I’m not sure if this is correct sub-forum for this particular question but it seemed like the closest, so here goes…
This also seems like a very basic question; what if any documents/letters are you mean’t to take with you when travelling abroad, particularly when going through an airport scanner etc… after having a single mastectomy without reconstruction (i.e. wearing a prosthesis) ? I am now almost 2 years on from surgery, and when travelling before I took my original clinic letter with me in case it was ever needed.
But as I’m thinking of travelling more often now, and also due to fly this week I was wondering if I actually need to take such a letter as evidence each time I fly? Or is it a non-issue?
I’m conscious of the fact that you can be randomly selected to go through a full body scanner in the airport and wondered what others in a similar position do?
I fly regularly, wearing a prosthesis, & I do find I get stopped regularly. The new type of scanner even picks up a balled tissue in a pocket, so it’s hardly surprising!
They always call a woman to do the “patting” and in the early days I used to murmur to her that I was wearing a prosthesis. Now I don’t even bother, because I think it’s something they probably come across regularly. No-one has ever asked for proof of any kind!
Not sure if the type you use makes any difference? I usually have either a Tru Form beanbag type, or a knitted knocker. If anyone has any tips, I’d be interested to know too.
But definitely don’t let it put you off travelling @TDG ! Good luck X
I had a single mastectomy in August 23. I’ve flown several times since just using a knitted knocker. So far I haven’t been stopped in the scanners. But I’m sure that one it’ll happen. Most stop and searchs at airports are randomly performed. Enjoy your travels xx
Hi @TDG
I have had mastectomy worn prosthesisthe nhs ones and knitted ones never had a problem , have been patted down but never said anything , been in new scanners as well never had a problem , I do have a copy on my phone of surgery if needed. I do think it is random when they stop you .
Happy holidays xx
Thank you @jules_n@peterpan64@charlottebee. It’s good to know you’ve never had a problem. I wear the amoena prosthesis (fitted for by the NHS), which is heavier than the knitted knocker sort of matches the weight of my remaining breast according to the amoena fitter.
I’ve only flown twice since surgery and it wasn’t an issue on either occasion as I just walked through without being stopped, so was wondering if I need to bother with carrying a letter or not moving forward as it’s one additional thing to remember, I might just keep a photo of it on my phone this time.
During my travels before cancer/surgery I have been randomly picked to go through the full body scanner on more than one occasion, so wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing anything now post surgery. xx
Another carry/do nothing here. My new knee and hip can ping if the airport is not using one of the new head to toe, stand with arms out at the sides type of scanner.
It’s never entered by head to say I’m wearing a prosthetic. I just learn “new bodypart name” in whatever language is at my destination.