Will I be able to dive again after breast cancer & lymph node removal?

[scubadobadoo]

I just wanted to add that I am in awe of both of your attitudes towards your illness and I wish you both well. My wife's mother and grandmother are both recent survivors of breast cancer! We will keep you in our thoughts but I have a feeling you (Kccpa) will be fine just like Photocoz! Thanks for inspiring me tonight Ladies!

 

[Photocoz]

HI!
Thanks for your kind words! So since I just can't keep my mouth shut.......... When I was diagnosed I was 37 years old. I will never forget the Dr saying. You have breast cancer, it is stage 3 and has probably been growing in you for 8 or 9 years. First of all, I was 37, in my mind breast cancer was an "old lady" disease! How wrong I was, what I found out is it is striking younger & younger women! SO>>>> how do we fight this? I HIGHY urge ALL women (especially if it is in your family) to get a mammogram at age 30 and 35. You'll probably have to pay for it yourself, as most DR's say wait until 40. But you will do two things - first you will have a baseline shot of HEALTHY tissue, so if there is any changes in the future, you have a comparrision. Secondly - you increase your odds of catching it earlier IF there is anything there. Are mammograms 100% accurate - no, but I believe in increasing my odds in my forvor as much as I can, so I see this as a tool that can help gain futher information.
So ladies - go get smashed! AND I DON"T MEAN WITH ALCOHOL!!!! Do it with a friend (or a dive buddy!!!) - it is much more fun! JUST DO IT!!!!!!!
Best Regards,
Holly
www.photocozumel.com

 

[jdcloyd]

I am scheduled for sentinel node biopsy next week and had the same question. Did you receive any replies? My research indicates that you will be able to scuba dive. Check out:

http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/64/

I'm still worried about my potential lymphedema complications but it appears that scuba is not ruled out.

Hope this note finds you well and have fun on your dive trip!

 

[Aquadoc68]

I know I am late but I would have to say yes you should be GTG. So long as you are clear of the normal dangers of the Crab. I have a friend that is Been/going through Overian Cancer, I want her to dive, and she has the health and the spirit for it. Meeting her and knowing her has given me a whole new look on life. She has now to make the choice of try to make a baby (32 Y/O and 1st) and risk a premie or worse yet a still, or get a radical Hysterectomy removal of EVERYTHING. I did not mean to get mushy but you have my prayers. You are amazing, you who get the bad card drawn and say Heck no, I am gonna win NO MATTER what......
Aqua

 

[vetdiver]

I am also a bc survivor and avid diver. I posted on this in response to questions about breast implants and diving on the women's board a while back. I was stage 1C, but as I was 33 and had a grade 3 tumor, I had pretty aggressive treatment. I was presented with lumpectomy plus rads or mastectomy - chemo not optional - I initially had a lumpectomy and SN removal (would have had to have radiation), then chemo. Just as I was about to start rads, I changed my mind and I opted for bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction.

I dove about 5 days after my lumpectomy and sentinel node removal with waterproof dressings on and my doctor's blessing. I did not dive during chemo...but I dove again 2 months after my mastectomies and expander placements. I dove actively all through the time I had expanders, and then I dove again about a month and a half after I had my exchange surgery to put in my implants. Since I have had my permanent implants (last March), I've logged about 100 dives in cold and warm water, various levels of technicality and difficulty - no problems, but I carry Dan insurance just in case.

I wonder if lymphedema would be a concern - you increase the pressure on your arm/node area, so maybe not! No matter - ask your doctors - and be sure that they know that this is an important part of your lifestyle. In my experience, my oncologists/surgeons have been very supportive of my continuing a normal lifestyle. They love to hear about my recent diving stuff!!

My best to both of you (jdcloyd and kathy)- please pm me if you need any support during treatment. Keep your chin up - I know it sucks, but it IS temporary.

Also, for the rest of you, as photocoz says - the rest of you - be proactive!! Breast cancer is NOT an old lady's disease!!!