Traveling for Lumpectomy

Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited January 2021 in Surgery - Before, During, and After
Traveling for Lumpectomy
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  • farmgirl888
    farmgirl888 Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2021

    It looks like I will be travelling by plane several hours away to get a lumpectomy / IORT. Do you think it's feasible to fly the day after surgery? Are you on painkillers or is the area still numb?

    Thanks

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2021

    I would not fly the day after any kind of surgery; no one can predict how will react or what complications one might have. I wouldn't want to be a plane trip away from my doctor for a few days anyway. If you are even considering it, be sure to talk to your doctor ahead of time and get his/her clearance.

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  • HersheyKiss
    HersheyKiss Member Posts: 550
    edited January 2021

    I second Ruth's recommendations (especially given a plane's pressurized cabin, your drains at the surgical site, you possibly experiencing side effects from anesthesia, etc.). Definitely have a discussion with your surgeon, and best wishes.

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  • farmgirl888
    farmgirl888 Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2021

    Do you have drains for a lumpectomy? I didn't think so. I have a BS locally that will be doing follow up care.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2021

    farmgirl - The advice you have been given above is valuable. You don't know what they will find in surgery. Talk to the surgeon. But in any case, I wouldn't travel from the surgery town for at least 48 hours. If you have an emergency, you need to have the surgeon & hospital near by.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2021

    Generally you do have drains with a lumpectomy, at least I did.

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  • SimoneRC
    SimoneRC Member Posts: 419
    edited January 2021

    When I was first diagnosed, the original plan was for lumpectomy which was canceled the night before. I flew in for it. My surgeon said barring any unforeseen complications that I could fly back 48 hours post op. And that I would not have drains. My Mom did not have drains after her lumpectomy and did not take narcotics after the first 12 - 18 hours. As always, please be sure to check with your surgeon to see what is recommended for you. Good luck!

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited January 2021

    I had a lumpectomy. I didn't have drains.

    I was totally out of it after surgery and was falling asleep on the cab ride home. My friend rode with me and stayed with me the first night.

    I think I had a very easy and good experience actually, no bad reactions or anything. I would not have wanted to fly the next day. I was glad I could just hang around and rest. I did end up flying I think about a week later, to a close friend's wedding. It went fine but I think I was still more tired.

    If you can plan to give yourself another night, I think that would be good. Can get flexible hotel/flight and play by ear? Are you or can you arrange to bring a friend for the trip for extra support?

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited January 2021

    I didn't have drains, but my surgeon mentioned the possibility before surgery so I wouldn't be surprised. You don't know how much swelling there will be as it varies A LOT from person to person. You don't know if you are prone to blood clots after surgery, and you cannot take even aspirin-level blood thinners that soon after surgery.

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  • farmgirl888
    farmgirl888 Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2021

    Thanks everyone! DR has confirmed I can fly in Monday, surgery Tuesday, recheck with DR Wednesday fly home Thursday. No drains.


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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2021

    Best of Luck! Let us know how everything goes.

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