Skydiving? Am I putting myself at huge risk?
So, skydiving is on my bucket list, and I am going to do it next month on my one year cancerversary. Screw you, cancer! Anyway, I had a bilateral MRM so both axillas dissected AND both axillas radiated. Obviously I am at high risk for lymphedema. I plan to wear my sleeves of course. Thoughts? I also have several plane flights coming up...one of them being my every 3 month visit to MDA (can't avoid that one!). Hmmm, am I in trouble? I have no visual signs of LE but I do have arm aching from time to time.
Comments
-
Go for it!!!!!!! I just did the Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic and feel wonderful. This wasn't sky diving but about 10 hours in the saddle each day. Trust me, it wasn't my left arm I was feeling.
Endorphin high lasted for TWO DAYS!!!! Went cycling tonight and couldn't believe how strong I am.
-
Lori, congrats on your anniversary - that's awesome!
I'm sure Binney and Kira and Jane can chime in with good info...I would imagine due to the rapid altitude changes, there is some risk to skydiving, but I would think wearing sleeves would minimize it. But I'm sure those three ladies can give you some actual data on it...I'm just guessing!
If you really want to skydive, then go for it. Just don't forget the parachute!!!!!
Suzanne
-
You have to do this, you just do.
-
Years ago, when my bladder and uterus were sagging and the local gynecologists all said i should never lift more than 20 lbs or it would get worse .... i was miserable. Even my cat weighed more than that, never mind groceries... i finally found a really good surgeon who told me: don't cripple yourself.
I remind myself of that ... about lymphedema. about the reflux problems i'm having. about all the chronic ills that creep up on women after 60 (i'm 66), and that *will* get worse with age... but if i limit myself for fear of illness, i might as well be ill already!
Don't cripple yourself! Take sensible precautions (sleeve) and DO IT!
-
I vote for do it and please tell us all about it. Just wear your sleeves and gloves, you'll have a suit on. If you're extra concerned, maybe an underarmour shirt, inside out.
You're so brave, and I want to hear all about it.
Kira
-
I say, if it's on your bucket list then go for it!
Though I must admit, the title of this thread had me laughing. I am terrified of heights, so my reaction was, Well, yeah, what do you think???????
You go, girl.
Leah
-
I don't know why someone would want to jump out of a 'perfectly good' plane, but if it is what you always wanted to do, go for it.
Leah, My hubby was in the army and trained with the 82nd Airborne to try to get over his fear of heights (didn't complete training due to pnumonia), but it didn't work. We went to Blowing Rock NC several years ago and he refused to go out on the wooden observation platform that is over the edge of the rock.
Sheila
-
Leah, you're cracking me up here. I never even figured it out, sky diving=risk, of course. I'm not a big fan of heights either, but I'm loving the go for your dreams aspect of this.
Kira
-
LOL, that wasn't on my bucket list, but was on my "single lady" list, to do before I married. Did everything else except go for the 'chute.
Altitude changes, and that big "jerk" when the chute opens would be my only concerns. Ck. out the LE site and PM Binney to get recommendations.
But if all is good: GO FOR IT!
-
I would totally do it. Just wear your sleeves and go for it. I hate lymphedema, but I have refused to let it completely control my life - I say if you want to do it, you do it!
Claire - I road STP in one day last year!!! It was my first long ride and I was SO happy to be doing it!!! Congrats on finishing - you rock!
-
you should totally do it... I was told by my dr (I was 32) the only time he worries about lymphadema and flying if it is flights longer than two hours because it increases your risk... soooooo, therrefore SKYDIVING would be a snap.... have fun!!
-
Thanks, ladies!! You all are cracking me up. I definitely get the "why would you jump out of a perfectly good plane" opinion! That is the same thing my mom said. I think I am more scared of the small plane than the sky diving which is perfect because if there is a problem with the plane I really can just jump out! ha!
Also, now that I look at the title of this post it is pretty silly! lol. I figure at this point sky diving certainly is not going to be what kills me!
Thanks for al the encouragement! I will be back in about a month (If I survive!) to report on the big plunge!
Hugs, Lori
-
Lori:
My husband is a skydive instructor and has taken many people with skydiving bucket lists on a tandem. I'm assuming that's what you're planning to do. I think you should be fine. The top of your harness will hook just under your bust line and then you step into the bottom portion of the harness and those straps will hook around the top of your legs. Then that harness is hooked in the back to your tandem instruction. So there shouldn't be any pressure under your arms at all. I say this because I have done one such tandem when my husband reached 1000 skydives and will go again when he reaches 2000 (which will be this year soon). I have been on the ground many times when my husband lands with one of his tandem students who range in age from 18 to 80 and I have never seen one who landed that didn't hoop and holler with excitement saying it was the most exhilerating and fun thing they ever did!
-
If it's something you really want to do, OF COURSE, you should do it!!! Enjoy and report back! Ruth
-
GO FOR IT GIRL! Compression gear, chute, plane, jump and scream/laugh. My lymph only really plays up on long flights - like to and from the U.S. I have found ways it won't stop me from living a full/fool life you can too. This proves it. Jump for joy.
-
GO FOR IT GIRL! Compression gear, chute, plane, jump and scream/laugh. My lymph only really plays up on long flights - like to and from the U.S. I have found ways it won't stop me from living a full/fool life you can too. This proves it. Jump for joy.
-
Thanks for the info, Sherry and thank you for the encouragement everyone! I am really excited! My sister and my very giid friend are doing it with me. Both are going through some bug life changes now so it will be awesome. Going out with about 25 friends that night to celebrate! A few cocktails in the evening won't be the end of the world either, right??!!
Thanks again to all! You ladies are the best!
Hugs,
Lori
-
When is the big date? You'll have to find a computer and quickly type in "Mission Accomplished" between the dive & the cocktails, that way we can have one for you too!!!
-
Way to go! Have fun. I am to chicken to even play golf now.
-
Be sure and get a video - you'll be glad you did.
-
Years ago, after brain surgery, I decided that if I got through it, I was gonna do some stuff I always wanted to do but was too scared to try. First was horseback riding lessons and learning to jump. That led to years of thrills and enjoyment with my wonderful Appaloosa partner. Then I always wanted a red convertible. Got it, hated it. Too hot on the highway, but I looked good "wearing" it! Ended up selling the car to an envious co-worker, but at least I tried! Now I'm older and much more cautious but I urge you to go for it. May I also suggest, in addition to your le garments, maybe a Depends! LOL.
-
! What Super Women!
-
I've got to admit that when I read the "skydiving" subject header I figured that it was a response to what to say when people ask about an arm. In fact, it would be a GREAT response! But, be careful so it isn't a true response. If it were me, I would be with the "why leave such a lovely plane" camp, but do it. We wimps can live vicariously through you. - KS1
-
You sound amazing! What an inspiration to the little ones. I say go for it. I have lymphadema in my rt. arm. I do everything I always did and more. Run,jump, bicycle, carry heavy packages etc. I have had 2 infections in the arm, but both were cleared up right away with antibiotics. So what. Mine gets achy once and awhile too. I am planning a trip to Hawai to visit my children in a few months. The plane from L.A. to Maui is about 11 hours. I am definately going.
-
bump
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team