Pleural effusion question

Hi Sportymom

Ugh pleural effusions are no fun - not that any of this is fun. The breathlessness is the worst - espcially if you're used to zooming about. In my case the breathlessness was the first sign I had that something was wrong. I had been twelve years cancer free so it was devastating to find it not only in my pleural sapce and lungs, but scans showed tumours in my liver and bones. But I look at it as without the pleural effusion I would not have found out about the tmours elsewhere.

Pleural effusions from what I understand can be managed - starting in February mine was drained every 2-3 weeks as an outpatient via thoracentesis, while I started hormone treatment. In April I had an IPC inserted and had bi-weekly drains until May when the volume of fluid had reduced. I then had the talc inserted and continued with regular drains until August which is when the fluid had pretty much dried up and the pleural space had sealed itself. It's now October and aside from the scar the IPC is a distant memory And with the IPC and the regular drainage my breathing was SO much easier.

I hope that helps somewhat - like this whole journey there are ups and downs and there were days when I had huge downs (especially if my fluid levels went up). As an example I had a CXR prior to the IPC removal which showed there was a miniscule amount of fluid, but I became so worried and paranoid after the removal that my doctor gave me another CXR five days after removal - this showed there was even less than a miniscule amount of fluid! So if you're worried ask questions, but most importantly remember be kind to yourself, allow yourself to be sad, angry, and the whole raft of emotions. Remember that you are not alone - we are all here for you. xx

Oh Sportymom I'm so sorry to welcome you to the Stage IV crew. What you are going through right now is so hard and uncertain, and trying to see the light amongst the dark must feel almost impossible. Please know that it does get easier - several women on this board told me this in February and I could not see how it would. But here I am in October and everything feels different. Give yourself and your family time to come to terms with this new reality.

The community on these boards has been so helpful for me - here's a short thread with some advice I received when I was struggling: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topics/...

As much as you are able get a great medical team around you, get a second or third opinion if you want (remember you are the one in charge here). And on that note my motto is don't let your cancer define who you are. You are so much more than the cancer.

Reach out for help and support whenever you need it - these boards have been great. Find people who are supportive and positive - everyone reacts and copes differently so try and surround yourself with those people who lift you up rather than drag you down.

Sending you a massive hug all the way from New Zealand xx

Hi Sportmom

Know that I'm here if you need It's the hardest thing facing a cancer diagnosis when you have young children, and too much spare time when your mind can wander and go to dark places is absolutely tough. In the early days when I was anticipating the absolute worst I was sent this quote "What do you know, and what do you just believe?" which helped me bring my mind and thoughts back on track.

Try and notice the times where you feel better, or find simple joy in things - you will find as time goes on they will increase and the darkness will lessen.

Keep in touch - you can PM me if it's easier - and let me know how you are doing.

xx