pleural drain

Living with secondary breast cancer Treatments and medical issues
1

Hello

Early this year I had shortness of breath which an x-ray showed was down to fluid in right pleural cavity which turned out to contain secondary breast cancer. Apart from chemo and other stuff, I need to have the fluid drained regularlty so had a tube inserted in March. It was about 800mls 3 times a week now down to 400 once a week. The chest consultant is talking about a procedure called pluerodesis that sticks the lining of the pleura together to give the fluild nowhere to go. However - it must have to go somewhere! HAs anyone had this procedure and at what level of fluid did you have it? Also what sort of preparation did you have and were you admitted to hospital or treated as out patiient?   Thanks in advance for any info. I have asked my breast cncer nurse but her reply is ‘we are led by the chest team’, and the chest team has just said it is a normal thing to do, but have not said why it is right for me at this point

2

Hi

Sorry to hear you are suffering with pleural  effusion. It’s not something I have experience of but I know of a couple of secondary ladies who do have lung mets and I’m sure at least one of them has had this procedure done. I hope she might see your post and offer you first hand experience and information. All I remember is that once she had it done it did help but I don’t have any more details than that.

Nicky x

3

Hi ,I had this procedure,which really helped with my breathing, stayed in hospital 2 days. Now on capecitabine,(chemo tabs). First scan 3 months ago, promising, 2nd scan next week, fingers crossed still all going well.  But constantly worried as any ache or pain causes panic thinking things are getting worse !