Lymphedema sleeve

I also did that at first, as I was told.  I have had some lymphedema in my right breast and right arm since radiation.  Initially I was treated with sleeves (and a compression cami) but was ultimately referred to a great OT at KU. I learned from her that the manual drainage works well.  The lymph channels just need to relearn what to do and other nodes can pick up the slack for the axillary region that doesn't perform as well.

I realize this is not your situation as you have never had lymphedema, but it just made me think that I haven't worn my sleeve while flying for about 5 years!   

I am not telling you what you should do, but if I didn't just finish my treatment, I might just make sure I had it with me on a shorter flight and see if I noticed any swelling.  If you are years out from your treatment and have never had lymphedema, I wouldn't think it would be likely to start happening now.  If it does, get in, get checked by your doctor and if the doctor doesn't think a different plan is more appropriate, get a referral to OT.  If not covered by insurance, there is a great massage therapist off Metcalf who has a significant amount of training in lymphatic drainage.  (Harrington Massage Therapy)

I also had lump nodes removed and have not developed Lymphedema yet. I was also told to wear a compression sleeve flights. I recently traveled internationally and wore a compression sleeve as a preventive measure. I have not wore the compression sleeve on short domestic flights. Not sure if it helps, but will continue to wear on long flights just to be on the safe side.

Thank you for the replies. Speaking of being on the safe side, they told me to consider not shaving my armpit anymore on the cancer side because even a little cut could trigger lymphedema. They also said not to have my cuticles trimmed in a manicure for this reason. I still do both.  Anyone else?

I didn't stop shaving or trimming my cuticles, but I do use antibiotic ointment at the first sign of a cut. As for the compression sleeve, I was told to wear one when flying as well as when doing weight bearing exercises. I do wear one when I fly but not when I exercise, although I did for a few months when I was in what they called the "acute phase" after treatment. I fly once or twice a month and I always wear a sleeve. I put it on at least an hour before the flight and take it off two hours after, if I remember to. If I'm wearing long sleeves over it, I will usually forget that I'm wearing compression until I change my clothes and see it. I have two sleeves, one the color of my skin and the other a "fun" one with a colorful pattern. I thought I would be more comfortable in public with the one that is less noticeable, but that one actually makes me grumpy, as it feels "medical." The colorful one makes people smile and feels like an accessory. I ordered my compression sleeves from Care 4 All Home Medical Equipment (which used to be called Biofeet) at 97th and Metcalf in Overland Park. They don't stock much but they have a catalog with just about any pattern you can imagine. 

I agree that the sleeve is comfortable enough. I don't think they give you that much compression if you don't actually have lymphedema. The reason I don't enjoy wearing it when I fly has more to do with my mood. I don't fly very often. When I fly, it is for a vacation. The mood I want to have as I go on vacation is "WAHOOOOOOO!!!" I don't feel that way if I have to be like, "Oh, and also, breast cancer." But I still wear it anyway.