Seeking Advice After Mastectomy: Pain, Bruising, and Drainage Concerns

Did you contact the breast surgeon? Some folks definitely still have drains in at this point. The bruising can be pretty significant. Call the office and tell them you would like it checked, maybe send them a photo on patient portal. Any fever?

I had double mastectomy 6 months ago and my right drain where the cancer was removed after 6 weeks as it just kept draining. I didn't have any pain but had some bruising. Just call MD office they might have to see you just to make sure.

I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using my love handles for tissue on 3/5/25 and as of today I am still suffering terribly. I had 4 drains to start, but now down to one on my rt side at the start of the incision that crosses my entire back. It is still draining over 100 ml a day. I spoke with the Dr today and had to send pictures. I am to leave it there until it is below 30 ml on a day. I have never felt so much pain or been so sick. I spent a week in the ICU after the surgery due to blood loss and they were unable to get my blood pressure above 70/30. If I had it to do over I would not have taken such a drastic move but I was told they could get all the cancer and I would not need treatment. Only to be told 3 days later my pathology had come back that it was Metastatic Breast Cancer. I had MRIs, a Pet Scan and a CT scan before the surgery and no cancer showed anywhere. But when they took my sentinel node under my left arm it was positive with tentacles reaching out beyond it. Now I'm right back where I started only in tons of pain and too weak to care for myself. Any suggestions?? I cant bear the thought of starting radiation.

Hi thankfully no nausea or vomiting. Not sure about a fever since I've been alternating Tylenol and motrin. I did visit the ER for pain medication and it was checked/ rebandaged a week and a half ago. I saw the surgeon a week ago and due to drain numbers still being high, she advised to keep the tube in longer. I think it's nerve pain so was prescribed gabapentin.

Joy, Drains are the worst. The worst. I had prophylactic double mastectomy with tissue expanders, and while in surgery had sentinel node biopsy which revealed stage two. With what sounds like DEIP flap surgery I can’t imagine how uncomfortable you are right now. The pain for the 1st two weeks is a tough go, and absolutely sucks. Rounding week 3 or 4 you should start feeing improvement, but there will still be pain. Talk to your surgeon on how to get ahead of the pain, and what you can do to help stay on your medication schedule. I also want to share that your surgeon is not your oncologist, and your oncologist is not your radiation specialist. You will need to meet with these individually to formulate your best treatment plan. While your body recuperates start researching (and recruit friends/family/social worker to assist) whatever nexts steps in your treatment will be. It’s all very scary, but you can do this. Rest, heal and then tackle what’s next. Wishing you health.

Today 3/29 my incision on my back started to bleed. It has spread apart almost an inch from the original incision line. I'm putting betadine on it like I was told to do but that doesn't seem to help. I sent pictures to the dr that did the surgery since I went to another state to have this done. I'm kind of just hanging out here a long way from the doctor. I haven't the slightest idea what to do. I can't even think about dealing with the cancer because I'm not sure I'm going to live though this!!

L A I cant even think about considering treatment. I would rather ride it out and hope once I get past the surgery I will have a year or two that I feel okay before I get too sick. I'm a nurse and I've seen both sides of cancer and I won't go through it. Not for a little bit more time on this earth. My faith is stronge enough to set it aside and enjoy what time is here while looking forward to what comes next.

I had double mastectomy done on March 03, I just had the tubes removed on March 27. I use CBD oil drops, you place them under your tongue. My husband read into them it helps with nerve main, this helped me so much. Hope this helps you

I had a double mastectomy and had 4 drains for over 4 weeks. Mine got sore but not bruising. I’d call your doctor.

Recovery after mastectomy takes time, and it sounds like you're managing through some challenging symptoms right now. Many people find it helpful to stay in close contact with their surgical team about drainage amounts, pain levels, and any concerning changes, as they can provide the most personalized guidance for your specific situation.