Australian comedian Judith Lucy has openly discussed her recovery following a double mastectomy, sharing graphic details of the process. The 58-year-old comedian underwent the surgery last month and recently posted on Instagram about the reality of her recovery.
Lucy shared an image of one of two surgical drain bags attached to her body after the operation, which are used to collect blood and fluid from the wounds. "Surgical drains? Who knew? There's nothing like watching your own blood, fluid and body tissue drain out of you into a plastic drain that you carry around in a natty little cloth bag," she wrote in her caption, describing herself as a "walking (stylish) science experiment." She added that one drain came loose while she was sleeping.
She also noted that a replacement drain resembled a "small, transparent wine bladder" now emerging from the side of her chest. "Bottoms up Australia!" she quipped.
Last week, Lucy shared an image of her chest after the mastectomy, revealing that no cancer was found in her lymph nodes. She called this news "like winning the cancer lottery." While acknowledging the strangeness of not having breasts, she expressed gratitude that the cancer was detected early.
Lucy stated that she will not be undergoing reconstruction surgery, anticipating a shorter recovery time. "It's incredibly weird. It's gonna be surreal when I wake up on Friday and my ladies are no longer with me. I love my ladies," she told ABC Melbourne radio, referencing a male comedian's jest that she had "Comedy's greatest breasts."
Last month, she shared a hospital photo from when she learned about the need for a mastectomy following her diagnosis and urged women to undergo regular mammograms.
