Flying after mastectomy
Hello all, Thanks in advance for your comments. I am 5 weeks post a skin and nipple sparing single mastectomy with immediate implant on top of the muscle. Margins are not clear so I will be back i...
Forum Discussion
@Bevey
I did not have a mastectomy so I am unable to answer your question regarding the exploding implant, others will be able to answer that question. I had a lumpectomy.
However in the 6 weeks from diagnosis to post surgery visit I had 4 return flights of 3 hours each way, (I live 2,300km from my treatment centre).
The flight 2 weeks post surgery was interesting. I do find that landing is especially difficult as the plane always seems to thump heavily on the tarmac on touchdown. Maybe I am just slightly conscious of my mutilated boob. I still do tend to grab and hold my right breast on landing!
However the problem I do have with flying since surgery, is that I have COPD /Asthma overlap and always seem to pick up chest infections. I now wear a face mask whilst flying to and from my checkup appointments. I have got over the "how silly I must look" thoughts. A thought for yourself if you are prone to chest infections.
Given the number of flights, time and distance in those 6 weeks no doctor ever told me it was not wise to fly.
If you are in doubt have a checkup with your GP and if all is good - go. The boost to your self esteem or feeling good about yourself will be just the thing.
The first flight where I went somewhere nice was just what I needed. For the first time in a long time the flight I took had nothing to do with BC. It was just for me, even if I had to leave from the same regional airport and the memories were difficult.
Take care and do enjoy your very important weekend away.
Big hugs and warm, very warm Kimberley wishes.
Annie
I did not have a mastectomy so I am unable to answer your question regarding the exploding implant, others will be able to answer that question. I had a lumpectomy.
However in the 6 weeks from diagnosis to post surgery visit I had 4 return flights of 3 hours each way, (I live 2,300km from my treatment centre).
The flight 2 weeks post surgery was interesting. I do find that landing is especially difficult as the plane always seems to thump heavily on the tarmac on touchdown. Maybe I am just slightly conscious of my mutilated boob. I still do tend to grab and hold my right breast on landing!
However the problem I do have with flying since surgery, is that I have COPD /Asthma overlap and always seem to pick up chest infections. I now wear a face mask whilst flying to and from my checkup appointments. I have got over the "how silly I must look" thoughts. A thought for yourself if you are prone to chest infections.
Given the number of flights, time and distance in those 6 weeks no doctor ever told me it was not wise to fly.
If you are in doubt have a checkup with your GP and if all is good - go. The boost to your self esteem or feeling good about yourself will be just the thing.
The first flight where I went somewhere nice was just what I needed. For the first time in a long time the flight I took had nothing to do with BC. It was just for me, even if I had to leave from the same regional airport and the memories were difficult.
Take care and do enjoy your very important weekend away.
Big hugs and warm, very warm Kimberley wishes.
Annie