Fluid still draining

My Mom had a double mastectomy on May 9 with lymph nodes removed on left side, she has healed wonderfully on the outside, she continually has to be drained with a needle on the right side 3 times a week.  He never considered putting the drains back in for risk of infection.  She is still putting out approx. 90-100 cc in 2 days.  The surgeon said this is not uncommon, but my Mom is getting so tired of this inconvenience.  They want her to begin her further treatment at this point, she will start chemo this week, but she will prob. still require draining !!   Anyone else like this, they say it will dry up eventually, how much longer ?????  


This discussion is related to Post Mastectomy Drainage Prblems.

[japdip]

There is no answer to that question ... "when will it stop" Actually it will stop when the tissues "stick" and leave no space for the fluid to accumulate. I and my Surgeon as well have a different opinion on draining. We both feel that the more times you insert a needle the better the opportunity for infection. I'm all for replacing the drain which is done in the OR under very sterile conditions and that way the fluid is drained constantly and the chances of the tissue "sticking" is much more likely. Of course we all have our own opinions and that's all they are ..... "opinions".
The post-op drainage itself is not unusual but not since May. I see no reason though to defer treatment but complete healing should be obtained before Radiation; Chemo is OK.  Regards ...