Hi everyone-
I had my first pleurodesis to my left lung back in April, 2009. At the time, the surgeon told me that he drained over a liter of fluid from my left lung. I felt a little better but not 100%. I am now again experiencing shortness of breath and have to take frequent rest breaks while I am walking short distances. I do not feel any pain or anything out of the ordinary other than these 2 symptoms. Now, I might have to consider a a second pleurodesis and I did not have a great experience with the first one. Would anyone specifically know any other side effects caused by a build-up of fluid in the lungs? Could this be a potential fluid build-up or similar to something else? Please let me know what you think. Thank you so very much!
With Love-
Nicole (Coley)
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Has anyone had more than 1 pleurodesis??
- By Coley
- Posted October 31, 2009 at 2:48 pm · 4 replies
- In Non-small cell lung cancer - Stage IV
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- By Mar24
- Posted October 31, 2009 at 7:51 pm
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When they did the first pleurodesis did they ever talk about doing the talc procedure? If they haven't ask about it. I only had to have one pleurodesis and then I had the VATS procedure where they also did the talc procedure. What that is, is where they take the lung and basically seal it against the chest wall so no fluid can ever get in or build up. It works for most people but sometimes as any procedure some people it doesn't. Since I have had mine done in 2007 I have not had any fluid build back up. Just a thought. I agree the pleurodesis is not something that is fun but I know I sure felt a heck of a lot better after they got the 2 liters out of me.
Many prayers to you.
Maribeth
- By Coley
- Posted November 1, 2009 at 9:16 pm
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Hi Maribeth-
Thank you so much for your prompt response and feedback. I will definitely look into the talc procedure since I do remember that it was mentioned prior to the surgery.
Many prayers to you-
Nicole
- By casepres
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 11:27 am
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I would also recommend asking about the talc procedure. My husband had two pleurodesis procedures prior to the talc procedure. Each removed 2+ liters of fluid. The explanation our surgeon and oncologist provided for the talc:
1. It closes the space where the fluid has been accumulating.
2. It provides an opportunity to take photos of the lung lining.
3. It provides a good biopsy for further analysis before chemo.
4. It drains the current fluid
Side effects for my 50 year old husband--two days of hospital stay, needed to "reinflate the lung", labored breathing for a week or more, some pain (it is not natural for the lung and the lining to be stuck together.)
Postive results for us!
- By Coley
- Posted November 2, 2009 at 9:05 pm
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Casepres-
Thanks for your information as well with the talc procedure. I will certainly talk to my oncogolistand/or surgeon about it and find out all that I can. So glad to hear that they were all positive results.
God Bless-
Nicole
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