Cynthia's question for friend

[cynthia46]

I am not sure this would be in the category of breast cancer.  I hope not.  But my question is for my dear friend and mentor.  She recently has had fluid drawn from her chest cavity not her lungs but between her lungs and rib cage.  Twice now its been over a liter each time.  The doctor told her to come back on the 15th and they will check her again.  She is on perkcaset (sp).  I don't know how t spell the meds. She is hurting she says more in her back upper back area than anything else.  Heavy feeling.  What do you make of it?

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Removal of pleural fluid is not like biopsy because what you get is the pleural fluid for examination whereas in a biopsy you get the pleural tissue. Also like i said this seems recurring pleural effusion - so removing pleural fluid once will help with the pain and breathlessness, but the effect is short lasting. The pleural fluid will then come again and so will he symptoms. The appropriate treatment will depend on the confirmed diagnosis. You need to discuss all the options that you have with your doctor. You are in fact doing a great turn by being there for your friend.

[cynthia46]

Thanks I saw her today she looked okay.  But she was really not feeling well I could tell.  She said pleural effusion was what her doctor talked about as a possibility.  I told her I would like to see the report too if she didn't mind?  She said okay and told me she was feeling better.  Dr. Bhumka I know better, she was hurting.  Is this pleuarl effusion curable? I thought when they drew the fluid and sent it off to get a diagnois I thought this was like a biopsy, its not?  Thank you so much for your reply.  I was so impressed all the ?'s you have its a bit over whelming, yes?  I will say an extra pray for you guys answering all our (meaning everyones) ?'s.   It reminds me of Jesus listening to everyone praying all day long.  The enormity of it all.  I wish I was smart enough to help you guys help other people.  But I don't have the knowledge nor degree.  I am working on one Bach. in Psychology at Liberty University.  Maybe someday I will be able to help people too!  Thank you again...May God put special blessings on your mind and your hands be anointed.  I am not sure you believe in all this stuff.  But from the bottom of my heart I believe and know he is so real.  And just because people don't believe doesn't mean its not so.  I have so many prayers answered some are not.  I don't question.  I just pray.  

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Recurrent pleural effusion on one side only needs to be investigated further. If the fluid still develops again , your surgeon will have to take a biopsy of the pleura or the layer covering the lung to come to a definite diagnosis. But you need to keep a copy of all the reports with you and a record of all the investigations done. Goodluck.

[cynthia46]

Hi,
I forgot to tell you the doctor said something about doing exploritory surgery if it keeps filling up with fluid.  Her cavity area in the chest.  He said, He does not know where the fluid is coming from?

[cynthia46]

Yes she is on meds.  She takes Prozac  for depression and eye drops for glocoma.  Other than that not that she has ever mentioned.  Except for now the pain killers.  Yes they sent the fluid in for lab work.  No I don't have a copy of the report.  And yes it is on her left side only, at thi time.  No past history to mention of at this time.  Will try and get copy of report so you can give more detail information.  Thank you for quick response.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Do you know if your friend is on any other medication? Was the fluid that was removed sent for lab examination? Do you have a copy of the report? Is the fluid on one side or on both sides? From what you describe this is Pleural effusion or fluid in the pleural cavity - the cavity surrounding the lungs. Does she have any past medical history? The answers to the above question are required if a diagnosis needs to established. If you dont have the answers, discuss this in detal with your physician about what he/she thinks it is and what do the lab reports say. Get a copy of the reports for sure. Goodluck.