Hi Everyone,
I had my first mastectomy in 2019, and again after recurrence on the other side 2023. The surgeon removed only 3 lymph nodes on each side. I had quite bad cording each time but no lymphoedema. I'm flying to europe in August and I'm just wondering if I should get compression sleeves for the flight? Does everyone do this?
No everyone doesn't do it. But since you had cording you are at slightly higher risk. So good idea, well in advance of travel , to see a lymphodema therpist, get a review on your arm and order a sleeve from them who can help measure and select the appropriate one , practise wearing it and get used to it well before your flights, so it it 'broken in'.It can feel weird at first and you also need to wear for a while , wash a few times gently to check it fits, not to tight on wrist or it can push fluid into your hand.
Then you can wear it all the time you travel and before and after flights, not just on the plane. What is also important is to learn some simple movements and stretches from the therpist, so you can do them at home, while waitng , on plane and afterwards. To keep fluid moving. Getting tired, tight and dehydrated , carrying heavy things, runing around cleaning and packing... it can be that that trigger it, not the altitude. So we all should learn ways to move and breath to help reduce arm fluid so we are prepared if it does happen.
Also if your going anywhere tropical , at risk of insect bites and infections. make sure you have antibitics or access to medical services. Nothing worse then a sudden fat arm and cellutis in a foreign country.Prepare for the worst, even if you don't need it , a least you prepared if something does happen.
I have been to a specialist Physio and Laser clinic, since soon after my SMX with axillary clearance. I don't have Lymphodema yet. The clinic is observing me for any onset of it. And they have done Laser to areas that had seroma and cording. They advised also that I should wear a compression sleeve on long flights and so I do . I was fitted for it, but it is not custom made.
Yes. I already have lymphoedema and you don’t want to. It’s manageable and mine is pretty stable but not having it is better. You probably don’t need a tailor made garment, as it’s just for a short period but taking precautions before is a heap better than remedial actions after. Enjoy your trip!
