Another Pleural effusion

Anonymous

Another Pleural effusion

round2alma

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Hi. I feel a little awkward bc I've been trolling this site for a while without posting. I have stage IV ductal carcinoma breast cancer. I was diagnosed almost 7 years ago. My case was textbook; I found the lump in the shower while performing my monthly breast exam. Fast forward 7 years, a double mastectomy and reconstruction after chemo and radiation, plus twice in remission. Last week my doctor said it was time to start looking at clinical trials and hospice care. For that reason alone I'm freaking out over here because I just don't feel that sick. My major complaint right now would be these recurring pleural effusions. It seems every few months I have to have a thorasentisis. My doctor said some people have them done weekly. I'm sorry for rambling here, it's just that I'm nervous about the uncertainty and now I feel a lot of pressure on the right side of my back near the injection site. No pain, just pressure like someone is standing on my back. In the past, I always have chest pain immediately following the thoracentisis and gurgling sounds for a day or so but never back issues. I'm concerned that another pleural effusion is starting again already. Anyone out there experiencing my symptoms?

Chicagoan

I had back pain after thorocentesis-a strong cramping feeling. So sorry you are going through this. Has your doctor offered the option of having a catheter inserted so that you could have the drainage done at home instead of having to go through the procedure at the hospital?

I hope that you can find a trial that will put the cancer back into remission.

Kandy

I am really not in your position at all, but I wanted you to know I would be praying for a good clinical trial/treatment to come along for you. Hang in there.

cive

I had bi-lateral pleural effusions starting two years ago.  I did have a catheter put in first one side then the other to drain them until they finally stuck together so the liquid couldn't get in.  I was on warfarin so to get a thoracentesis I had to stop taking it for five days and on/off is not good when you're taking warfarin.  I was well enough after about a year with the catheters that I was able to start jogging again.  I was one of those people who would have to have weekly thoracentesis so it really wasn't feasible with the warfarin.

For me it was a good way to go, but other's have had a different experience.  Pat2 any words for her?

The pain (mine was accompanied by coughing) is your lung re-inflating.  Parts of your lung collapse to make room for the liquid.

Sadiesservant

I have a right pleural effusion which is now somewhat resolved I think (apparently I have a lot of loculated fluid still). I did have two thoracentesis done at the beginning but like Cive, I then had a PleurX Catheter inserted to allow for draining twice a week. Without the catheter I would have needed frequent thoracentesis to keep the volume of liquid under control (at one point they took almost three litres of fluid off).

I don't recall any back pain with the thoracentesis. Just the coughing and pain associated with the lung reinflating. I did have pain in my back when the nurses drained my lung as soon as they go to the point that the lung was nearing being empty. I would get this pain that shot up my back on the right side. It turns out that I now have a lot of adhesions laid down like septa in the pleural space at the back where the catheter was (it's out now) which is likely why the catheter stopped draining the fluid.

The pleural effusion is not cause for major concern. There are several ladies on this site who have done well for years after having a PE. It would be helpful if you added your treatment information to your profile. There are some very knowledgable members who may be able to suggest treatment options or trials.

Pat

round2alma

Thank you so much.

RosesToeses

Did they do a chest X Ray to follow-up?  I just had thoracentesis so the list of possible complications is at the top of my mind!  But it wouldn't hurt to talk to pulmonary (or IR or your onc depending on who was the point person) and make sure you don't have any complications like internal bleeding or something--probably you don't but good to rule things like that out if you can. Good luck!