Advice if okay for plane ride

My daughter had her right breast operated on last Nov. 6, 2008 and then totally removed on Nov. 10. Should she push through going to Phoenix, Arizona from the Philippines on Nov. 24? Her daughter who expects to deliver her first baby 3rd week of December in Arizona already brought her mom a ticket scheduled to fly Nov. 24. -nesromero

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear nesromero, This would be a good question for her to discuss with her surgeon who would have a better idea of how she is healing from surgery, and if there are any specific precautions related to her personal situation.  One of the concerns with air travel after surgery and lymph node dissection is risk of lymphedema.   Pressure changes when flying could trigger the swelling of lymphedema.  

Some advice if she does decide to make the trip:  

She may want to wear a properly fitted compression garment.  The reason for the use of compression is related to changes in cabin pressure that are experienced during a flight. This is caused by the reduced pressure within the cabin of the plane, which may give rise to increased swelling in the affected limb.

Stay hydrated.  Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages that have a diuretic effect and tend to increase dehydration.

Move around.  If you can’t get up and move use a series of exercises that can be performed while seated. In addition to increasing the risk of increased swelling, moving your legs reduces the risk of developing a blood clot in the legs.

Pack lightly so she doesn’t have to lift a heavy suitcase.