Hello , DAD was diagnosed with stage 4 nsclc just over a year ago, is on his 3rd line of treatment. He is getting chemo (taxotere) every 3 or 4 weeks which seems to have shrunken the tumors. Recently his cough is a little more persistent. Seems to happen when hes lies down for a nap, then starts a coughing spell for about 3 mins. after a while it subsides. His oncologist says it's because fluid is in area the triggers cough. She doesn't seem to be too concerned about the fluid, but suggest she can have it 'drained' if DAD wants it to..
Has anyone had this procedure? What are the risks? or is this routine procedure for one undergoing cancer treatment?
My mother just went through this herself. Fluid is caused by chemo and radiation. It's called a pleural effusion. They can drain it under ct guided needle biopsy. They drained 800ml of fluid from my moms right lung. She could breath a lot easier after the procedure.
Thank you for your reply, seems having this drained is a good option. Don't know why the oncologist feels no urgency to do this. but I think this is a good option for DAD.
In addition to draining the fluid, your dad may be both more comfortable, breathe better, and sleep better if he is in a recliner. This has worked for me ever since my lobectomy. Best Wishes, judge69
Hi. My best friend had fluid in her lungs and what we found most helpful was sleeping in a more upright position. Because she was in a nursing home, I put up a sign that asked them not to lower the head of her bed. Her docs weren't all that concerned about the fluid at the time and said that eventually they would remove it, but that it would come back because she had end stage COPD. I don't have fluid yet, but find that going from an upright position to lying down makes me short of breath, and was told to use more pillows to keep me in a more upright position. The physical therapist also suggested taking deeper breaths and purposefully relaxing just before lying down. It surprised me how much just forcing myself to relax before lying down has helped. He was right - I was anticipating the problem without even realizing it and automatically tensing up. Others will have better suggestions as some of us have been through this. I wish you the best on your journey with your DAD!
All the advice here so far is well worth considering. A lot depends on how uncomfortable your father is. If the fluid in his lungs is causing enough symptoms, then it would help his breathing to have it drained. It definitely is helpful to sleep with his head elevated as in a recliner. I did that for several weeks after my lobectomy and found it made breathing much easier. This is a difficult decision for you and your dad. I'm sure you will make the right one for him.
Hi again Billjbc, thank you for the update. Although your dad's oncologist may seem uninterested in the procedure, I believe it is a good sign. She is being cautious. Even though the procedure sounds simple, like any "invasive" procedure it can carry risk - so worth thinking about before doing. The advice from our friends here is solid advice that should help. If you would like some good information on the procedure just go to: webmd.com/lung/thoracentesis#1
I am glad that the treatment seems to be doing its job, but we need to get him to a more comfortable place! Trust yourself and your dad - keep gathering information and go with your instincts. He is very lucky to have you at his side through this confusing time, your love for him must fill his heart.
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Supporting a Family Member with NSCLC
