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Drains Out!

Two weeks post mastectomy with drain totals around 25-30mL and my drains came out! For those of you going through this- take your pain meds before you go. I had planned on taking mine 30 minutes prior to removal. I put it in my pocket and took my water on the car ride so I wouldn’t forget. Unfortunately because of my OTHER medical issue (my memory) I realized after the removal that the reason it hurt so much to remove the drains was because I forgot to take the pill. Whoops! 

So yes. If this is something you are going through, take the pain medication. Make sure you give it time to work. My nurse told me to breath in on 3 and then out on 3 and then she pulled the drain. I could literally feel the drain (which was stitched to my side) under my pectoral muscle. As it was pulled out I could feel it unwinding in my CHEST. *shudder* 

The anticipation is the worst and yes it’s as bad as you think it will be. My stitches came out today as well and that was nothing. Nothing at all. Please also make sure you eat before. I got very very dizzy after the second drain and nearly passed out because (I think ) I hadn’t eaten all day. Why hadn’t I eaten? I don’t know. I forgot? I dunno. 

Today I feel it’s my duty to tell anyone going through this the truth. It’s bad. BAAADDD. 

I am still on restricted movements and unable to lift, pull or push anything. Which stinks but they said my chest looks really really good and it’s very possible that they start adding volume to my expanders next week.
 
This photo is two weeks post op. I debated about posting photos. But if you’re going through this I want you to understand what the process actually is. I FEEL as if this is super deformed. But this looks way better than any other surgeons I’ve seen. And his outcomes are amazing. He being Dr. Michael Beckenstein. So here’s to drains being gone.




If you’re going through this-

You’re a gorgeous, smart, strong woman. And what you’re dealing with right now is showing your kid/s that we LITERALLY can do anything. This is HARD. Physically, it’s hard. Forget adding in the mental side of seeing your body “hacked up” as well as the emotional side of seeing your “femininity “ taken away. The fact that we’re dealing with that- that YOU are dealing with that- and still alive- still raising your child/ren-still doing the things- I mean- 

WOW. That is crazy strong. Like INSANE strong. You’re not just being physically strong. You are dealing with something that affects every facet of your being as a woman, a MOM, a person...

I personally don’t look at my body anymore when I shower or change. If my husband didn’t use the mirror I would cover the mirrors. 

So we all have things. You’ve got this, babe. You can do this. It is a journey. And you’re on your way.


#nodrainjane #stitchesgonetoo #tubesinmychest #nearlypassedout #ineedacookie #maybesleepwillbebetter


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