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Travelling with Lymphedema
Nancy Kidd (BCLA member)
Breast Cancer & Lymphedema Survivor/Thriver
Victoria. BC
In July of this year, I travelled to Australia on my own. It had been over 3 years of not seeing family and it was time to go see our growing grandchildren, ages 6, 8, 10 and 12.
They were made aware that their Nan has an “arm needing extra care”. Even the six-year-old knows I was diagnosed with breast cancer. She ‘matter of factly’ told me that they had a fundraiser at school and that “she knows all about it”!
I developed lymphedema (2018) many years after my diagnosis (1996) and really don’t know what caused it. Perhaps it was from a manicure, swimming in the Great Lakes, gardening – anyone’s guess.
In conclusion, travelling with lymphedema is possible with some preparation. Try to avoid heat, extra lifting and remember to tap into extra support services.
Happy travels!