Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/6/2010

Question
My father in law is being treated for lungcancer.  Recently he has had 2 liters, and  the 1 liter of fluid drained from his lungs - only 7 days apart.

They want to go on a cruise, which involves flying to board the ship.  Their team of doctors says its ok, but the family doesnto agree.

His lung is not fully reinflated.  Isn't there a danger in flying, not to mention the exposure to germs, etc.  The team of doctors told them that the shipboard doctor can drain any fluid that occurs if necessary.

How competent can these medical facilities be - and isn't flying going to potentially be a hazard to his lung since it is not fully reinflated?

They are leaving on saturday.... any advise would be appreciated

Answer
Cindy
If their team of Doctors feel it is OK for him to travel then I would have to go along with their advice. Lung collapse due to fluid is not like a collapse due to air getting into the pleural cavity(pneumothroax). Any further fluid build up will be slow and the lung expands immediately as the fluid is removed, so if they say he is Ok to fly then that's fine.
I can't comment on the medical facilities as I have no experience with these.
Finally it does rather depend on what your father in law wants and as he has cancer I would guess he wants to enjoy life to the full while he can.
My advice is to support him in this.
Dr Ian Jackson