Flying and compression bandages

[darcytwin]

My husband and I will be flying to Hawaii soon.  I had a mastectomy done in Sept. and have just finished up with chemo...no radiation is needed...

I have heard yes AND no's on this subject...What do you all think?

Should I wear a compression bandage on the flight?  The flight is about 6 hours long.....

[lhughes]

If you had lymph nodes removed, definitely yes.  The compression bandage is for those who might develop or have developed lymphedema due to the removal of lymph nodes.

If you want to wear one, I don't think it would hurt you.  If you don't have lymph nodes, you should wear one.

Lisa

[japdip]

If you had even one lymph node removed you definitely should wear a compression sleeve during and for a short time after your flight. There are also some simple exercises to do during the flight. You might ck. out the Lymphedema website as I'm sure they are described there. Please don't take a chance ... once you do acquire Lymphedema it's a life long problem.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You need to talk to your breast specialist in detail about this and also ask him/her to even refer you to a physical therapist who would advise you on certain exercises to be done to avoid lymphedema.

But you first need to know whether you had  lymph node removal at the time of surgery or not.

Let us know if you have any doubts.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[lhughes]

Yep, lymphedema is a pain in the.....arm, armpit, chest area, forearm, hand, shoulder....


.....just a pain you don't want to have come visit and then stay awhile.  Although reading the literature, to avoid lymphedema is to avoid most anything.  So, I guess that'd be why I continually fight lymphedema, I don't avoid anything.  It'd be hard to avoid lymphedema with a farm, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 kids, etc.  :)  Might as well put me in a bubble.

[darcytwin]

i had one sentinal node removed and 10 others...the sentinal was positive with cancer....none of the others were.....

okay..i go see my surgeon next week for the port removal!!!!  I am
SO happy about that!!!  

I will ask him..

thanks gang..oh and a-lo-ha!

[lhughes]

Talk to your surgeon about getting to a physical therapist for a sleeve and gauntlet.  He has to send in a prescription for one for the insurance.  You'll want one for flying, exercising, etc. You can also order them online without a prescription, once you know your size (I'd have someone do it professionally the first time, and if you want to just pay out of pocket for a second, you can use that info to get another one...I use BandagesPlus.com).

Your insurance should pay for at least 2 a year (mine will pay for up to 6).  They'll last anywhere from 4-6 months depending on use.  Wash on gentle cycle with your delicates or in the sink with some .... oh brain cramp.... the gentle cycle wash stuff.....  sheesh, I can see the bottle, but don't know it's name.

Enjoy your trip....I'm still jealous.  :)

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Talk to your breast specialist about this. You have developed post surgery lymphedema most probably.

Your doctor will refer you to a physical therapist to help you learn some manual drainage techniques and some breast exercises. You would also be advised compression bandages and breast massage.

Till you get an appointment you could try some breast massage,breast exercises, and warm compresses and see if it helps.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and also keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[darcytwin]

Dr.

What do you mean i have developed post surgery lymphedema?  I did not say that my arm has swollen.  I was simply asking IF I needed a compression bandage for flying.  

My arm is fine (knock wood).  I have full range of motion.  No swelling what so ever...I just dont want to GET lymphedema and am willing to do anything to prevent it!

ps...L...you mean woolite :)

[lhughes]

Yes, you are correct -- Woolite.  My brain quit working sometime between Kathryn, Lauren and breast cancer.  It is slowly returning, but I do forget words quite often still.  Oh, and being out from work for nearly 3 years did not help either.

I don't think you've developed Lymphedema yet, I think that was a copy answer from another poster who sounds like she DOES have lymphedema.  I would however, get you a sleeve to go to Hawaii.    

Enjoy Hawaii!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Post surgery lymphedema is a known complication and a compression bandage and breast exercises and manual compression would help you prevent it.

Let us know about how you are doing. It was a mix - up, the last post i mean.

Keep us posted if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[darcytwin]

Flying went well...well, besides being cramped like sardines in coach....i did arm exercises (in the little room i had) and drank a lot of water...

no swelling at all!!!! yey!!

ps...id recommend a vacation post chemo for anyone....bald or not...it was simply the best vacation that i have ever taken...maybe because i didnt take it for granted, but it was a nice celebration!