Lung filled with fluid.

Psjeepster
Psjeepster Member Posts: 63
in Lung Cancer #1

Back in 2016. My dad was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, large B cell lymphoma, kidney carcinoma, and clear cell kidney carcinoma. It was a hard fight and we almost lost him several times. He won. Was cancer free until about 4 months ago. The kidney cancer came back in the form of lung cancer. They caught it early and did radiation treatment. All treatment has been done for a couple of months. Everything looked good. 

Now he is in the hospital. His lung filled up with fluid. His cancer doctor said in a small percentage of patients this happens and they don't know why. 

Because of covid I can not go to the hospital to check on him. My dad is getting old and doesn't understand everything he is being told. He also won't ask questions. 

 

Has anyone experienced their lung filling up with fluid after cancer treatment. 

Will this happen again. 

Can someone share their experience with me so I have a better understanding. 

 

Thanks!

 

Comments

  • Rabbit_B
    Rabbit_B Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2021 #2
    Mine did not fill up until

    Mine did not fill up until after radiation.  I had radiation last June,And Afterwards it started to fill.  By November It was in such bad shape that I was having a horrible time breathing Because there was so much fluid.  I had a large pleural effusion That was drained in the office. Yes, it was painful, oBut seemed to do the trick. Unfortunately upon analysis of the fluid, they discovered that it was full of cancer in my pleural area.  That means that my lung cancer had metastasized from both lungs into the pleural area of 1 of my lungs.  It just so happens that it was the long that was radiated.  I ended up in the hospital Between Christmas and new year's Because I could not breathe anymore From that area.  Since it had filled up extremely rapidly And Look like it was going to continue to fill up repeatedly until the cancer in the pleural area was killed I have had a pleurx drain tube inserted into my chest.  Right now we drain the fluid from the pleural area every week here at home.  I am now back in chemo like I was 2 years ago, But a completely different regiment and it's making me sick as a dog.  Apparently, pleural effusions are not uncommon with lung cancer.  They can usually be drained easily in an office, what is unusual is how fast mine comes back, Necessitating continuous drainage.  I had two options. The drain permanently put in my chest, or going into the doctor's office once a week and having them do it. I live way out in the country And Getting a weekly appointment for drainage Is very Difficult.  Sometimes, or pleural effusion will correct itself.  If your father's effusion does not do that, then ask how you can get it drained.  Most likely,They can do it right there .

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