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CarolleeLouise
CarolleeLouise Member Posts: 10
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi Everyone!
I'm fairly new to this site and have really appreciated the information and support you all give - a true "sisterhood"! I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (why do I feel I need to capitalize those beginning letters? Must be the teacher in me! lol and the trama!) October 2011 and have been dealing with it, not fun!...I even lost my Mom in February to this dreadful disease! I am currently on anastrozole for the 5 year period and closely being monitored.
I have a question about air travel -- hope this doesn't sound too dumb: When I had the Core Biospy and surgery they put "markers" in my breasts....what I am wondering: can I go through security at the airport without the bells and whistles ringing? I really don't want to go into my diagnosis with a security guard, I truly don't think I could hold myself together...I have been an emotional wreck since October!
Thanks so much sisters!
Carollee
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Comments

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #2
    Not sure what you mean.
    Are you talking about the tattoo dots for radiation alignment? They won't show up anymore than any tatoo will.

    You should talk to a certified Lymphedemologist about getting a properly fitted and right compression sleeve and glove before flying before you do fly.

    Susan
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #3
    Hi and Welcome!
    Hi Carollee - I just wanted to welcome you to this site, and I'm sorry you had to join. I don't think you will have any experience at the airport. You're not the only one who wondered about this. Many people ask these questions (including myself). Questions are never dumb. :)

    Hope you're doing well. I know we all go up and down often with this. Many sisters say it gets better with time. And yes, this site is awsome! I don't get enough of it. Very supportive women and caring.

    I am currently on treatment- radiation - and did chemo as well. I was dx at 32. Currently taking tamoxifen (fun!).

    Please let us know how you're doing from time to time.
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    #4
    Rague said:

    Not sure what you mean.
    Are you talking about the tattoo dots for radiation alignment? They won't show up anymore than any tatoo will.

    You should talk to a certified Lymphedemologist about getting a properly fitted and right compression sleeve and glove before flying before you do fly.

    Susan

    Hi Susan -- I think she is
    Hi Susan -- I think she is talking about markers they put inside your breat after a biopsy to mark the area for mammos or for surgeouns to be able to identify the spot to be removed. These are metal markers, very small.
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #5
    LoveBabyJesus said:

    Hi Susan -- I think she is
    Hi Susan -- I think she is talking about markers they put inside your breat after a biopsy to mark the area for mammos or for surgeouns to be able to identify the spot to be removed. These are metal markers, very small.

    Never had anything put in me!
    I never had any metal "markers" or anything else put into me when biopsy was done. Dr. D injected some numbing stuff and then used his needle(s) for the biospies - nothing put in and left!

    Susan
  • smalldoggroomer
    smalldoggroomer Member Posts: 1,184
    #6
    Hi Carollee. Welcome to the
    Hi Carollee. Welcome to the board nobody wants to join. This is the best one though..
    I don't think you will have any problem at the air port. I have not heard of these markers being left in. I thought they were tat's also. But I would imagine that if they put them in to mark for surgery that they would take them out at surgery. Do you have a support system? Family Friends? You know you always have us to talk to. Were with ya all the way.
    Your in my prayers Take care Kay.
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #7
    smalldoggroomer said:

    Hi Carollee. Welcome to the
    Hi Carollee. Welcome to the board nobody wants to join. This is the best one though..
    I don't think you will have any problem at the air port. I have not heard of these markers being left in. I thought they were tat's also. But I would imagine that if they put them in to mark for surgery that they would take them out at surgery. Do you have a support system? Family Friends? You know you always have us to talk to. Were with ya all the way.
    Your in my prayers Take care Kay.

    I think they are talking
    I think they are talking about something different than us IBCres go through after looking on line a bit.

    Susan
  • Tux
    Tux Member Posts: 544
    #8
    Metal Markers
    Hi Carollee - Welcome- I have 3-4 metal markers inside my breast (as well as some metal pins in my feet); I have had no problem getting through security at airports. I did not see the X-rays that were taken in the little round booth, so I don't know if they showed up or not. I just returned from a 10-day trip to Italy & had no problems either way.
    So I would say that you are going to be OK going through security. Keep us posted on your progress!
  • CarolleeLouise
    CarolleeLouise Member Posts: 10
    #9
    Tux said:

    Metal Markers
    Hi Carollee - Welcome- I have 3-4 metal markers inside my breast (as well as some metal pins in my feet); I have had no problem getting through security at airports. I did not see the X-rays that were taken in the little round booth, so I don't know if they showed up or not. I just returned from a 10-day trip to Italy & had no problems either way.
    So I would say that you are going to be OK going through security. Keep us posted on your progress!

    Thanks
    When I had my last mammogram - the doc said that the markers are still place. I'm glad to hear that security won't be a problem --- thanks for you insights!
  • CarolleeLouise
    CarolleeLouise Member Posts: 10
    #10
    Rague said:

    Not sure what you mean.
    Are you talking about the tattoo dots for radiation alignment? They won't show up anymore than any tatoo will.

    You should talk to a certified Lymphedemologist about getting a properly fitted and right compression sleeve and glove before flying before you do fly.

