Calling all Female Divers

[glovepuppet]

I've been diving for 5 years and I manage circa 130 dives per year, most in excess of 1hour duration, both salty and fresh water.

Just joined the forum but for very selfish reasons, I have just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I will be having a mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery. Are there any other female divers out there who have been in a similar situation ? what I'm trying to find out is how long did you stop diving for and what problems you have found once you returned to diving ....

Any hyperbaric medicine doctors out there who have any opinions on the pros and cons with this type of surgery and the implications to scuba diving.. all comments welcome except for ...... stop diving

 

[cdreamer]

You can get that kind of information from DAN. DAN Divers Alert Network - Scuba Diving and Dive Safety Association
I just sent a future student to them who has had a double mastectomy and
reconstruction. I know that she signed up for insurance and I'm not sure what
kind of info you can access if you are not a member. She found articles on their
website.

 

[fairybasslet]

Good luck with your surgery. I wish you a full and speedy recovery.

 

[TSandM]

I haven't had a mastectomy, but I was a trained general surgeon and I performed them.

From the body's standpoint, a mastectomy is a relatively minor operation. It's the removal of some skin and subcutaneous fat; no body cavity is opened, no muscles are divided. It's not a particularly painful procedure, and recovery is generally pretty fast, as long as there are no complications and the patient is doing well with the psychological aspects of having a breast removed.

Although there is some theoretical concern about increased DCS risk in areas of scar tissue, there's little to no evidence that this actually occurs.

Postoperatively, you are likely to receive chemo and/or XRT, and these are things that might impact your diving for a longer period of time than the surgery. I'd ask your oncologist what his plans are in this regard.

The good news is that, once you are done with chemo and XRT, and assuming there are no complications from them or the underlying disease process, you should have no difficulties resuming diving.

 

[HisLovelyBride]

Hi Cath,
I have had a skin sparing mastectomy and Free TRAM flap reconstruction and began diving after my cancer experience. I was a strong swimmer prior to cancer and my husband, Dave introduced me to diving the summer after my recovery. I must admit that my core is not as strong as it may have been prior to my surgery. Although, I don’t think that the surgery hindered my diving progress.
The Free TRAM flap removes part of the muscle where the DIEP flap removes a smaller portion of muscle – both remove fat and skin for the transplant. The muscle is needed to provide a blood supply for the transplanted fat as fat has no blood supply of its own. It is my understanding that the choice between Free TRAM flap and DIEP flap depends upon the size of breast to be reconstructed. The larger the breast, the more tissue required.
I would advise the doctor’s to take as little tissue as necessary. However, they generally take a bit more than they think they will need, since going back for more is not an option. It would be important for them to know your physical activity and what your post surgery expectations are so that they can better advise you as to the best procedure for you.
I am glad that I chose reconstruction and wouldn’t change my decision if given the opportunity. Be aware that the recovery period is somewhat lengthy and full recovery time will depend upon your own surgical experience and any chemo/radiation therapy that may follow. Go easy on yourself and give yourself time to HEAL.
Breast Cancer is no small thing, even when we are lucky enough to catch it early. Be patient with yourself. It was my cancer experience that gave me the courage to embrace life more fully and step outside my comfort zone. But I can’t emphasize enough that you need to take each day one day at a time.
God bless you.

 

[The Surly Mermaid]

You can get that kind of information from DAN. DAN Divers Alert Network - Scuba Diving and Dive Safety Association
I just sent a future student to them who has had a double mastectomy and
reconstruction. I know that she signed up for insurance and I'm not sure what
kind of info you can access if you are not a member. She found articles on their
website.

Will second this recommendation. One of our friends went through treatment and DAN was able to provide very helpful advice. They even asked what specific chemo drugs our friend was receiveing because different ones will react different ways. Glad to hear you are NOT letting this stop you. That positive attitude will take you far.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi glovepuppet,

I concur with TSandM that once all post-surgical treatment is completed (which may involve both chemo and radiation), and provided there are no complications that contraindicate it, medical clearance for return to SCUBA likely will be approved.

The diver undergoing treatment for breast CA will want to be aware that radiation treatment involving the chest area can result in scarring of lung tissue. Additionally, certain antineoplastic agents also can cause such pulmonary fibrosis, and that there is evidence suggesting that increased concentrations of inspired 02 may exacerbate the damage.

DAN Medical Services (DAN Scuba Diving Medical Services) definitely should be consulted once treatment is completed. It may be recommended that the diver undergo high-resolution imaging of the lungs and comprehensive pulmonary function testing before return to diving is considered.

Helpful?

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

 

[Teamcasa]

I'm so proud of my lovely bride!

Ladies, do yourself and your families a favor and get a mammogram, regularly.