Drain, Drain, go away . . .

Go the drugs! Don't forget the laxatives if you are taking panadiene.Yep,denial will work for awhile.Take care,hope you get a better sleep.

                                    Tonya xx

Trish & Tonya,

Evening Ladies!  Sounds like you are in the same neck of the woods.  Trish, I had a lot of hot/cold flushes after my op, and am still having them since the chemo started.  Weird huh?  I also had a flu shot between surgury and start of chemo.   I dont think it's menopause or anything, Im only 47 though I have had a hysterectomy for cervical cancer back in 2001.  I know what you mean about the tight feeling, almost feels like theres a big piece of string running up my arm, but it's too short.  I had a lumpectomy & a tumour on my sentinal node, so all 33 nodes removed.  Geez Tonya, been through this once before, bet it doesnt make it any easier though.    Heard back from the Doc and I've been too slack with my pain relief, trying not take it all the time etc etc, so from now till it's gone I am taking it by the clock and to hell with it.  Thanks for all the chats ladies, I actually feel a lot calmer tonight, my current drain stragegy is to pretend it isnt there.

Hi Trish and Monkeygirl

I had my drains in for about 14 days after surgery. But I also needed to have the fluid syringed after that twice. I was told by my surgeon that the more you syringe the fluid, the quicker it will build up again.

So, having the drains in should lessen the fluid build up over time.

Good luck with your drains, and keep blogging here. We are all here for you both.

Love Julie XX

Hi Trish and Monkeygirl

I had my drains in for about 14 days after surgery. But I also needed to have the fluid syringed after that twice. I was told by my surgeon that the more you syringe the fluid, the quicker it will build up again.

So, having the drains in should lessen the fluid build up over time.

Good luck with your drains, and keep blogging here. We are all here for you both.

Love Julie XX

Everything you describe about underarm pains/tightness  etc sounds normal Trish.You might even get the sensation that there is a football under your arm. Did you have a full aux node clearance or just sentinal nodes?and did you have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy?I'm in Kellyville,not far from Dural.I'm so glad you have family here that you can stay with. However,it must be hard being away from your home and friends.This is a great site to come to and get support/information or to just vent. I'm 2 years on now from my second bout of breast cancer.The first was a lumpectomy in 2003 and then a mastectomy in 2010. I'm on Tamoxifen now and,touch wood,doing ok. With either operation you'll find you feel much better around the 3-4 week mark.I was driving and back at work at that point.Hope your recovery goes smoothly and contact me any time.

                                                           Tonya xx

Thanks Tonya and Jenny

Mine is in the spot you describe right up into my left axilla - sorest  where the drain enters through the skin and the stitch. Not up in armpit.Feels a bit itchy now too. I get a few other random stabby pains too . I haven't taken any Endone today just Panadol. It all feels tight all over though.

We have family in Sydney , first week we stayed Dural way, this last week Penrith area . I'll come down for chemo at this stage to have chemo at Penrith, have yet to get chemo appointment.

I am feeling a few chill like sensations today but don't feel like I have a fever , then I had flu vax Friday morning -so it could be that. I have an antibiotic ready to take if it gets worse.

I will ask him tomorrow , at least the drain is still around 60mls today not up near 80-100mls it normally is.

I appreciate knowing because better knowledge keeps me calmer.

Trish

That's where my drain was too-kinda under the arm.So it's in the right spot,don't worry.Yes Trish,you poor thing having to travel all that way.I would think they'd take your drain out sooner than later.If you have a breast care nurse where you live then they can syringe the fluid if it builds up. Whereabouts in Sydney are you staying?Fun chatting to you both.

                                        Tonya xx

Geez that must be tough Trish.  Where do you stay while in Sydney?  Hopefully you have family or friends.  I'm lucky in that I live in Brisbane, so everything is pretty close.  I travel to the other side of Brissy for my chemo but it's still only a 45 minute trip tops even in the traffic.  I really feel for women from country areas that have to stay away from home.  My scar is quite numb also, but my drain doesnt come from there.  It's situated a couple of inches behind it, kind of boob height under my armpit, a little to the back.  Do your drains come from your incisions?

Sounds like your drain has become some alien force  with a life of it's own! Tell the doc you are starting to hallucinate about aliens invading your chest  and bit worried about your mental state! Mind you,panadiene forte can do that! I have crazy dreams about creatures if I take that.Good luck with your phone call.

                       Tonya xx