grating feeling when breathing

habber
habber Member Posts: 17
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi All,

DX stage IV ovarian through pleural effusion. Have only had 3 rounds of carbo/taxol. Due for surgery in about a month, so I don't know grade or type. Last chemo kicked my butt.

Having a grating feeling around both lungs when lying down. Fear it is cancer adhesions? there and that I will have a very sub-optimal debulking. Read they don't show on a CT scan. Very scared of surgery. I don't want to do it if my days are short.

I know several of you were also dx with effusion, how do I know if I have adhesions?

Thanks,

Sandy

Comments

  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #2
    they may show on a mri
    ask for one if you can. I think your next round of chemo should help with plueral effusion. Are you sure you don't have bronchitis or something else? Good luck and let us know what is going on..val
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #3
    Hi Sandy
    This grating feeling you describe - I have it too. I believe it is the feeling or sound of the actual fluid that is around your lung/s. I don't know this for sure as my oncologist is a gynae oncologist and doesn't seem to know much about lungs. But I am getting the "grating" feeling now and am trying to get it investigated. I will let you know what I find out. But I think it is the fluid and not adhesions.

    Let me know how youget on, take care Tina x
  • sarahb74
    sarahb74 Member Posts: 81 Member
    #4
    When I was first dx
    I had pleural effusions too which made a grating/rasping feeling which was worse when lying down. They drained one side and the chemo got rid the the rest. I think it took about 2-3 cycles before it cleared completely. My cancer has been back twice since then but no more pleural effusions so far. Don't know how you tell if its adhesions. Can't you speak to your onc about it?
  • habber
    habber Member Posts: 17
    #5
    sarahb74 said:

    When I was first dx
    I had pleural effusions too which made a grating/rasping feeling which was worse when lying down. They drained one side and the chemo got rid the the rest. I think it took about 2-3 cycles before it cleared completely. My cancer has been back twice since then but no more pleural effusions so far. Don't know how you tell if its adhesions. Can't you speak to your onc about it?

    Thanks, all.
    Poopergirl, Tina and sarahb74,

    It seems to be improving, but you're right, it could have been fluid.

    Got a call from the nurse today, she said the onc. "still wants to do surgery." August 11th or 12th and I have an appointment next week to talk about it. Now am wondering what she meant by "still"!? I'll do another thread for pre-surgery questions I should ask.

    Did you find out anything, Tina? Is everybody currently doing chemo?
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #6
    habber said:

    Thanks, all.
    Poopergirl, Tina and sarahb74,

    It seems to be improving, but you're right, it could have been fluid.

    Got a call from the nurse today, she said the onc. "still wants to do surgery." August 11th or 12th and I have an appointment next week to talk about it. Now am wondering what she meant by "still"!? I'll do another thread for pre-surgery questions I should ask.

    Did you find out anything, Tina? Is everybody currently doing chemo?

    I think the nurse has had
    I think the nurse has had previous contact with women who thought that by doing chemo, they were not going to have surgery--so she's in the habit of saying "still doing surgery." I wouldn't read into it too much.

    You WILL have the most optimal debulking surgery EVER and have an excellent recovery! I would be blowing up balloons several times/day to expand my lungs and force the fluid out of the pleural spaces before surgery.

    (((hugs)))

    Carolen
  • Beary
    Beary Member Posts: 9
    #7
    Tina Brown said:

    Hi Sandy
    This grating feeling you describe - I have it too. I believe it is the feeling or sound of the actual fluid that is around your lung/s. I don't know this for sure as my oncologist is a gynae oncologist and doesn't seem to know much about lungs. But I am getting the "grating" feeling now and am trying to get it investigated. I will let you know what I find out. But I think it is the fluid and not adhesions.

    Let me know how youget on, take care Tina x

    Ovarian cancer 4th stage
    Hi Tina,
    Love your picture. New kid on the block...........Not getting answers that I some times so disperately need. This site felt right to me. Can you tell me alittle bit about what your cancer involved. I finished my chemo April 26th...Debulking I found is not for sissy's.
    I am mostly positive...but do have my days.
    my concern now a hernia from surgery...Dr. watching - because it could not be good with my intestines involved, I am going to the Dr. Tuesday...because the hernia area does not feel right.
    Beary
  • Beary
    Beary Member Posts: 9
    #8
    Ovarian cancer
    Hi Habber,
    Been there done that Dec.31,2010...I am living with 4th stage oarian cancer - 4 days before the surgery was scheduled I decided to go ahead with the surgery, I was sooooooo afraid - I had wished I didn't read the fine lines...but after digesting - I did it.... It was challenging. My left lung is involved, drained twice, collaped once, my lung is involved. I diffantly have my days. I just found this site...feeling I needed to connect with others going thru the same as we are going thru and or cancers in general. My 3rd. bought / 23 yrs. ago breast cancer & chemo.
    We only have each other too share our fears...I am with you...I now am dealing with a hernia from surgery................I just keep on trucking with faith walking before me.
    Keep me posted.
    Beary
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #9
    habber said:

    Thanks, all.
    Poopergirl, Tina and sarahb74,

    It seems to be improving, but you're right, it could have been fluid.

    Got a call from the nurse today, she said the onc. "still wants to do surgery." August 11th or 12th and I have an appointment next week to talk about it. Now am wondering what she meant by "still"!? I'll do another thread for pre-surgery questions I should ask.

    Did you find out anything, Tina? Is everybody currently doing chemo?

    Grating in my chest
    This grating feeling seems to be under my lungs. Anyway I managed to see my GP (Primary care doctor) and after he did a physical exam sent me for a chest x-ray and an ultra-sound of my abdomen. I am now waiting for the results and will let you know what they reveal when I get them.

    Tina x

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