FLYING after mastectomy

Rupali · 08-11-2006, 01:32 PM

Hi all,
First of all I will like to thank each one of you who has always stood with me and I have recieved answers on this board for any and every thing.

I come back now with another question.

I had my right breast mastectomy done in December 2004 and it was accompanied by sentinel node bipsy and they removed 24 nodes out of which 11 were positive. I went thru the regular treatment of chemo, rads and now I am in my second year of Herceptin.

During all this time I have been scared to go in an airplane because I just fear the Lymphedemea. When I mentioned to my surgeon, she said that you will be fine without a sleeve to go in an airplane. When I talked to the Physical Therapist she said the same thing. My arm movement is fine and I can swim and do all activities with my right hand.

We are planning a vacation to India which will be like a 8 hour flight to Europe and then another 8 hours flight to India.

I want to know if you all wear a sleeve when you fly and if there is anyone who has not worn a sleeve and also about your experiences.

Regards,
Rupali

Sheila · 08-11-2006, 01:52 PM

Rupali
I was told that to prevent lymphedema in my mastectomy arm I SHOULD wear a sleeve when flying....its a simple thing, I was measured at the local pharmacy and they ordered it and I use it....especially on long flights....I was also told to wear TED Hose to prevent blood clots on any flight or car ride over 4 hours. It makes sense to me if I can do something this simple to prevent something serious! I guess its up to the individual on risks you are willing to take.

Chelee · 08-11-2006, 03:22 PM

I was told the same thing...to always wear a sleeve if flying.

Chelee

KathyH · 08-11-2006, 03:28 PM

Hi Friend!

My husband surprised me with a trip to Paris for my 40th birthday/one year of treatment. I had had a double mastectomy and node dissection. I did not wear a sleeve and had no problems.

Love, Kathy H

Becky · 08-11-2006, 04:37 PM

Dear Rupali

I travel extensively for business and always wear a cuff (measured by a specialist). I recently also got a glove because I walk and jog alot and in the heat my pointer finger on my affected side can swell (it goes right back down but no chances anymore).

I am a firm believer in using the glove while flying (I had a girlfriend who got lymphedema this way). You should put the cuff on before the flight, wear it during the flight and wear it for as many hours after the flight that you were in the air (wear 5 hours after a 5 hr flight) but never go to sleep on the ground with it on. The lymphedema network website will give you the details.

Once you get full blown lymphedema, its for life so try to prevent it. I get a swollen finger and only had 10 nodes removed.

Kindest regards

Becky

Julie2 · 08-11-2006, 04:42 PM

Rupali,

I have been flying for my vaccine trial and office work now and then since my mastectomy. I have a sleeve but some times I forget to wear it while flying. Fortunatley no lymphdema so far.

Julie

madubois63 · 08-11-2006, 05:30 PM

Since my mastectomy, I have flown to Mexico (Pacific side/5 hours) twice without a sleeve or problem. I have since seen what a bad case of lymphodema looks like and won't take the chance ever again. My friend Liz and I both wore sleeves and gloves yesterday. We kept them on all day. We flew small unpressurized planes and it was tough on my lungs, but my arm looks fine. If your flying that long, I say why take a chance???? Wear the sleeve and you will have one less worry...Have a nice trip!!!

judiek · 08-11-2006, 04:47 PM

I was fitted for a flying sleeve after my surgery. I won't fly without one. When we went to maui 2 years ago (8 hr flight) I wore my sleeve and still had some swelling...it resolved after a day or so. Many do fly without but I would rather not take that chance...

Good luck with your decision

Judie