52 – More Art than Science

For us external-oxygen reliant people, obtaining a Fit-to-Fly certificate  begins at a hospital
with specialist equipment that can perform a Hypoxic Challenge Test. This is a procedure in a chamber or similar that can simulate the reduced oxygen levels that are found in an airline cabin, which are around 17% lower than at normal ‘land’ levels.

It’s not generally a ‘pass or fail’ test, more that it will indicate the type of equipment and oxygen requirement of the patient / passenger to be able to fly safely.

The test itself is chargeable at around £300 and the result would most likely have additional costs associated with the airlines. In-cabin oxygen is, believe it or not – not widely available for medical needs. And I haven’t even started on the cost of the equipment I’d need to take!

link to origional image

This all actually worked out better for me because I decided to travel overland by train, using Interrail passes. I did two trips, one with mates over a week in April and as it was so good, we did another as a family of the 3 of us in July. Completely by train we travelled in a couple of weeks to Bruges, Cologne, Berlin, Krakow, Prague and then finishing in Paris, before the Eurostar back to the UK. Such a wonderful and memorable trip.

I should say my consultants did add that as they’re not quite sure of my prognosis in terms of longevity – that I should get out and enjoy myself whenever I can. Of course, I never need telling twice to enjoy myself.

So to add to the train adventure – me, Samros, Nisa, my kids (Rachel, Verity and Alex are kids?) husbands and grandchildren, all descended on Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in September for a long weekend of playing, relaxation and the most precious family time together.

So, all in all a lovely summer – but all the while I’m wondering if it’s my last.

There’s no getting away from my condition and it really is quite miraculous that I’ve had four and a half years of a condition that has, on average, a survival time of perhaps two years,

Sure – the near 40 radiotherapy sessions, 18 weeks of chemotherapy, 6 cycles of immunotherapy, a clinical study, holistic care, support by family and friends including of course my amazing wife and in maybe some small way, my positive attitude has allowed me carry on regardless of cancer.

But – and I have to say this – my body is beginning to tell me differently. And so are the medics.

I’m more closely involved with my Palliative Care team and while I’ve written before about the wider meaning of ‘Palliative Care’ – this is now including some shall we say ‘end of life planning’.

Nope, it’s not going to happen very soon (I hope), but a number of factors are coming into play that are all pointing towards a more difficult period ahead of me.

It’s those bloody tumours (no surprise there).

I’m lucky (I guess) they’re still in the one location of my right lung, but they’re now becoming more active. My most recent CT scan in September 2024 is showing tumour growth. That didn’t surprise me at all, because my breathing and back pain are telling me that.

Because the tumour growth is pressing on my windpipe and causing restriction, (for a simple explanation) and this is seriously affecting my breathing and the capacity to breathe properly. I have around half the breathing capacity of a normal adult of my age.

This is why I have to rely on external oxygen therapy whenever I’m active.

Logic says that the more the breathing is restricted by the tumours – eventually one day I just won’t be able to breathe. And from what I’ve heard over the years, here and there – running out of breath is not a happy event 😉