Travel after Bilateral

You'll probably want compression garments to prevent lymphedema, and if they don't have your size in stock, it could take awhile. Maybe ask for a referral to an LE specialist so you can get a fitting now?

Do a search for this on BCO. Short version: Stay hydrated, do fist pumps and other manual lymphedema drainage exercises periodically.

I go flat and haven't had any trouble. Others should be able to tell you whether they've had any problem with prostheses, if that's a concern.

- luggage input

Check your bag. Reaching up to the overhead compartment after the pressure changes of a flight is considered a lymphedema risk. You also may still have restrictions or functional limitations on reaching higher than your shoulders that soon after surgery.

- clothing, etc

Temperature changes may be associated with lymphedema flares, so be sure you've got the outerwear you'll need.

I fly internationally quite a lot and haven't had trouble other than that the compression garments can get pretty toasty on the plane.

Best of luck!

You probably already found this but just in case:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82/topics...

Hi thekeensheep:

As noted above, different people receive differing advice about wearing compression in the absence of a diagnosis of lymphedema ("LE"). This might reflect some degree of controversy about the risk and/or the efficacy of preventative compression. It might also in part reflect different risk profiles of the patient. In my case, I had surgery alone (bilateral mastectomy), sentinel node biopsy (bilateral; 1 node; 4 nodes) (with a relatively lower risk than more extensive ALND), and bilateral axillary cording, but none of these other well-defined risk factors:

"Well-defined risk factors for developing lymphedema include axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), [9-15] regional lymph node irradiation (RLNR), [8,16-19] higher body mass index (BMI), and older age at diagnosis [citations omitted] . . ."

I discussed the question of preventative compression with my PT-LANA. She gave me her opinion on the pros and cons, and in the end I decided against it. Other members here do use preventative compression. Here is a post of mine regarding my approach to air travel from another thread on the subject. Please see other comments there as well:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topics/833147?page=1#post_4432636

I fly flat, and carry TLC microbead forms (TLC Direct # 8139; these are expensive ($60.00 each, $120 per pair), but wear well and are hand-washable). I carry them in a small carry-on bag (fits under my seat). Multiple TSA agents and foreign equivalents scanning my carry-on bag have never opened it.

https://www.tlcdirect.org/Micro-Bead-Lightweight-Breast-Form-Mastectomy-Prosthesis-American-Cancer-Society-TLC-Direct

I was selected once at random for a pat down in Boston. I agreed without really thinking, and she went from my legs all the way up to where a bra band should have been and a tad further before she realized that there was nothing to investigate. Meanwhile, I'm thinking to myself, "Oh yeah, I forgot, nothing there." I suspect she was more surprised than I was, but she was totally professional (didn't react or comment), and just sent me on my way.

If you have not received arm measurements, you may wish to seek a referral to a qualified lymphedema therapist for a baseline assessment, and patient education about self-care and prevention. You can ask them to review your risk factors and make a recommendation about whether to wear preventative compression. If used, compression garments (including both a sleeve and hand protection) should be professionally fitted and checked for comfort and proper fit prior to use. Here's some information on finding a therapist.

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Best,

BarredOwl

Just to clarify, my recommendation was to seek case-specific advice from someone with appropriate training and expertise regarding the question of whether or not to use preventative compression. I agree that flight time may also be another consideration.

Be sure you talk with your BS about your risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT, blood clot.)  Long flights put people at higher risk, and recent surgery raises that risk substantially. If you do decide to go overseas, you need to get up and move about every hour. You can also do foot and leg exercises in your seat.  (I had a friend who flew to London for vacation; she wasn't there 24 hrs before she threw a clot and died. Made a believer out of me!)

mustlovepoodles makes a good point, and you should definitely be cleared for flight by your surgeon.

You may also wish to check directly with the carrier, because ChiSandy once noted that airlines may have their own policies applicable to post-surgical travel. See for example this information from the UK National Health Service:

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2615.aspx?CategoryID=69

"Check before you fly

Each airline has its own regulations about flying after surgery. Check with your airline before you fly, particularly if you've had complicated surgery.

If you've had any kind of major surgery, you should also check with your surgeon or GP before flying. . . "

See link for more information

As noted at the post I linked to above, I always check my suitcase. It is not just any roller, it is a lightweight spinner, which can be pushed alongside or in front of you with much less effort and without stretching and pulling on your arm. An ordinary roller must be pulled along behind you, and drags on and stretches the arm, which is undesirable for me at least.

BarredOwl