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fluid around the lungs

I had a chest CT scan last week and was told that there is a large collection of fluid behind my right lung.  I have noticed the shortness of breath with any activity so tomorrow I go in to have this evaluated for a potential tap.

Has anyone ever had this done?  I've had several paracentisis done for the  ascites but never experinenced a pulmonary tap.  Currently on Carboplatin and Gemzar and I think it's too early to tell how effective they have been.  My ca125 numbers are no longer accurate.

If anyone has any info they want to share, please feel free.

Christa
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158061 tn?1202678326
Glad to hear it went so well.  It must have been scary when you started coughing.  I hope it doesn't fill up  again on you also.  All the best to you
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Avatar universal
Thanks for all the good input.  The procedure went fine and was pretty painless until my lung reinflated and I started to cough.  It was hard to catch my breath, all of this going on while the doctor is still withdrawing fluid.  But being able to breath normally is so great now, I didn't realize how compromised I was.  I hoping it doesn't fill up again.

Christa
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Avatar universal
Hello Christa - just to add to the others - I had my left lung done a few weeks ago in a London hospital and I'm OK now.  Luckily they gave me a general anaesthetic so it wasn't uncomfortable - was in for 4 days until they felt all the drainage had been achieved.  Best of luck, Jenny
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Avatar universal
I had my left lung drained about 5 weeks ago.  The worse part was when they took the needle out and the lung reinflated.  Was bad about 10 minutes.  But, it felt so good to be able to breath.  Had chest x-ray two weeks ago and the lung is 1/3 filled again.  had CT scan yesterday (checkign for everything) but won't have resylts until Friday.  The best thing, is now I know what to watch far and I can tell the lung is filling again.  At elast you kow what it is.  I also looked it up and it is called "secondary cancer" - ovarian not lung.  This fluid is on the outside of the lung.  Had six tretments of Topotecan as Gemzar/Carbo didn't work for me.  will know of Friday is this has worked.  Hang in there!  Yvonne
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16702 tn?1234090645
I, too, had fluid in right lung and caused shortness of breath, prior to being diagnosed...Pleural in right lower lung is what dr called it.. Doctor numbed my back and inserted a needle and drained as much as possible, then tested as OC stage 4..It was a little painful and had to sit still, not move.  Was a great relief to have it drained, didn't realize how heavy my lung felt.  Since then, when I am scheduled for an xray, I asked that I be allowed to pose in non-conventional possition as I was told that the fluid tends to **** around the lung and may not be caught in the standard pose.  Now on carbo/taxol and no more fluid in lung knock on wood...
Sending positive energy to you.
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Avatar universal
Hello Christa,  I had my left lung done back in January. I am not sure how bad your is they can either tap it in the doctors office or you have to be put in the hospital.  I was put in the hospital because my whole left lung was filled with fluid and all most not working at all.  But what they did for me was insert a tube on your left side and hook you up to this small machine and it drains the fluid out.  If I remember correctly they took out gallons two or more I just can't remember but I lost 10 pounds when they were done.  Then before they take the tube out they insert some kind of tac and it fills in the space so the fluid will not bulid up again.  This is all done at your bed side.  Then they do chest X rays everyday to see where the fluid is.  So far it worked for me, because now I have some fluid on my right side but not enough to get drained yet.  I hope the Avastin and Cytoxan I am on now will take of the fluid.  But I also get short of breath when moving around.  But the Avastin and Chemo can cause the same thing.  I hope all goes well for you tomorrow.  My thoughts and prayer will be you.

Diane
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your encouragement. God is the one who is giving me the strength to fight back this beast.  I talked with my doctor today and it doesn't sound like the thoracentisis will be too bad.

Christa
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Avatar universal
I have no experience to share, but I do want to tell you that you are in my thoughts always.  This monster refuses to sleep long enough for you to be able to take a breath.  It's not like you haven't already gone through enough....it just keeps on comming.....but, you are one hell of a fighter.....you just keep slapping it right back!  An example for us all....you are one incredible woman.  Please know you are in my thoughts, heart and prayers.  I hope all goes well for you tomorrow and that it is easier than you imagine.
Peace.
dian
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