Is return of fluid to abdomen common?

My Mom went for a CT scan in late November to see if carbo/taxol was working (for stage III).  Her belly was very large (like a 9 month pregnant woman).  The doctor said that he thought the carbo/taxol was not working, so he has opted for her to start Doxil.  At that time, he indicated that he was not optimistic that she had fluid in the belly (they wanted to make her more comfortable, but did not think they could).  They were telling us that the CT scan indicated that it was "all mass."

Last week, she had Doxil for the first time.  So far she is tolerating it well.  We begged the nurse to order an ultrasound to see if they could relieve any of the pressure from her abdomen.  Again, they said they were not optimisitc.  WELL.......she went for the ultrasound on Tuesday and they DID find excess fluid.  They removed 8 liters of fluid from her belly.  EIGHT LITERS!  All mass, my @#%!  She felt so amazing after that visit.  Her belly went down and she was able to get a good night sleep for a change.

Today, one week later, we're starting to see her belly grow again.  It's getting hard to the touch and she gained a few pounds back (she lost 18 lbs after they removed the fluid last week).  

Is it common to have to undergo frequent visits to remove fluid?  Has anyone had to do this more often than not?

I am so grateful for this forum.  You ladies are my sanity.  I pray for you all and what you are going through.  You are all so amazing and strong!

[Brownie3321]

I am not a doctor but I do think fluid can continue to build up even after drained. I am so happy she felt some relief and will be praying her stomach will go down. With love, Deandra

[Curious Daughter]

Thanks.  I hope it is more common than not.  This is the first time since she was diagnosed that something went right for her - finding out the mass was smaller than the doctor thought.  So, if we have to go back every month to get this done, it's the least we can do!

I've read your posts on this forum.  I wish you lots of luck too.  My prayers are with you as continue to fight this horrible battle.

Hugs to you,
Debra

[dustinsmom2]

i also get alot of fluid, it can be uncomfortable, but at least for ur mom it was not what the doctor thought. i am happy that things are working out and i will pray that they continue to do so

[Curious Daughter]

Do you have to get your fluid removed periodically?  I just wonder how often she would have to do this procedure.

Thanks for the well wishes.  My prayers and thoughts are with you too.

Debra

[Val_in_KY]

I am so glad I read your comment.  My mom has been suffering since November from what the oncologist said was air in her abdominal cavity.  I have always just felt like it was fluid.  Now I am going to call tomorrow and insist on an ultrasound of her belly!  Thanks and I will add you to my prayer list
Another Daughter - Val in KY

[Kimchi]

I was told by my onc that it takes about 4-5 cycles for the chemo meds to take care of fluid build up.  I My fluid was abdomen area and in one lung area making me have shortness of breath.  Had fluid in lung drained only after getting the run around, saw lung specialist who had me pose sideways and with arm up as she said that if I had fluid in my lung it would shift and standard pose may not catch it. During chemo may have had some build up but chemo dried it up again.  As for the fluid in my adbomen it was pointed out to me by OBGYN during ultrasound before dx and was told possible cancer.
Not sure your Mom's onc is on top of things.  she had so much fluid that it should have been drained earlier if not noticed by onc earlier.
After 12 cyles of carbo/taxol I have no swelling in stomach or breathing difficulties anymore.

[YvonneS]

Man, I don't understand this!   I have had the fluid (ascites) drained from my abdomen 3 times in 2 months.  This is CANCER.  It only takes about 20 minutes to remove it.  I can't believe your doctor missed this.  My Ono pointed it out to me at once.  He said he doesn't like to remove it more than once a month as it depletes the protain in the body.  But, it does make you miserable and he has not hesitated to get the fluid off.  Good luck to you!