Airport Security After BC

Rague said:

I haven't been through an
I haven't been through an airport scan but have been through one at a Federal Building - my pros did not set off any alarms (it does have 'weights' in it).

Oh Hell...
breast cancer isn't enough, we just finished the pink ribbon month and now this perk...and to think, all this time I was just worried about compression a sleeve.

"On the other hand, the body scanners, which detect mass rather than just metal, have introduced complications for some women who are breast cancer survivors. One woman, who asked that her name not be used, said a female screener had asked her to step aside after a body scan. “She asked if I had had any surgery to my chest area, and I responded that I had had a mastectomy and that I wore a silicone breast prosthesis. She thanked me, said, ‘Affirmative’ into the headset.”

Asked about the readers’ comments, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, Greg Soule, said passengers with medical devices outside the body, like a breast prosthesis or a colostomy bag, “will be offered a private screening.”

For the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/business/22road.html

airport security
Since my daughter lives over 1,000 miles away, I have been flying a lot more.
I ask for a pat-down, but it is always a hassle. I have never gone into a private room, and the female is usually less than friendly...almost resentful that she has to do it.
But the less radiation or whatever, the better. And I do not want my image to show and be recorded ----or whatever happens to it. The last time I flew, the lady hollered, "she's refusing!!" and the man would say--that is her right, and then repeat the hollering.
I didn't give in. Stubborn about this I guess.

I haven't had the
I haven't had the experience, never gave it a thought. Now that it has been brought up, I think I would try to be the first to bring it up with the security personell. Let them know you have had surgery and will need a pat down before they have the chance to start hollering about it. Hopefully you will get the reasonable, sensible sort, not one who can't deal with anything out of the ordinary without getting rude.

Here's hoping for a good trip, seof

SIROD said:

Total Respect
I have flown for years with a prosthesis and now a foot brace. I have used airports in many major cities outside the US. I have always been treated with total respect. I do mention my many medical conditions which they usually can see with the items in my carry on bag.

They have scan me, but have never touched me.

Enjoy your travels.

SIROD

I flew recently but they
I flew recently but they moved me to the line that only goes through the metal detector, my "sleeves" were poking out of my shirt (forgot I had to remove my jacket), so perhaps they noticed and changed things. My husband went through the the scanner. I was a bit nervous too. I didnt think about the radiation thing, I will have to consider that good thing to think about.

faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy said:

Oh Hell...
breast cancer isn't enough, we just finished the pink ribbon month and now this perk...and to think, all this time I was just worried about compression a sleeve.

"On the other hand, the body scanners, which detect mass rather than just metal, have introduced complications for some women who are breast cancer survivors. One woman, who asked that her name not be used, said a female screener had asked her to step aside after a body scan. “She asked if I had had any surgery to my chest area, and I responded that I had had a mastectomy and that I wore a silicone breast prosthesis. She thanked me, said, ‘Affirmative’ into the headset.”

Asked about the readers’ comments, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, Greg Soule, said passengers with medical devices outside the body, like a breast prosthesis or a colostomy bag, “will be offered a private screening.”

For the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/business/22road.html

You should
also be able to get some type of certified letter/document from your doctor. Check with the TSA

FYI: don't go through
FYI: don't go through security wearing a head scarf AND a long skirt. You will get pulled aside and patted down. If you must wear a head scarf going through security make sure you don't wear very loose clothes, again you will be pulled aside and patted down. At least this happened for me.

jo jo said:

Bumping cuz of spammer

Bumping cuz of spammer

Greg ..you are right .. I have a laminated card
with information, serial numbers, manufacture etc on my new ta-ta's.. No JOKE .. I had the same thing when my Plastic Surgeon provided me with tissue expanders - just for airport security or security.

I keep my card - always and forever with me in my wallet next to my credit cards.

I guess one can say .. I am now a card carrying member ..

Vicki Sam

I agree with others....
handle it with humor....

...or get the sympathy vote...tell them up front (my beau has to do pat down from his pacemaker...) that you are a BC warrior!

Don't forget to wear slip on/ slip off shoes...I once wore lace-up boots...lol...held up everyone behind me....ROFL!

Hugs, Kathi

I'm gonna flash 'em
I'm flying on 11/24 and have been worried about what will happen if (on the off chance) my tissue expanders set off the alarm and require further "screening." Since I'm not willing to risk the X-ray exposure, I'll have to subject myself to the pat down. After worrying about how to handle it (would I request a private room, would I want a supervisor there, etc.) I've come up with a new plan. Instead of wasting time and energy freaking out about getting "felt up," I've decided that I'm just gonna lift my shirt and flash them the scars. Who knows, maybe it will raise breast cancer awareness and/or the issue of what is (IMHO) a security policy that goes to far.