Forum Discussion
Tamoxifen and long flights
I have just had a full week of checkups and tests. You girls know the drill - pap test,blood tests galore,hip xray(cos it's been aching for months) and finishing with the oncologist"s visit today. I am soooo relieved that everything came back normal. My oncologist is keeping me on Tamoxifen and doesn't want to see me now for 12mths - which is always a good sign! Hubby and I fly off to Europe in March for 5 weeks so I asked my oncologist if I should stop Tamoxifen prior the long flight. I was abit surprised when he said no.He reckons there shouldn't be DVT problems if I move around the plane etc. So girls,I was wondering, have any of you been told otherwise or better still,been on a long flight whilst on Tamoxifen??
Tonya xx
30 Replies
Hi Tonya,
Last year I headed off to Russia and China, didn't even think about not taking the Tamoxifen, just headed off and took it whenever it I woke up wherever I was, I would have taken it at all different times of the day but never mind. I had a pressure sleeve measured up by a physio and wore it conscientously on every flight but still managed to come home with slight lymphodema. When I came home I saw a lymphodema OT who said the sleeve I was given by the physio was too small for me. Nice one! Anyway, I've got the right size now and I wore it every night for a few months (unless I felt too hot....) and it settled right down. Don't stress if you get lymphodema, it really is manageable. And have a wonderful time - I did!
I am having more chemo for secondaries now but am determined to still take trips o/s whenever I am well enough.
All the best,
Cathy X
I wish there was some way around getting anxious about tests and results. I think we have this worry forever. I just try to keep extra busy which sometimes blocks it out.Hey,that's my oncologist letting me go for 12mths- still seeing my breast surgeon every 3mths! I'm hoping to go to 6mthly when I hit my 2 year anniversary in May.All the best for 24th Feb.-you'll most likely be fine but I know how you feel(keep cleaning the cupboards!). It's abit chaotic here-"kids" and cats have taken over the place.The cats don't get on so have to keep them seperated.My poor husband had to retrieve one from the roof the other day cos she got stuck.Antway,let's not go there! We'll be off in 4 weeks time.I think I'll send my other daughter's cat to go live with her for awhile(the one that got on the roof).Some progress in the garden-got the water feature in but no plants yet. I won't plant too much now cos we'll be away and the plants would probably die.Luckily,my clothes line is up now so it's getting a good workout.
Well,nice to hear from you Jo -let me know how the 24th goes.
love Tonya xx
Well done on the all clear test results. It must be a relief to get them out of the way for another year. You must be doing well for them to move you to yearly checks after your second bout. I don't think it will change the worrying though. That will take time.... I am due for my 6mth check up (even though it is longer than 6 months) on 24th February. I am worried over a couple of things and quite anxious which i think is normal. I wish it was all done with though because it does mess with your head hey. It seems to be constantly on my mind again.
To a lighter story, Hows life with " the cat", and daughter and her partner and those beautiful sweaty gym socks going ? ... Hope that cat is not causing to much trouble, if it is still alive that is...I would think all the paving and gardens are all finished now and you've settled right back into a relaxed home life.
If i don't speak to you before you leave, i hope you have a great holiday..... You really deserved some time out from all the stress and crap that has happened over the past year. Have fun ok. take care.
Cheers Jo xx
Yes I wore the sleeve and those lovely socks when I went to Cairns.
Hi Tonya
I have just got home from an appt with my on and specifically asked about considerations for long haul flight. I was concerned about the lymphoedema risk and asked whether I needed to think about one of those compression sleeves. He said he wasn't worried about that but that yes Tamoxifen increased the risk of DVT and to wear anti emolism socks (the ones you have in hospital) during the flight
Hope you have a great trip!
Hi Tonya
I have just got home from an appt with my on and specifically asked about considerations for long haul flight. I was concerned about the lymphoedema risk and asked whether I needed to think about one of those compression sleeves. He said he wasn't worried about that but that yes Tamoxifen increased the risk of DVT and to wear anti emolism socks (the ones you have in hospital) during the flight
Hope you have a great trip!
Look forward to seeing the new "do" XLeonie
- Thanks Tonya I am feeling really good. Just spent a month in Lorne, which was great, and am now busy settling my kids back into school. My eldest has just started secondary school which is very exciting. I am also sporting a funky new hairdo - will update my profile pic soon. It's nice to have ditched the wig, especially with the summer heat. Love Ann-Marie xoxo
Thanks Ann-Marie,I am now looking forward to it. I hope you have recovered and are still pleased with your new boobs.Hope 2012 is a good year for you.
love Tonya xx
- Hi Tonya Congratulations on your "all clear" results. What a relief for you. Your holiday sounds wonderful, enjoy!!!!! Love Ann-Marie xoxo
