Hi Bart
Thanks for posting at a trying time Im sure. Let me ask you this...there are 1000's of women across North America, who like me have gone through Breast Cancer treatment. For many of us this includes removal of underarm lymph nodes. By its definition that surgery puts us at risk for something called lymphedema(permanent severe swelling of an arm...although there are other types ) and many women who have LE as a result of their surgery. Without going into all the ins and outs of LE, let it suffice to say that cabin pressure has been correlated to LE risk. There are a number of precautions we
MUST take, ...for some that includes wrapping the arm or wearing a special sleeve, for others who dont yet have LE, they MUST use moisturizer to prevent skin from drying out, and most importantly increase water intake while flying. (if you're interested I can advise you of web sites to look at which show these requirements)
DH, and I have travelled alot, and as we get older were looking forward to flying more. Given these new procedures, it will be impossible for me to fly as I am not prepared to risk developing LE, after everything Ive already been through. If I cant carry moisturizer on a flight , I cannot put any on my arm when it gets dry(which I currently do 5- 10- times daily when Im not in the air)...and not keeping hydrated is just asking for trbl.
Ive read that prescriptions could be obtained for moisturizers, but in the same vein, Ive also read that OTC product prescriptions will be at the discretion of the TSA(or in Canada at our equivalent) at the airport. So how can I make travel plans? I cannot get on a plane without my moisturizer. If we make a booking I am quite sure that the airline wont refund if Im not allowed to carry moisturizer and I wouldnt be able to board if it is seized.
I have 3 flights booked over the next few months, one humourously enough for follow up medical treatment at the Mayo Clinic in a few weeks and Im even considering cancelling that.
Do you have any ideas for the 1000's of women in the same position Im in?