My husband, dx'd stage IIIb, adenocarcinoma lung ca July 2009. After six rounds carbo/alimta/avastin infusions, latest CT shows no change from previous CT (shrinkage of RUL tumor which may represent scar tissue only, resolving pleural effusion). So, now he will be receiving avastin every three weeks until next CT scan after second round. Although he's doing well (lots of fatigue), I am concerned about the pleural effusion and the fact that it is still there. Has anyone ever experienced this - and did it resolve on its own? The pleural effusion isn't causing any symptoms; and in speaking with his onc, I understand that there are treatments if he does become symptomatic. Hopefully, that will not be necessary.. Thank you all for all your support.
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Resolving pleural effusion
- By Florence2008
- Posted October 30, 2009 at 10:15 am · 6 replies
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- By henniferlyn
- Posted October 30, 2009 at 11:15 am
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My mom also had RUL tumor IIIb adenocarcinoma. After first round of tx she developed a pleural effusion on one side that eventually became quite large. They gave her steroids (prednisone) for several months and it mostly resolved. Her onc said it might never completely resolve, but it did. She later developed one on the other side (and a recurrence) but treatment reduced that one, too, and has kept it down. They do/can resolve and yes, there are ways to relieve the symptoms they cause. So sorry for your husband's ordeal and yours, too. It can be so scary to encounter and face all this stuff. If you have a good onc you trust, lean on him/her and ask all the questions you have.
- By cuddles53
- Posted October 30, 2009 at 7:02 pm
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Hi,
In answer to your question, I do have pleural effusions have had them all this time. I have shortness of breath, and I am on oxygen,. there is a procedure called the talc procedure that can be done if the fluid is extensive,m.ine has stayed the same so no treatment for a talc procedure has been offered to me, not enough to warrant the risk is what my oncologist told me. I am a survivor for 3 years and 9 months with this pleural effusion. so good luck, and god bless. Sandy
- By Florence2008
- Posted October 31, 2009 at 10:31 am
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Henniferlyn,
Thank you for sharing your Mom's story. Thankfully our onc is willing to answer all my questions and hopefully will continue to do so as my husband and I continue on our journey. And yes!! This is all so scary but tolerable so far with people like yourself who are willing to share, listen and console. Thank you. I hope your Mom continues to stay well.
Flo
- By Florence2008
- Posted October 31, 2009 at 10:42 am
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Sandy,
You are such an inspiration and have given me so much hope. When I initially heard the words "malignant pleural effusion", I felt my whole body go numb and a thousand thoughts seemed to go across my mind at once. Having had a little time to adjust to the dx, treatments and life style changes I realize that my husband is one of the more fortunate ones at this time. Thank you for sharing your story, courage and hope. God bless you, too. Flo
- By Mar24
- Posted October 31, 2009 at 8:04 pm
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I had the pleural effusion and my doc and I agreed that doing the Talc procedure was the best thing for me. That was in 2007 and I haven't had a problem with any build ups since.
Best of wishes to you and your husband
Maribeth
- By Mar24
- Posted October 31, 2009 at 8:04 pm
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I had the pleural effusion and my doc and I agreed that doing the Talc procedure was the best thing for me. That was in 2007 and I haven't had a problem with any build ups since.
Best of wishes to you and your husband
Maribeth
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