Drain Dollies -THE Mastectomy Must Have

Prior to my mastectomy operation I did a huge amount of research, in particular I was keen to understand exactly what happens after the op. I knew that I would definitely be having at least one drain inserted but I wasn't sure how I'd manage with something so strange attached to mt for over a week.

I'd seen so many women posting in forums about their drain struggles, having to pin them to their bras and their clothes and it seemed like so much hassle.

Luckily enough for me, I came across the Drain Dollies website.

Drain Dollies was set up by a lovely lady called Charley who went through a preventative double mastectomy back in July 2015 after she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene. It was when she was searching for something to assist with her drains that Drain Dollies was born and her first drain bags were made.

Fast forward a few years and Charley has now set up her own online store selling drain bags in lots of gorgeous quality fabrics and fantastic prints.

Just before my surgery I reached out to Charley and she sent me a gorgeous grey Drain Dollies bag to review post op. It was my saviour. I honestly couldn't have gotten through my post surgery journey without this amazing little polka dot Drain Dollies bag and that's why it was included as a must have on my Things To Pack In Your Mastectomy Hospital Bag post.

So how does it work, well I think the worst thing about having a drain in is that it could potentially restrict you. Just because I had drains,I didn't want to have to hide myself away from the world!

In hospital a few hours after my op

I started wearing mine as soon as I came around after the operation. Once I'd been assigned my bed the first thing I did was get changed out of the hospital gown and in to my PJs and popped on my Drain Dollies bag.

I just had a single mastectomy so I wore mine like a cross-body bag but if I'd had a double mastectomy I would have just worn a bag on each shoulder.

The great thing about Drain Dollies is that you can adjust the strap length. It's virtually impossible to lift your arms after your operation so these are perfect.

When I headed to the support group at the hospital the next morning all of the ladies were so jealous of my gorgeous bag.

Wearing the drain bag meant I didn't have to consciously think about my drain all the time. I could just get up and move around without getting caught on anything.

The best thing for me was that my drain was completely hidden away so I wasn't going to scare the children with it because I had it safely tucked away - no one wants a big bag of bloody fluid on display! It's great that you can just trow them in the washing machine too, I was really conscious of keeping everything clean so I knew I could pop this in the washing machine at any time.

I had my drain in for over a week and I honestly don't know how I would have coped with the Drain Dollies bag. Thank you Charley for making my post op experience a hell of a lot easier.

There are so many different fabrics to choose from, headover to the Drain Dollies shop now to pick your own.

If you're about to embark on a mastectomy then I wish you all the luck in the world.

Take care x


Disclosure: I received a free Darin Dollies bag to allow me to post this review.

What To Pack In Your Mastectomy Hospital Bag

Now that my surgery is over thought it might help for me to share the things that I needed during my stay in hospital.

Try to remember that after your operation your arm movement will be really restricted and you'll have drains in place. Here are my top takes:

For the Hospital

Slippers - make sure these are non slip. The last thing you need is a fall when you've just come round from anaesthetic.

Dressing Gown - in the UK you are usually asked to wear your dressing gown to walk to theatre before your operation.

Underwear - an obvious one I guess but if you are having DIEP flap surgery then big Bridget Jones knickers that go over your tummy scar are best.

Front Fastening Post Surgery Bra - It is virtually impossible to wear a backwards fastening bra after surgery because of your restricted arm movement. In the UK your breast cancer nurse will provide you with one front fastening bra the day after your surgery. I've found this the most comfortable post surgery bra I have and I sleep in it every night at the moment as it supports the weight of my expander.

Button Up Pyjamas - as soon as I woke up in my hospital gown I wanted to get changed. There was blood on my surgical gown and I needed it off. I waited for help, but again, ensure its front fastening and button up so you can get in and out of them yourself. I bought a pair a size up as I knew that I would be swollen and carrying my drain around. Elasticated waist is a must too so that you can pull your pants up and down easier.

Drain Pouch Bag - Literally THE best thing I had in my bag. I've heard so many stories of women having to pin their drain bags to their tops, their bras etc but I researched and got myself a Drain Dollies bag. I just had a single mastectomy so I only needed one but if your having a bilateral mastectomy then get two - one for each side.

Mastectomy Pillow - When I came round after my op I was quite uncomfortable under my arm - possible due to having the sentinel node biopsy. Luckily I had ordered a FREE mastectomy pillow from Jen's Friends. Again I only needed one but if your having a double mastectomy then get two.

Snacks - If you've read my Mastectomy Day Diary then you'll know that I had to wait for ages to be fed after my operation. Pack some healthy snacks in your bag so if you're feeling peckish outside of hospital meal times you don't have to wait on someone else. Make sure they're individually wrapped if you can - for hygiene.

Straws - lifting a cup to your mouth is hard so straws are a must. The hospital will probably have some but I packed some in case.

Medication - always take any regular medications with you and hand them to your medical team so they can ensure you are taking everything you need to whilst you are in their care.

Toiletries - again seems like an obvious one but the things you are most likely to forget! Toothbrush, toothpaste and wash things. I took face wipes so I could freshen up through the day.

Make Up - Some of you might thing this is daft but I wanted to feel more like myself for visitors and for the journey home.

Mobile Phone & Charger - I took my own portable charger in case there were no sockets available. I hate being out of contact with my family so my phone was a must.

For Heading Home

Front Fastening shirt - again this is for ease - to assist with your drains and with your arm movement. It's impossible to pop anything over your head because you cant lift your arms. Again I bought oversized because of swelling,

Elastic-Waisted Pants or Leggings - do not make the mistake of taking button up jeans. It's impossible to do up the buttons and pull up the zip! Elastic pants are easy to get into and out of and wont have you splitting your stitches.

Slip-on Shoes - avoid laces and anything that needs effort to pull on. Bending is hard and sore so the easier to put on the shoe, the better.

Pillow - I took a normal bed pillow to put over my front and fastened the seat belt over that to protect myself. I could feel every single bump in the road as we drove back.

When You're Home

Pillows, pillows, pillows - I had to sleep upright for two weeks post surgery and for some people its longer. It can be really difficult to get comfy. Thankfully my painkillers knocked me out most nights. What pillows are best is really down to you. Some people prefer v-shaped pillows to prop them up. I personally used two really firm memory foam pillows vertically behind my regular two duck feather bed pillows.

Prepared Meals in the Freezer - you must remember to eat to stay strong. Having some meals already stocked up is a winner as you won't be able to lift and cook as usual.

Medication - I kept all my meds close to me in a toiletry bag next to my bed. It's worth remembering that you are unlikely to be able to open anything with a child proof cap so try and transfer anything in to an easy access container.