Fluid in the lungs

    My Drs visit on Mon was not real productive. He decided to take me of of the cisplatin due to protein in my urine. Even though a recent kidney ultasound showed everything was fine, he was afraid that the cisplatin might be begining to cause some kidney damage and he decided not to take any chances. I also had a CT scan that day and my CA drawn. When I talked to them yesterday, my CA is back up to over 1300 and the CT scan showed the pelvis and abdomen looked fine but there was some fluid in my lungs. The nurse told me that he would discuss all of this with me when I go back on the 27th and that I would be started on 2 different chemo drugs though she did not tell me which ones. What I am curious about is the fluid in my lungs. I have been feeling fine other that the chemo side effects so I was wondering if anyone had any idea about the fluid and what might be causing it, and what they might do about it.
    Thanks, Chris

[PPhelps]

I can't answer your question, but know that you always in my thoughts and prayers. May this new chemo be good (no side effects) for you, and knock the cr*p out the cancer. Take Care, Paula

P.S. Stay safe from all these nasty storms we're having.

[fungirl1011]

Chris, I am so sorry that you are going through all of this ****.  I have no answer to your question, but you may want to message Gail about it.  I know she has had to deal with this in the past.  Please know that I am praying and thinking of you.  I'm sorry we were not able to get together and have lunch.  I hope your new chemo is successful and had not so many side effects.  I hope it doesn't storm anymore.  I am ready for some sunshine!

[JC145]

Wish I had an answer for you .. keeping you in my prayers.  Judy

[ireneo]

How is your heart doing through all of this? I know some chemo treatments can affect the heart as well. And that could contribute to pulmonary edema. Perhaps they'll be able to control it with diuretics like they do with heart patients.

[VANative]

Hi Chris,
I so wish you and all of the ladies here didnt have to deal with this.  Fluid in the lungs is something my mom has had since she was diagnosed.  Mom had fluid in her abdomen and pelvic area and when they diagnosed her it had also spread to the lining of her lung. For mom, Its really wasnt in the lung, but in the pleural lining around it.  Apparently, when there is fluid in the abdomen, it can travel through small holes that are in the diaphragm and enter the lining of the lung.
Her Dr likes to  rely on chemo to reduce the fluid. However, hers increased and they had to tap the lung lining and drain it.  When her fluid increased she had a harder time breating, she was tired and her coloring didnt look well. The fluid was limiting her oxygen, but once she was drained, she felt better the next day! It doesnt sound like there is alot of fluid in yours, which is good.  It usually takes at least 2 rounds of chemo to start to reduce it.  My mom has always had a bit of fluid that never went away.  She has had to switch to a couple of different chemos because they were having no affect on the fluid.  I know everyone is different, but if this is what you have, I hope this was helpful for you.  Best wishes, Janice

[bohan54]

I also had pleural effusion and abdominal ascites.  Chemo took care of it the first time, feeling like it may be developing again.  Will keep you posted about how it is handled this time around.
Sharon

[crecco]

  Thank you alll for your input. So far I have been lucky as far as fluid build up goes so I am hoping that this will not amount to much. My Dr is getting ready to change my chemo so maybe that will get rid of it and hopefully it will not get any worse.
  Chris

[JC145]

Chris .. my MD said Avastin was really good for ascites .. don't know about the lungs, tho.  Good luck and God Bless ... Judy

[Tybear]

I had fluid in the base of my lungs before...I had no idea until I read it on a CT scan report! My doctor wasn't too worried about it though, so it must not have been too much.
Why can't your doctor use Carboplatin instead of cisplatin? Carboplatin is much easier on your kidneys...I know it costs more, but it doesn't have side effects as harsh as cisplatin. My doctor told me he put me on carbo because of the kidney issues I was having when I was first diagnosed.
I hope you get some answers soon...
Becky xx

[ladyjogger31]

I wish I had some information to help you but I don't. I want you to know that your in my thoughts and paryers. I hope the new chemo kicks butt and lowers your ca 125 with out any side effects.
Hugs, Terry