I'm writing this for my Mom. She had a lumpectomy and chemo and radiation and herceptin about one year ago. Just three weeks ago she had a double mastectomy. . She had two drains put in. Within about one week, they removed both drains. The side that had the radiation (right side) will not stop draining. Her surgeon drained that side with a needle last week and she goes back tomorrow for probably another drainage as the fluid has built up again and is very painful. Makes sense as to what you are saying that the draining won't stop until the area is kept dry. The surgeon told my Mom that only once in 6 years has she had to put a drain back in. I think my Mom is trying to avoid having the drain put back in as it was very painful for her and she's worried about risk of infection. I guess my question for you is-do you see this as a common problem (draining problems post mastecomy and radiation) and how long do you think before it goes away? My Mom has already gone through so much, lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, Herceptin, followed by double mastecomy and is so ready to move on with her life, now this drainage thing is really bringing her down. Thanks for your help!!