Hi my name is Teresa I was diagnosed with Essential thrombocytopenia 4 years ago my platelets have stayed stable my spleen was at 14.4 cm I’ve just had second scan and my spleen is now 17 cm I’m meant to be flying on Sunday just wondered if anyone had any idea if I can fly it’s just an hour flight x
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Hi @Teresa25
I’m not sure about whether okay to fly or not.
I’ve not really travelled since diagnosis in 2023 with Myelofibrosis.
When initially diagnosed spleen was 29cm.
Probably a question for your clinical team in my view
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Thank you I have been trying to contact my consultant but she hasn’t got back to me I only had the scan last Sunday my anxiety is threw the roof
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It’s very difficult when in limbo @Teresa25
Is there a Clinical Nurse Specialist or a Cancer Support Worker you can reach out to.
The @BloodCancerUK-SupportTeam or the @BloodCancerUK_Nurses might be able to offer advice
You could also try calling them tomorrow
Call us for free on [0808 2080 888](tel:0808 2080 888) (Option 1) to speak to one of our Support Service Nurses in confidence.
Our phone lines are open:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am – 4pm
- Tuesday: 10am – 7pm
- Saturday: 10am – 1pm
- Sunday: Closed
- Bank holidays: Closed
Alternatively, call us anytime and leave a message and we’ll get back to you within one working day.
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I’m not sure who to phone only the consultant but I will try the numbers you have given to me thank you so much
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@teresa25 you need to check with your medical team and/or the Blood Cancer UK nurses. I had an enlarged spleen, larger thn yours, on diagnosis with Myelofibrosis and I was able to fly.
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Thank you I will try my specialist again my anxiety is bad as I fly on Sunday and she hasn’t got back to me
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Could you try Haematology Department reception @Teresa25
When I need to contact Consultant that’s my first place to call.
Usually pass me on to Haematology Secretaries who gets in touch with Duty Doctor and calls me back
If you have one of the little red cards call the Cancer Helpline or maybe your GP
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Hi Duncan I spoke to a nurse on here this morning she was very helpful I’ve left another message on my consultants secretary’s phone hopefully she will get back to me today feeling a lot better after speaking to someone though all just very scary
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Glad you’ve spoken to someone @Teresa25
It’s so tricky when not sure what’s okay and what you shouldn’t be doing.
Hopefully Consultant or Secretary will get back to you
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Hi @Teresa25 Personally I would say all your thoughts and feelings are completely natural.
I always say when I was diagnosed my thoughts and feelings went on high alert and yes, every ache and pain, lump or bump I found I thought the worst but they are often completely unconnected as I am a very complex individual.
Also I have found there is an awful lot of waiting and not knowing. But that is what our supportive forum is here for it is the one place I can say how it really feels to be me and I know others will understand.
Just be ever so kind to yourself and keep posting, yes, aren’t the Blood Cancer UK support nurses wonderful.
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Thank you Erica I will try and stay positive till I know just a worrying time as you know but feel better I spoke to someone just makes you feel your not going mad
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Hi Duncan still not got back to me so think I’m just going to go it’s only an hour flight hopefully I will be ok I’ve left 5 messages and still nothing if they were worried I’m sure they would have got back to me
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Can only do so much @Teresa25 and hopefully flight will go well and be trouble free.
Safe travels 
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Hello there @Teresa25, sorry to respond so close to your flight but I had a look around the forum to see what others have shared previously about flying with Myeloproliferative neoplasms ('MPN') like Essential thrombocythemia ('ET') and Myelofibrosis (‘MF’), hope you don’t mind.
There’s this thread, where Nurse @Heidi_BloodCancerUK suggests “laps of the plane aisles and your foot/ankle exercises whilst sitting”: Air travel with ET
Here’s a great Blood Cancer UK post about travelling with blood cancer that has loads of useful tips: Blood cancer and travel: your guide | Blood Cancer UK
Personally I’d wear compression socks too just to add another layer of support (literally!). Have a great holiday @Teresa25, do let us know how it goes!
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Hi yes that was what was told to do this morning from the cancer nurse so hopefully I will be ok I have just brought the socks too thank you for your advice and looking it up for me I will let you know when I’m back safe and sound
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Aww yay that’s great news, now go and have a lovely time away and try not to worry!
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Thank you I will try
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