Pleural Effusion Concern

Hi Everyone.

I joined the group, or tried repeatedly too, in 2014 but could never get my password to work. However I found the conversations and info very helpful while going through Stage 3a BC. By the end of 2014 I thought the Ca diagnosis was behind me. Fast forward to Dec 2020 and not so sure! It has taken almost 6 months to get my GP to believe I am having incredible pain in my back. ( New GP as my Dr retired early 2020. ). GP eventually ordered an e-ray and MRI to get me off his back. X-ray showed spinal Stenosis, Dr not too concerned. MRI two weeks ago showed 3 compression fractures in my neck and pleural effusion. Suddenly the Dr believed me and now has a full spinalMRI scheduled, a full bone scan and a CAT scan for my lungs. This waiting is the pits. Will be so glad when results are back and know the plans of action. Would be great if they can get the pain under control too! It means a lot to know you ladies understand the frustration and the worry.

Cytology is as follows: "Positive for malignancy. Rare malignant cells present consistent with metastatic mammary carcinoma."

So, yeah. That sucks.

Thank you Moth and LaughingGull for your support. GR4C1E. I am Sorry to hear you test results, certainly not what you were hoping for Sending hugs and positive thoughts your way. You beat it once, and can do again.

I just spoke with my MO (man, this is taking too long!) and now he's sending me for a biopsy. Here's what I know so far:

In the pleural fluid:

TTF was negative, meaning no lung cancer

GATA was positive for breast cancer (malignant)

PET scan (head to knees) shows the three masses in the lungs and one lymph node in the middle of my chest is enlarged - but all my other bits and pieces were clear of cancer. Bones are also clear. (big sigh of relief)

The cells collected during the thoracentesis were not sufficient to make a treatment plan. So back to the hospital for a biopsy, which is pretty much done the same way as the thoracentesis, with lidocaine through the back and into the lung. Upside: no surgery. Even better upside: depending on the genetic make-up of the tumor biopsy, I might not need chemo either but we'll know more when the biopsy results are done.

So, now more waiting for the hospital to call and schedule the biopsy.

Unfortunately my breathing is worsening and MO thinks the pleural effusion is coming back so I might have to have another thoracentesis to relieve the pressure in my chest which he said they would do when I went for the biopsy.

I'm starting to get anxious. I just want a treatment plan and then I'll relax!

I had the biopsy on Wednesday of last week, right before the holiday, so I wasn't surprised that I didn't hear anything last week. BUT, now I'm waiting again, and what's worse is OTHER PEOPLE, you know, the "cancer-free" crowd giving me advice. I have stopped giving them updates because their uneducated words of encouragement are really pissing me off! Yes, I have successfully crossed over into the anger stage of this process.

The biopsy was surprisingly easy. I had braced myself for pain, but the only thing I felt was the lidocaine (little pinch, little burn). I also had some Versed and Fentanyl on board, so although I was awake, I felt nothing and all I heard was the click each time the Dr. took another sample. Four in all. He said I had a "tiny" lung collapse around the biopsy site, but it resolved itself and they discharged me an hour earlier than expected. From the time that I arrived to the time I was back home in my own bed was four hours. Easy peasy!

And now we wait! (and try not to slap well meaning cancer-free people giving stupid advice) Yep, definitely knee deep in the anger stage.

I think a support group is in order. I need to be around my people.

Just spoke with my MO. I'm starting Abraxane this week. Waiting for the call to have a port implanted. Yeesh. Here we go again. The biopsy confirmed TNBC mets in my right lung. Also, MO suggested we might redo the BRCA test. Said the newer tests look for more genetic markers than when I had it in 2011. I guess it's time to jump to a Mets board!

On an up note: I did find a Mets support group in my area and it currently meets twice a month on Zoom.

Thanks, moth.

And I don't know about immunotherapy just yet. My understanding is we are starting with Abraxane. The way I understood my MO is that the new BRCA test and outstanding pathology on the biopsy would give more information to make that decision. When I spoke with him I got the understanding that there were enough test results to start therapy, but there was still information he was waiting for from the biopsy. I think he was saying that not all the biopsy pathology reports were complete, and that new information with the BRCA info might change, or enhance the course of treatment. My head is still spinning, BUT my port was installed yesterday so I'm good to go! I'm ready to try anything. I'm just waiting for the MO office to call with my treatment schedule, then it's off to the races!