DCIS, DMX reconstruction new diagnosis

Hi Adelaide2025

I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS November last year. I had DMX and immediate implant recon.  I had two drains - they weren't painful but just annoying with a bag for each of them.  I was in hospital for 9 days and had my drains in for 15 days. I found the drains incredibly annoying. Each drain had a bag and I pretty much kept them in the bags to save hassle. I was given quite a few spare drain bags to take home and at the end of each day I would record the input, throw the bag out and attach a new one.  I was anxious about having the drains removed but it wasn't as bad as I was anticipating. They had me take a deep breath and then slowly let it out - as I was breathing out they carefully pulled it out. It was uncomfortable but not painful.  I was advised not to panic if I accidentally pulled the drains out so with that in mind I wasn't anxious about it at all. 

I recommend a soft cushion to protect your breasts against the seat belt for the drive home; I would imagine you would need one for your tummy too. My bc nurse recommended a spew bag for the trip home - I was thankful she gave me one becuase it was put to good use. 

I lived in button up tops. I was advised to buy 2 surgical bras - one a higher compression than the other. From memory I had to wear them for a few months.  I lived in yoga pants as they were easy to pull on and off. 

I had tote that I kept beside me on the hospital bed with lip balm, hand cream, my phone, a pen and notebook (I wrote down questions when I thought of them because I knew I'd forget to ask when the surgeon came on his rounds). 

All the best for your surgery and recovery; it's a lot to deal with that's for sure.