Repeated Fluid Build up

choosehope
choosehope Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
Does anyone have experience with the build up of fluid surrounding the lung that was effected by cancer and then radiation? I concluded treatement in mid-December 2009. In mid-March of this year I was in the hospital with pneumonia and they tapped the lung. Since then, I've had 3 more drainings. The doctors say the company line 'everyone is different' and can't say if this will continue. I hate to complain because I'm doing fine otherwise, but the fluid build up is bothersome. I just wanted some feedback from people who've been there. Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    #2
    Fluid build up
    I have not had this problem but many others here have and there are several forums with information regarding this subject. You can type in the search box on the discussion board page (just type in fluid build up around lung) and it will bring you to a page that lists several different posts regarding this problem or you can cut and paste the address below and it will bring you to a post about fluid build up. From what I have read this is not an unusual problem.

    http://csn.cancer.org/node/186508

    I hope this helps.

    Take care and stay strong,
    Glenna
  • choosehope
    choosehope Member Posts: 12
    #3
    Glenna M said:

    Fluid build up
    I have not had this problem but many others here have and there are several forums with information regarding this subject. You can type in the search box on the discussion board page (just type in fluid build up around lung) and it will bring you to a page that lists several different posts regarding this problem or you can cut and paste the address below and it will bring you to a post about fluid build up. From what I have read this is not an unusual problem.

    http://csn.cancer.org/node/186508

    I hope this helps.

    Take care and stay strong,
    Glenna

    Fluid build up
    Thanks Glenna, I'll take a look. I knew someone on this site could help! I hope all is going well for you.
  • grandmado
    grandmado Member Posts: 10
    #4
    fluid buildup
    Last week I hAd my 8th Thoracentesis done due to fluid buildup. I completed rad/chemo in 2004 and have COPD so I can expect fluid buildup every 3 to 6 months. I don't mind it as it only takes a few minutes and is done as an outpatient. It could be worse so I'll take what I can get. Ask your doctor about getting the Talc procedure. Supposedly this seals up the space that fills with fluid.
  • choosehope
    choosehope Member Posts: 12
    #5
    grandmado said:

    fluid buildup
    Last week I hAd my 8th Thoracentesis done due to fluid buildup. I completed rad/chemo in 2004 and have COPD so I can expect fluid buildup every 3 to 6 months. I don't mind it as it only takes a few minutes and is done as an outpatient. It could be worse so I'll take what I can get. Ask your doctor about getting the Talc procedure. Supposedly this seals up the space that fills with fluid.

    Fluid build up
    Thanks Grandmado. I hope I can go 3-6 months between drainings, I will be very happy with that! I do not have any other breathing issues, only shortness of breath when the fluid builds up. They usually drains a liter to 1.4 liters each time. I use military facilities for all my care and they seem reluctant to use the talc procedure, though they have mentioned it. They are more inclined to suggest a drain tube be inserted and I drain the fluid myself. I don't like that idea so I hope to continue having it drained once a month or so. Like you said, it doesn't take long and not really painful.
    Thanks for the info and good luck to you.
  • choosehope
    choosehope Member Posts: 12
    #6
    grandmado said:

    fluid buildup
    Last week I hAd my 8th Thoracentesis done due to fluid buildup. I completed rad/chemo in 2004 and have COPD so I can expect fluid buildup every 3 to 6 months. I don't mind it as it only takes a few minutes and is done as an outpatient. It could be worse so I'll take what I can get. Ask your doctor about getting the Talc procedure. Supposedly this seals up the space that fills with fluid.

    Fluid build up
    Thanks Grandmado. I hope I can go 3-6 months between drainings, I will be very happy with that! I do not have any other breathing issues, only shortness of breath when the fluid builds up. They usually drains a liter to 1.4 liters each time. I use military facilities for all my care and they seem reluctant to use the talc procedure, though they have mentioned it. They are more inclined to suggest a drain tube be inserted and I drain the fluid myself. I don't like that idea so I hope to continue having it drained once a month or so. Like you said, it doesn't take long and not really painful.
    Thanks for the info and good luck to you.
  • choosehope
    choosehope Member Posts: 12
    #7
    grandmado said:

    fluid buildup
    Last week I hAd my 8th Thoracentesis done due to fluid buildup. I completed rad/chemo in 2004 and have COPD so I can expect fluid buildup every 3 to 6 months. I don't mind it as it only takes a few minutes and is done as an outpatient. It could be worse so I'll take what I can get. Ask your doctor about getting the Talc procedure. Supposedly this seals up the space that fills with fluid.

    Fluid build up
    Thanks Grandmado. I hope I can go 3-6 months between drainings, I will be very happy with that! I do not have any other breathing issues, only shortness of breath when the fluid builds up. They usually drains a liter to 1.4 liters each time. I use military facilities for all my care and they seem reluctant to use the talc procedure, though they have mentioned it. They are more inclined to suggest a drain tube be inserted and I drain the fluid myself. I don't like that idea so I hope to continue having it drained once a month or so. Like you said, it doesn't take long and not really painful.
    Thanks for the info and good luck to you.

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