Question about post surgery X-ray

[Lucieee]

Hi, just an up date and question. My surgery for ULL was in March. They said they got it all and did not have to have any further treatment. I just had an X-ray and it showed pleural thickening and pleural effusion. The Dr didn’t say any thing about it at my appt. I saw it on the report on the X-ray. I looked up to see what this was but not sure of the consequences. Has anyone experienced this?

[SusieJo1948]

Good Morning I didn't have those. But I know enough that you should see Dr. and have him explain. Or please see another Dr and have him explain. I had a upper left lobectomy and chemo 6 year's cancer free survivor Love susie jo1948

[Lucieee in reply to SusieJo1948]

Ok, thank you. I actually have an appt with my GP on Monday. I will make sure I ask.

[anrean]

Please ask your oncologist. Often they forget things and it is up to us to be our own best advocates. While it is possible that this is expected and your doc doesn't think it important, you should still ask if for no other reason than your own peace of mind.

[Lucieee in reply to anrean]

Thank you, I will try and stay up on it.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

I’ve known I have a pleura effusion for as long as I’ve known I had cancer. At this time it’s small and doesn’t cause me any discomfort.

There are several things that can cause an effusion including a response to the sedative used during surgery. About a year after my diagnosis I needed back surgery and my effusion swelled up in response to the sedative. It got pretty large so they drained it performing a thoracentisis. It filled up again pretty quickly and was crushing my lung so they put a drain called a PleurX catheter in it. They weren’t successful in draining it completely but most of it is fine now. The pleural catheter stayed in for a month.

The fluid from both thoracentises were sent for pathology and neither contained any cancer cells.

Your doctor will monitor this for a couple years. If it grows significantly they will drain it and test the fluid. Most of the time a pleural effusion will resolve on its own. If you experience trouble breathing or a sharp chest pain report it immediately and head to the ED.

Do ask your oncologist if it was there prior to surgery. Always get a copy of your CT report so you have it for your records and can refer back if you want or need to.

Side note—————-

At the same time I had a response to the sedative with the pleural effusion I also experienced a pericardial effusion. Sometimes they happen together sometimes not. Stay on top of your oncology and other check ups.

[Lucieee in reply to Denzie]

Thank you for the info, I hope you are doing ok now.

[Memaw0100]

I had the same result a few weeks ago. I was assured it was a minor fluid issue. I have been 5 years lung cancer free, but now have colon cancer. They wanted to be sure my lungs were strong enough for anither major surgery and chemo. Much luck to you!

[Lucieee]

Thank you for the response. I am so sorry that after you beat the lung cancer you are now dealing with this. Prayers to you.