Scuba Diving

[John Brooks]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum. I was treated for TC about 10 years ago, and have been in good health since.
Recently, last February, I joined my wife in losing some weight. I am 55 years old, I lost a little over 50 lbs. have joined a gym, and am working out.
After I had my surgery I was told that because of the types of chemo that I received it would have an affect on my lungs. I contacted my oncologist, and she is hooking me up with a pulmonary test.
We plan on going on a cruise this february, and I was thinking of getting some scuba diving lessons in. So I'm looking for some feed back in regards to this.

[dadmo]

John:
Welcome to our forum. From your question I assume you had Bleo as part of your chemo. The short answer is that yes the Bleo will have an adverse affect on your lungs and could be a problem, Sloan Kettering recommends that you do not scuba. The link is attached. I wish it was better news but I have also read (I can't find the link) that the further away from the bleo shots the less you have to worry about. Please check with you doctor before giving scuba a try.

[John Brooks]

Thanks dadmo for your reply. Being a survivor I haven't given up hope yet of finding a way to do, or at the least giving it a try (scuba diving that is)
This site seems to be a very positive influence for those either being treated, or recovering. I'll be adding more later.

[Chris'Mom]

John, welcome to the forum, just hearing you are ten years cancer free and doing well made my day.....hope you find a way to scuba....Mary Ellen

[dadmo]

John:
When I get a chance I will contact our local dive shop and see oif they have any info. Several scuba mags are on line, you might want to check them out. As I mentioned in my post I did read someplace that the futher you got away from treatment the less likely you are to have problems.

[Don]

I was told that I could dive and/or engage in any activity requiring the usuage of any oxygen fed breathing unit after 36 months post bleomycin so long as I did not exceed 2 atmospheres under water (66 feet or less). If your 10 years post chemo then you should be safe to dive at these levels as long as you don't smoke. This information was provided by oncologist from Moffitt Cancer Institute in Tampa Florida, Dept of Veteran Affairs, and other various articles I have read in the last several months!!! Most articles do state that if you are over the age of 50 then pulminary testing should be done before scuba and some articles(older ones) prohibit scuba all together. Maybe getting tested wouldn't be a bad idea before scuba!!!!!

[Scott]

There's a little information on this topic at the Divers Alert Network web site.

[John Brooks]

Hi again.Well the short version from my pulmonary doctor is that it would not be in my best interest to do it. Something about bleo-toxicity. She said that if I tried it, there would be a 5% chance of it affecting my lungs that didn't sound to pleasant.
BUT---- she said I can SKYDIVE!! WOO HOO! Oh but dont make any long term plans to vacation in places below sea level. So I guess I can cancel my Dead Sea trip.
Anyhow, I'll be watching this forum more, and hope you all well. Just remember there is a Higher power, and it all works out for the best.

[dadmo]

John:
The problem with Bleo has to do with atmospheric pressure. If the pressure is too low that can also cause a problem. For most skydiving your altitude will be fine just don't try any HALO work. (High Altitude Low Opening)

[Jens]

Skydiving is highly recommendable.

Best wishes
Jens