Mastectomy

Hi Lindyloo. Isn't it a relief to get through chemo! I finished in early October, & had lumpectomy & axillary clearance at the end of the month. Surgery is much easier than chemo. 

How long the drains stay in usually depends on how much drainage there is. Most surgeons like it to get down to. 20-30ml in 24hours before removal, so you should have a referral to community nurses for management of that.

I didn't sleep too well in hospital, but other than that, not too many problems, although a little uncomfortable on the affected side.

I went & saw a lymphoedema physio before surgery, and again last week. She took some measuerements pre op, and repeated them last week, but said she would struggle to diagnose a confirmed case of lymphoedema before 12 weeks post op. 

Take care, hope all goes well, Lyn