Drain and bra?!

Hi, I had Lumpectomy and full lymph nodes excision at the beginning of March 2026.

I too had a drain fitted.

Before discharge the lovely breast care nurses fitted me with a very soft, front fastening sports bra.

The hospital had a stock of them.

I had to wear it all the time!

I didn't really notice the pipe from the drain although the drain entry place was uncomfortable.

My surgeon and team had put a lot of tape over and around the drain tube so it didn't move.

The only real issue I had was when I stood up I kept forgetting the drain plus going to bed and trying to sleep was so very uncomfortable.

I ended up having my drain taken out after ten days.

If you are having problems with your drain I would get in touch with your Breast Care Nurse.

Take care and be gentle with yourself - as my son told me when I started trying to do a bit of housework "you have just had major surgery - stop trying to take on the world as usual - sit down and chill so you heal quicker"!

Gentle hugs to you xx

Thank you so much for your reply!

I dont seem to have any tape around the drain entry, other than like a sticky pad.

The bra I've got is very soft and comfy, just not great near where the tube comes out of me and the bottom of the bra!

Ive had the same when standing up! The main device dropping to the floor! Especially when up for the toilet in the middle of the night!

District nurses are coming daily to check the site and been ok so far, other than her saying yesterday that the part to empty into the bag wasnt so efficient. She rang one of the BCN and they've said it sounds ok, but theyll speak with the doctor on Monday and get back to her with the best course of action.

I so appreciate your contact! Makes me feel like im not the only one struggling!! ️

Also, slightly different question- how long were you before you went out for a short walk? I love fresh air, but I dont want to do something and then feel worse and regret later! 

Thanks 

Ok - re walks - my son and I have 3 dogs which I usually walk 3 times a day before all this cancer curveball 

Sooo initially I just let them out on the garden and stood breathing in all the fresh air I could.

After 4 days I set about walking one dog individually about 100 yards -

At first it was just one session = 100 yes and after a few days it was a little walk after breakfast and then before tea time..

I built it up eg 150 yds, 200 yd and so on over the next week repeating each distance for 2 days and the 3rd day walking a bit further.

I live down a farm track so that was my initial target over time - to get from my cottage to the top of the track where it joins the lane 

After I got my drain out things got a bit easier

I use trees or telegraph poles on the lane as markers - again over 2 days I walk to the next marker and build up my strength bit by bit.

At this time - 24 days after my op - I am managing to walk past 2 telegraph poles and 3 bushes - then I turn round 

Tomorrow I will get to the 3rd telegraph pole.

This is 3 times a day now.

Don't force yourself but take things slow and steady - bit by bit - building up your strength and muscles.

Yes it is a long journey but remember you have had major surgery - don't expect to run a marathon straight away.

Good luck xxx

Thanks for this, such useful information!

Ive just read your other post re your results after surgery. I too had ILC removed- ++-.

I read that your having chemo. So far Ive been advised that radiotherapy and hormone treatment will be the course of treatment. I know this may change upon results of testing. Can I ask, if you dont mind, what was your tumor type? Ive asked my surgeon if the sentinel lymph nodes came back positive, would chemo be introduced. He said that lobular cancer and my type, doesnt respond well to chemo.  I just wonder what other surgeons/doctors take on this is and how treatment varies depending on where you are? 

Thanks

look for drain holding clothing, so many helpful things out there we dont know about

hi sorry for jumping in,i had micrometastasis in one lymph and had an onctotyoe and due to   that chemo was recommended, ER+ PR- Her2 - grade 2a