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jenpen's avatar
jenpen
Member
12 years ago

Flying high

As a treat for my family, we have organised a trip to the Gold Coast next month! Yippee! Kids can't wait to get me on the rollercoasters....and I am looking forward to the thrill too!  This will involve a 5 hour flight from WA and just wondering if there are any tips or advice or any concerns that I need to know about.

In the last month I have finally got rid of the cording issue I experienced since my mastectomy last October - no issue with lymphodema but just wanting to make sure I stay on track.

Thanks ladies....Jen xx

mastectomy

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  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Jen,I hope you have the best fun and leave all your worries at home.I love the Gold Coast,I think it's the best place for a family holiday.xoxRobyn
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had 6 nodes removed (4+2) and have had no trouble with flying, even the 10-12 hour flights, for which I wear compression socks but nothing on the arms. I do a few arm stretches with finger flexes every hour or so just as a precaution.  I live on the Gold Coast and hope we turn on beautiful weather for you.  Michelle xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Wow, that sounds like fun! I much prefer real rollercoasters to the one we have been on! I hope you have lots of fun and great weather (should be the best time of year!). Flying is a high risk activity for lymphedema but if you only had a sentinel node removed, you should be fine. The clinic where I went for treatment last month provided the following guidelines for me - I am to wear my compression sleeve while flying and for 2 hours afterwards. Apparently this is to do with how the different pressure affects the lymph system. But I had 8 nodes removed and have had trouble with fluid build-up. If you are not at high risk then you may be fine to just fly and enjoy yourself. If you have someone like a physio that you have seen for your cording you could check about whether they think you should do anything as a precaution. Good luck with your upcoming mammo and hope you and your family have a fabulous time on the Gold Coast! Deanne xxx