Lung fluid, Pleural Effusion

[RalphieJr64]

I’ve been on my second clinical trial for the last 4 months now. For the most part is working on the lesions on my liver, lymph nodes and some of the lung nodules. It doesn’t work against my PSA which I was told it wouldn’t when I started. Started at 33.4 and now it is at 97.3. I’ve developed fluid between my tissue and lung which is causing shortness of breath as well as fatigue. It was classified in my ct scan as a malignant effusion. My MO said I can get it drained but it would probably come back within a month. I’ve read that this had a life expectancy of 3 to 12 months. I go back on December 7th to see what my next options are

[Tall_Allen]

I think you will feel much better after they drain it, even if it has to be redone later.

[greatjohn]

Hoping and praying for a quick turnaround for you. Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with cheer!gJohn

[ctarleton]

I hope something like a drainage of the fluid will work for you in the short term.

The suggested questions posed in this documentary film based on Dr. Atul Gawande's book, Being Mortal, may be of some use to you in the weeks and months ahead.

pbs.org/video/frontline-bei...

[RalphieJr64 in reply to ctarleton]

Thank you. I’ll will get the fluid in my lungs drained. It might only last 30 days but if I feel really good afterwards I’ll probably do it again. I feel after being diagnosed nearly 3 1/2 years ago I knew then I was on borrowed time. Quality is most important to me. If it’s a few months or a few years, I accepted this and I know when to throw in the towel

[erjlg3]

Hoping, wishing and praying it will help so much and you won't have to do it again Ralphie. 🌻Jackie

[DenDoc]

We are all different as are our cancers. My lung lesions proved to be a hybrid of small cell cancer and adenocarcinoma of the prostate. I had massive malignant effusions on the left side only with severe breath impairment. I had an indwelling chest catheter called a PleurX placed and we emptied it every 3 days at home. Once my chemo with carboplatin and etoposide started working the volume of the effusions dropped dramatically. I still have tumors in my pleura but no effusions. I had the tube removed 24 months ago and no more fluid has gathered.

We also were given the "get your affairs together" lecture going into that phase but I am now 30 months post chemo and able to enjoy my life though physically less active than before.

We live in Colorado so I only have to go to 10,000 feet to be reminded of my lung capacity reduction.

[RalphieJr64 in reply to DenDoc]

I had two liters of fluid removed today. I don't know if that will do the trick or there will be more visits. I'm coughing a lot, which the Doctor who performed the procedure said would happen. Still feel a crackling sound in my throat and chest. I've been through every treatment program. I won't do chemo again, had a really rough time with 6 infusions of docetaxel three years ago. I know you went through chemo afterward. Was that your first experience? And what is your treatment now? Thanks, Ralph

[DenDoc in reply to RalphieJr64]

I am currently on Lupron and Enzalutamide only. Stable PET scans, no fluid and I feel good. Very limited in exercise capacity but walking is okay. Enjoying life with my grandkids. Had to give up skiing. I hire a guide and can fly fish from a pontoon boat rather than wade in a fast moving river..

[RalphieJr64 in reply to DenDoc]

I had a tunnel catheter inserted last week. I’ve been battling this disease for 3 and a half years now. Stage 4 Gleason 9 with a not so promising future. I’ve been through all the treatments. One gave me two years but the rest were short lived. I too was advised by my oncologist that it would be best to have my affairs in order now. I already had 6 infusions of chemotherapy at the beginning of treatment but will start Jevtana in a few days. It’s my only option. If it starts to work might re challenge past treatments. But if it goes another direction I’ll call it quits. Happy New Year

[DenDoc in reply to RalphieJr64]

I think you will feel much better with the chest catheter in place and less fluid to deal with for every breath. Keep up the fight and certainly your MO should be looking at re-visiting some of your previous treatments. I assume that your treatment is guided in part by your tumor genetics. If your catheter is called a PleurX, I have 3 drainage sets left. I would be glad to send them to you if you are in the US. Message me.

Holidays and Covid isolation bring great stress. Hope you can find some things to take your mind off of cancer and enjoy whatever your interests are especially on-line.

[j-o-h-n]

Read this from Google: Situation not as dire as you stated in your post above.

thoracic.org/patients/patie...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 11/27/2020 4:17 PM EST