UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology APRIL 2023 - Flipbook - Page 44
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
encouraging, so I began to gain confidence that I was in fact ready.
I arrived in Kathmandu on November 1, 2022, and continued on a small plane up to the
village of Lukla (9383ft). The airport here is considered one of the most dangerous airports
in the world, as it contends with low air pressure, wind, often poor visibility, and a short
runway. The runway has a 12% gradient to allow planes to slow down upon arrival and
also to pick up enough speed when sailing off the cliff. From Lukla I embarked on a 17
day trek that would see me hike 92 miles through The Himalayas. I met my Sherpa guide
Ngawang who was patient and kind, and who often grossly underestimated distances and
time. An annoyance at first, but a solid strategy in the end. Highlights of the trip included
Mt Everest Base Camp (17,598 ft), Cho La Pass (17,782 ft) and Gokyo Lake (15,715 ft). Base
camp was of course a dream, but there were numerous days of scenery that far surpassed
what I could have imagined. I was not prepared for the beauty of the vibrant turquoise
glacial lakes, or the cracking sounds glaciers make as they move on their leisurely journey.
I can still hear the wind ripping through the valleys and the bells of the approaching yak
carrying their oppressive loads.
The days were long, and the terrain was uneven and often very steep, so each day was
celebrated as an accomplishment. I drank four liters of water a day and made sure I
ate and slept well. We stopped at tea houses along the route, which were family-owned
accommodation where basic food and shelter were provided. One could usually meet
travellers from all over the world, each with a different tale and experience. Travellers
and sherpas alike would all huddle around soaking up the last bit of heat from the yak
dung fuelled stove, sipping numerous cups of tea. My only protein came from eggs and
nak (female yak) cheese, with rice and potatoes being the staples. The temperatures were
well below freezing and dry, both outside and inside (my water bottle froze inside my
room). Thankfully I was prepared and had a warm sleeping bag, however as a rule I was so
exhausted I could have likely slept in most conditions.
I was able to avoid altitude sickness completely. My success undoubtedly came from
taking my time and not adhering to anybody else’s pace. I had done my research and was
mentally prepared for the trip. I also actively took measures to calm myself the first couple
of hours after reaching the tea house for the night. This usually involved taking deeper
breaths and lying flat, a sort of meditation I suppose. My heart rate was slightly elevated
for the duration of the trip and my oxygen hovered around 90%, occasionally dipping into
the 80’s if I was in a deep sleep. Upon my return home I asked my doctor to order labs and
my red blood cells were high. This was so amazing to see and shows how clever the body
is. I had adapted to transport oxygen more efficiently.
All in all, it was a successful trip and one that I am proud of and will remember always. I
will continue to challenge myself while I am physically capable, as I’ve learned that life is
unpredictable and often too short. ☐
Contributed by:
Melissa Alspaugh
Senior Radiation Therapist, M.S., R.T. (T) (ARRT)
Dept. of Radiation Oncology, UCLA
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