Joan, I am so happpy to hear that the tests so far have come back favorable. I would be happy to donate some time to make some bags and send them wherever you think I should. Let me know. Colleen

I am so happy for you that you don't have to do chemo or radiation!

I would be happy to make the bags also. I've been looking at different sewing for charity projects, and none have really popped out at me. Also, I was looking at the JoAnn ad, and realized there wasn't anything that I needed. So now I can go get the D rings. Is there a particular size?

Sounds like a good project for a sewing guild somewhere. You sound feisty...a very good sign to be sure! SO glad to hear you're able to dodge the chemo/radiation! It's always so much better to be home, too. Great to hear from you, Joan! Hang in there and keep us all posted.

Hi Joan,
Glad to hear that you are doing so well and that you don't have to have chemo or radiation.You sound wonderful,but don't overdo.

I also would like to help by making those thingy's you're speaking of.Just let us know,and show us a picture of what they are supposed to look like.

Tell Susan we said thanks for taking such good care of you.
Take care of yourself and stay in touch.
(((((((((((((joan & susan)))))))))))))))))))))
Kathi

Temom: The D-ring size would be to fit the ties. 3/4 -1".

Colleenny: Check with your local American Cancer Society first & ask how to get in touch with their Reach for Recovery volunteer.

Another thing in my gift pack was a heart shaped pillow about 6x6 to go under the arm pit. They had turbans & another style cap. Lots of agencies provide them. The ACS volunteer here expressed a need for the drain pouch bags & the heart shaped pillow.

This bag finishes at 6" tall x 8" wide. I plan to cut my back piece 7x9 & my front piece 7x11. I will pleat the bottom edge of the front down to 9" & run 9" of elastic in the top hem. Hem the back top edge.

As I sew the side seams, I will put a spacer of ribbon or fabric about 1 1/2" at the seams that will be the center front. Enclose the raw edges in the seams there. Fold 4" of ribbon or fabric tie piece in half with the D-rings enclosed. Sew it one the side seams of one bag.Then sew the bottom seam & that finishes it. Sew a long tie in the other side seam & then the bottom seam. Ties & spacer will go at the very top of the side seams.

Mine are 2 single bags & they resemble an apron for a doll, only the apron part is a little tote bag. Some single bags may be used but to my understanding most breast surgeries have an arm pit drain for the node area & a drain from the breast area. This double unit makes better sense than 2 separate ones. Mine are made from unbleached muslin.

I am thinking of doing sizes by length of ties,like 36, 46, 56. Too big could be cut off but I haven't thought of a way to add extensions except adding a buttonhole to the end of the tie & including extra lengths of the ties with a button attached to it. I hate to use excess ribbon on all of them just so they would be a one size fits all. The ACS volunteer here has an office in the hospital where she keeps her supplies. Once she sees a patient, she goes for what she needs & could determine if longer ties or extensions are needed. If I need to draw something out for better understanding I will.

Hope many of you consider this project. These drains stay in about 2 weeks & if the tubing gets caught on anything & you walk away.......OOUCH!!!!! If you are laying on it & move your arm, same story. Our vet's wife had her surgery 9 years ago & she said bathing was hard having to hold the drain bags & bathe & said she got her's hung on the vanity drawer pull or shut the drawer on her tubing more than once after she stood there awhile.

Joan, that is such good news, no kemo, my DIL Susan has been on the medication and now off, it's 5 years since her double M at age 32, she is doing great, and you will too, you have the same "Maker", and your sister needs prayers too for quick recovery,special blessings on your Susan Rene

"Bossy", huh? I got a good laugh out of that one. Must be the "oldest/only child syndrome" rearing it's ugly head again.

I'll take pictures of the existing drain holders and the one that she creates, and post them here. I understood from the reach to recovery worker that they had a template for the heart shaped pillow on the American Cancer Society Website.
Thanks again for the support from all of you.
Susan

Joan, I'm so glad to hear your good news! I hope you are back to normal very quickly!

Donna

Your recovery news is fantastic! I also am interested in making some of the drain bags. I'm always looking for a good use for my scraps & ribbon bin. I'll have to contact my local ACS.

Good luck on your continued recovery.

Sooooo good to hear from you!!!!!
Count me in on the drain/pouch holders....I have LOTS of scraps, and my SGS works for an oncologist...they will know who needs them!!!!!
Blessings to you and your nurse!
Jaybird

I don't know which end to start at!

I haven't been around this board much lately, so I was scrolling down looking for names I recognised, see how some 'old friends' were doing. I was so shocked to learn of your recent illness Joan. And so relieved to hear that things are now going so well.

I've been struggling a bit with my own stuff for the last few months, nothing serious, just stuff. But it all pales by comparison.

My very best wishes for a continued good recovery to you Joan. And to your family and carers - important people! Susan, you sound like you have coped with your usual good humour.

Love,
AJ

So tell us Joan,how are you doing???? Hope you're getting better with each passing day.Susan i hope you're doing well also.Let us hear from you gals about how you're feeling these days.
Take care
Kathi

Kathi and AJ,
She's doing pretty good. Wednesday she went to our annual church feast. She played around with her "fake Boobie" until she had it looking just like the other one. Many people commented on how good she looks. I think that she still gets tired easy. She drove for the first time yesterday. Lowe's had a ceiling fan on sale that she wanted. Monday the 13th she "took over" on an embroidery project I had started, I am on call this week and I had to take a crisis call. I think that was her first "sewing" since the surgery.
Y'all take care,
Susan

Thanks Susan,for the update.
Glad she's getting back to her old self,and hope she continues down that path.Give her my best wishes.
Kathi