One of the most uncomfortable and worst parts of the mastectomy recovery is the drains. I heard this heading into it and now that I have them will confirm that these drains do suck. They are these bulbs that collect fluid after the surgery that are sutured in your side. They do limit you so that keeps you in check but they’re gross and annoying. I have 4 in, hoping to be down to 2 today following a doctor’s appointment.
One of the best post-surgical supplies I got are shirts with pockets on the inside for the drains. Otherwise the drains which are pinned to a surgical bra just hang down and are even more annoying. The pockets are wonderful.
Since you have to have fun even during or I should say especially during difficult times, Chris and I cracked up discussing what I “could do” with these shirts after my drains are out.
They would be great for the movies. You can pack some popcorn, candy, soda etc. Can you imagine sitting down in your seat and pulling all kinds of food out of your pockets at a theater?
Next up is alcohol. Sneak a flask or bottle into any sort of function. You have your own BYOB shirt!
You no longer need a pocketbook. I can put my wallet, keys and phone in here. Hell it can even function as a diaper bag: toss in a packet of wipes, a few diapers and fold up a disposable chuck and you’re all set without a bag.
I could be a traveling makeup artist. You can fit brushes, foundation, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner and lipstick will all fit in the pockets. Or I can become a sketch artist or painter. Get a small sketchbook and throw some pencils in the pockets or some pastels.
The shirts could even be used for some sports. You can put some golf balls and ball markers and tees in there. You can hold your extra tennis balls in there during a match.
Never mind how bulky or ridiculous you would look, the possibilities are endless….
You gotta laugh or you won’t get through all this shit. And I had quite a laugh thinking of all I could do with the post mastectomy shirts once my drains are out!
#bilateralmastectomy #breastreconstruction #surgicaldrains #surgeryrecovery #triplenegativebreastcancer #onetoughmother
