Scuba Diving

Hi Nigel,

I cannot see any problem with having CML responding to TKi therapy and diving. As long as your peripheral blood counts are in normal ranges- i.e platlets, white cells etc. you can behave as you normally would.

You could always check with Haematology dept. at QE.. they should be able to reassure you I would have thought.

Best,
Sandy

Hi Nigel
I was a diver prior to contracting Cml and then my other cancer.
If you are diving then the only issue I think that may be apparent would be as a result of depth,absorption rates and the impact of drugs whilst under pressure.
If you are just doing a try dive and remain relatively shallow ie less than 15 meters then you should be ok
However when I looked for info on this subject I got no solid answers about the risks.
Any medication or illness can affect you when diving and as such you need to be aware of unusual feelings or sensations.
An example of this is called nitrogen narcosis, this can occur to anyone who dives but may become more likely because of other issues it is a bit like being drunk, if you was to dive be aware of this feeling and act accordingly your instructor/guide will explain about this and what to do.
If you have any questions about diving I am happy to help
Yours in the CML club
Stuart

Hi

Just for future reference of anyone else who is interested in Scuba Diving on TKIs.

I'm on Dasatinib, current PCR 0.17% IS, Dx Feb 2012, stable blood counts, no complications.

Diving organisations seemed happy to accept two PADI medical Fit-To-Dive statements - one signed off by a CML specialist, the other by a Dive Specialist (in my case, the London Dive Chamber by Oliver Firth).

DAN Insurance was prepared to insure with Scuba Travel Insurance but excluded infections and barotrauma attributable to the CML or Dasatinib, in judging which they said they would use an expert to determine any causal link.

I have completed 50 dives in the last 2 months down to 30m but typically around 25m with no adverse effects at all, doing up to 4 dives per day for 6 consecutive days at an hour each, using Nitrox, and 2 dives a day using air. The first 2 dives were undertaken to about 15m with an instructor as a buddy to reduce risk, and all dives have been led by a dive master for safety.

As always, your mileage may vary, but after an intensive 2 months of diving, I have experienced no adverse effects, so if you're thinking of diving, I hope that helps.

Rod