PLEURAL EFFUSIONS

Lily55

For months now I have had pain and problems breathing on one side of my chest (the NON BC side) and one lung hurts when I breathe, the only thing I can think of is a pleural effusion as no sign of any infection etc and exertion makes it really hard for me to breathe......anyone any advice to give please?  I have been to my doctor twice and all he does is talk not even once listened to my chest....!!!!!!

I am pretty worried underneath as it is getting worse pretty fast......and my whole system feels a bit panicky....

pupmom

Lily, if your doctor won't even listen to your chest I say get another doctor! I can't walk into a doctor's office, for any reason, without him/her listening to my chest. Btw, I know nothing about pleural effusions, so can't help you there.

TarheelMichelle

Advice is to ask for a CT scan immediately. Your breast cancer history is enough to get you to the front of the line. (As opposed to a chest X-ray, which in my case showed nothing and just delayed my diagnosis.) My metastasis was on the opposite side from the breast that had cancer. If your primary care doctor is putting you off, call your surgeon or radiation oncologist. You need docs to work with you not against you. Good luck.

Leah_S

Lily, another idea is to see a pulmonologist. His/her specialty is lungs so that's probably the best way to get answers to what's happening. I don't know what the symptoms of pleural effusion are, but something is going on and you need to know what.

And I agree, if your doc won't listen to your lungs when you have ongoing breathing problems you need a new doc. Even without a BC historythat's unacceptable.

Best of luck.

Leah

bevin

Pleural effusion can be picked up easily on a normal xray as well.  I had a loved one who had them several times and each time a normal xray showed the fluid build up in the lungs. They first tried reducing the fluid with high levels of dieuretics and then did a thorancentisis. Removed 1000 cc of fluid from lung the first time and second time 800 cc.  My dear famil member had immediate relief after the thorancentis which was done outpatient. The fluid is kept of the lungs now with a daily dose of flueresimide 20mg.

Good luck, I'd at minimum insist on an xray. Those are cheap and pick up most effusions according to family members pulmonologist.  I hope you begin to feel better and find out whats causing your symptoms.

soleil505

I had liquid on both lungs and in shoulder.  It was not a pleural effusin.  Doctors drained it anyway and it sure helped my breahing   Do you have a pulmonologist/\? 

Rdrunner

A regular x ray will show an effusion. Pleural effusions depends on the size and type in terms of symptoms. At the very least the doc should listen to chest ( you dont always hear an effusion) and order a chest x ray.

chocolatesalad

Hi Lily

I understand... I feel for you.

I'm dealing with lung issues as we speak. Thoracentesis was my treatment for shortness of breath until this last time it did no good--that's when the pulmonologist was called. Do you have a pulmonologist? If not, please look into getting one ASAP. Also, if you don't feel you're getting adequate care from your oncologist, you should find a new one.  I have found out from my own experience... that as a patient, I must often take the initiative-- we have to be pro-active and assertive, especially when doctors overlook things (they are human, and they do), etc. Hmmm, actually this applies to my life in general. lol

There is no need to feel guilty about wanting attentive, compassionate, and very good care... it's your right. Patient/ doctor rapport is also key. I left my first oncologist because of the poor communication/chemistry.

Not to cause alarm-- but doctors have many many patients, and in truth, aren't always on top of things. One has just one's self to look after(and that's no small feat!)--we owe it to ourselves to do what we must for the best possible care, because ultimately the patient is the one that makes the choice in his/her own treatment. Do what you can to advocate for yourself...

We need to be informed, ask questions-- get second opinions, and see it as a given that we should be listened to with respect for our concerns and needs.

Right now, I'm awaiting the surgeon's idea(s) for treating my left lung. Will decide later--much still up in the air.

Wishing you the best(NED)-- I hope you find the problem and it gets treated so you can feel comfortable.

Lily55

THank you - sadly I have no choice in Oncologist as not in USA and there is only one at my hospital and I do not have the option to change hospital....I am under impressed to put it mildly, took 6 months to get an appointment as cuts are biting in health care here.....seriously, I had to wait 9 months for results of a body scan.......and then I had to really battle for it and complain and complain.....

Went to my primary care doctor and now waiting for chest X-Ray, I know there is something wrong but not sure what as I do have slight mitral valve prolapse in heart anyway......but its like pushing water uphill.

Now I have stopped hormones on my own initiaitve I do feel I have more energy but I resent having to spend it battling with systems who should be WANTING to care for me............but I will get to the bottom of this.....