went back to work part-time in less than two weeks post surgery. Honestly, I really didn't do much at work other than go to meetings, catch up on email, deal with issues, and go home and crash after a few hours. I then ate dinner, napped for an hour, watched the idiot box and then went back to bed. But I don't know if those weird OCD couple days post-surgery set me back. I went back full time one day short of 3-weeks but honestly, a lot of my day is at doctor appts. and I sit behind a desk or sit in meetings. Physically I don't do much. My boyfriend carries my purse, opens doors, puts on my seatbelt, cleans my house, does my laundry etc. I do walk at least a mile a day but prior to my diagnosis was training for a 1/2 marathon. So it's not stressful. My doctors are encouraging me to get back to my hiking.

Since that OCD thing, I've been careful and mindful of everything. I even weigh my purse at work on industrial scales daily and it's always less than 3 lbs. I'm on the computer a lot which involves muscles but that's usually muscles in my forearm.

From searches it seems some of us just produce a lot of fluid. I also had extensive pain in the breast until a day ago which is also unusual.

I think we're all a unique story but I know I'll always find someone who shares some part of my story. And then collectively that's what a support forum is.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen.

Ellie F · 01-18-2013, 03:32 AM

Hi, my surgeon here in England took my drain out once it was less than 30ml. I did have a seroma for about two weeks which they drained and got about 25ml each time. After that it just stopped.
Ellie

jaykay · 01-18-2013, 05:14 AM

25 cc's or less each side for me, too. The snb breast took longer of course. My drains started falling out as well and when I could see the stitches I freaked out and the drains were removed. About 2 weeks for me.

I had to wait close to 4 weeks to start chemo (about 7 weeks after surgery) because my previously irradiated breast was a slow healer and Thanksgiving was around that time.

I know you are anxious to start and end, hang in there. Hated the drains, but a distant memory now.

You're very lucky to have your boyfriend!

Janis

linn65 · 01-18-2013, 07:09 AM

I read what I post sometimes, and I think oh my I should proof read. I have OCD and get in too big of a hurry when typing and pretty much everything else. I suppose I should learn to slow down.....Hmmm, could that happen at 47??? I read what people post and like on Facebook I wish I could hit "Like" because even though we can have different levels of fluid, different pains, different in relationships we all have an underlying common issue of BC.

Irvine I sure hope you get your drains OUT soon. The camesol I wore really helped with the two little pockets in front but I still really did not want to leave the house when they were on because I looked pregnant, and I just simply felt too self conscious. I do not look forward to those drains again in 6 months from now.

Man, I was naive about breast cancer 6 months ago, and I am absolutely amazed how long the process takes for the cure or whatever you want to call it. As my surgeon said this is not like the movies, and I will come out and say I got it all!!! Who knew???