    Susan

    Clarification
    Hi Susan,
    They put markers inside of my breasts to locate the originating spot of the tumors. The doc said the markers would stay in case of further tumors. I did have the tattoo dots for radiation but that isn't the same...
    Thank you for insights!
    Carollee
  • CarolleeLouise
    CarolleeLouise Member Posts: 10
    #11
    Rague said:

    Not sure what you mean.
    Are you talking about the tattoo dots for radiation alignment? They won't show up anymore than any tatoo will.

    You should talk to a certified Lymphedemologist about getting a properly fitted and right compression sleeve and glove before flying before you do fly.

    Susan

    Clarification
    Hi Susan,
    They put markers inside of my breasts to locate the originating spot of the tumors. The doc said the markers would stay in case of further tumors. I did have the tattoo dots for radiation but that isn't the same...
    Thank you for insights!
    Carollee
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #12
    CarolleeLouise said:

    Thanks
    When I had my last mammogram - the doc said that the markers are still place. I'm glad to hear that security won't be a problem --- thanks for you insights!

    Welcome to a wonderful site.
    Welcome to a wonderful site. I have the markers in my breast too. When I saw them on the mammo I was surprised that they were in there. I was never told about them! Who knew :)
    I haven't flown since my DX so thanks for the great question.
    Hugs,
    Wanda
  • skipper54
    skipper54 Member Posts: 936 Member
    #13
    Lighthouse_7 said:

    Welcome to a wonderful site.
    Welcome to a wonderful site. I have the markers in my breast too. When I saw them on the mammo I was surprised that they were in there. I was never told about them! Who knew :)
    I haven't flown since my DX so thanks for the great question.
    Hugs,
    Wanda

    Welcome aboard!
    Sorry you have to be here but glad you found this wonderful support group. I think those little markers are small enough that you shouldn't have a problem with a metal detector. A full body scan would show them for what they are.

    Go have fun!
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #14
    titanium
    If I am not mistaken, they are titanium so you can have an MRI. That should not set off the security machines. I had one for years and flew probably 12-20 times with out it setting off alarms.

    Have fun on your trip. (hopefully it's for fun)

    Cindy
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #15
    mamolady said:

    titanium
    If I am not mistaken, they are titanium so you can have an MRI. That should not set off the security machines. I had one for years and flew probably 12-20 times with out it setting off alarms.

    Have fun on your trip. (hopefully it's for fun)

    Cindy

    I have about 30 of those little babies in me
    Because I had multiple tiny tumors in both breasts and bilateral sentinel node biopsies, I have about 30 of those little clips in me -- my surgeon explained that he places 4 at each tumor site (north, south, east & west), plus more where the lymph nodes were sampled. The mammography tech showed them to me on the screen at my first mammogram after completing treatment, and we counted about 30 total. They're so tiny, I can't feel any of them in any way.

    I asked my surgeon the same question about flying, and he indeed said they're titanium, so won't set off any metal detectors. To be honest, I don't actually know what titanium is (is it like kryptonite? :-), and was too embarrassed to ask....but Cindy's comment about using a material that would allow us to have MRIs later makes a lot of sense.

    Traci
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    #16
    Hi Carollee
    Welcome to our group of pink sisters. None of us wanted to join but we are all here. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. I know I did and someone was always able to answer. We are also hear to listen if you just need to vent. Always remember that you can do this.

    Hugs,
    Georgia
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #17
    I just wanted to say
    I just wanted to say welcome, but as others have said, I wish you didn't have the need to find us. I hope you find this site as helpful as I have.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #18
    CarolleeLouise said:

    Thanks
    When I had my last mammogram - the doc said that the markers are still place. I'm glad to hear that security won't be a problem --- thanks for you insights!

    I had the titanium marker
    I had the titanium marker put in me also, but, it was removed with my tumor during my lumpectomy, which makes sense, as it marked where my tumor was.


    Hugs, Lex
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950
    #19
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    I just wanted to say
    I just wanted to say welcome, but as others have said, I wish you didn't have the need to find us. I hope you find this site as helpful as I have.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    Welcome
    I've flown many times without setting anything off with my markers,so no worries about that. I worried about my port, wasn't sure if it was metal, but it didn't set anything off either.
    Dee
  • mwallace1325
    mwallace1325 Member Posts: 806
    #20
    I have 6
    I have 6 clamps that were put in during my lumpectomy to clamp off veins (I guess). They show up beautifully in my mammos, but I've been thru security several times, fully prepared to show anyone who asked what they were, if they showed up. Thankfully, for all the other passengers travelling, the clamps have never shown up going thru security and I've never been forced to do a really bad strip tease in the airport.

    Hope this helps.

    marge
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #21
    mwallace1325 said:

    I have 6
    I have 6 clamps that were put in during my lumpectomy to clamp off veins (I guess). They show up beautifully in my mammos, but I've been thru security several times, fully prepared to show anyone who asked what they were, if they showed up. Thankfully, for all the other passengers travelling, the clamps have never shown up going thru security and I've never been forced to do a really bad strip tease in the airport.

    Hope this helps.

    marge

    LOL, Marge!
    If you ever need me, I'll stand next to airport security shouting, "take it off, girl -- woo-hoo!" and throwing dollar bills at you....I'm here for you, Marge. :-)

    Traci
    (humming "The Stripper" song)

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