FLYING after mastectomy

Peggy · 08-12-2006, 06:46 PM

I had my mastectomy in November and flew to London and Paris over Christmas. I had planned to get and wear a sleeve, but we live in a small town and I forgot so traveled without it. I had no swelling or problems with 8 hour flight...however, when we go to Japan this fall, I plan to wear one. It is one thing I can do that might make a positive difference...and my insurance will pay for it with a prescription from the doctor.

Peggy

koolbreeze · 08-13-2006, 04:32 AM

Oh my gosh, I am so glad I read this post. I am getting ready to fly to Puerto Rico in Sept. (going on a celebratory cruise for having gotten through all treatements etc.). I never even thought about the implications of flying after having my mastectomy and lymph nodes removed.

I had a left mastectomy and 9 lymph nodes removed in April of last year. In Jan this year I had my right mastectomy but no lymph nodes beyond the sentinal node. Do you think I will need a sleeve for both arms or only the one? I have not had any lymphedema problems to this point.

I am going to call my breast surgeon Monday and talk about this for sure. Thanks for posting about this. Hugs to all Kool

RobinP · 08-13-2006, 01:41 PM

I was never informed by my surgeon either to wear a cuff for flying. However, I believe that an ounze of prevention goes a long way, wether your doctor suggests it or not. So I would wear the cuff.

Lani · 08-13-2006, 02:24 PM

you obviously don't fly Southwest Air!

koolbreeze · 08-14-2006, 07:05 PM

I called both my docs today to check on their opinion on a sleeve. My onc doc's nurse said only the left arm where I had lymph nodes removed. My breast surgeon asked me to call a lymphedema treatment physical therapist. They recommended that I wear a sleeve on both arms since I have had a mastectomy in both even though only lymph nodes on the left side.

I checked into it and my insurance will cover at 100% so I am definitely going to get a sleeve for both arms and use them. I want to prevent the lymphedema even though there is a chance I would not have a problem without them.

Thanks again for posting on this topic. It helped me out. Kool