Went today to see my oncologist, ct scan results show progression 4cm nodule new site in vaginal wall and fluid in right lung, that’s why I have felt so bad the last 2 weeks not being able to breathe and a bad cough.
So kept in hospital to have lung drained probably tomorrow sometime, any body had lung drained feeling very scared any info will be great full x
A friend of mine went to a routine appointment on her own, ended up having a lung drain and drove herself home afterwards. She’s a bit hardcore though.
I don’t have any useful words of advice, but I hope the procedure goes smoothly and you feel comfortable afterwards.
Vicki x
I had this done (thoracentisis) prior to my initial diagnosis, and it was not that bad for me. They numbed the area really well, so I didn’t feel pain from the needle. Then they drained it very slowly and stopped as soon as I felt any tightness in my chest. I actually had it done two days in a row (Only because I was inpatient overnight while they were trying to get a diagnosis and they told me they didn’t want to drain any more than about 2 liters from the lung at one time) The first time they drained 1.8 liters and the second time about 1 liter. I was only a little sore afterward, and that was managed with ibuprofen. Try not to worry, you’ll feel much better after you get rid of the fluid.
xx Gina
Oh thankyou I am a big baby, I will feel better when it’s done can’t breathe when walking and can’t eat feel so full al the time x
Trish x
You’re not a baby at all, anything unknown is scary, but it honestly was not bad for me. Sending lots of support and good wishes 😊 xx Gina
Hi Trish, you will feel SO much better. Hope it goes really well xoxo 🌺
I’ve not had to have a lung drain, but wish you well for the procedure. The other posts are positive which is good to hear.
Best wishes, Ali x
When I went into hospital for my initial surgery, they needed to drain my right lung before they operated. Like you, I didn't know what to expect. I thought it would hurt & be scary. They were going to leave the drain in for a day or two, so at first I was scared to move in case it hurt, or the drain became dislodged, & thought I would be unable to sleep at night. It didn't hurt at all to put in, & I felt no discomfort while it was in. It was safe to move around, & I even managed to get some sleep. Di
I had my right pleural effusion drained after surgery. It was uncomfortable but bearable, they left the drain in for about 3 days and eventually 3 litres was drained off. My lung rein flared so was able to breathe much better afterwards and thankfully not needed another one since!
You can do this and it will make your symptoms so much better x
Bev
Hi Ossett, you may well have had the lung drain by now so will know what I am going to say. I had a drain 2 weeks ago whilst away on holiday in France. Very unwell for a week and my breathing became so bad that we had to go to 'Urgence' at our local hospital where they diagnosed what I expected, a pleural effusion. I had a drain the following morning and, oh, the relief is absolutely indescribable. The improvement in my breathing was immediate, the chronic indigestion/heartburn I had suffered from just melted away and, from having no appetite, I could have eaten a horse!! The procedure was pain free, just a bit of tapping/pushing at the beginning. I have had a stomach drain previously and this was much better than that. Very quick too, about 20 minutes from start to finish. I had 2 litres removed on day 1 and then a further 1.5 litres on day 2. After the 1st aspiration they warned me that I might cough a little as the lung reinflates and this was the case. I had a further check up a week later and am still fine. I was slightly sore for a few days but nothing which wasn't solved by paracetamol/ibuprofen - I was given tramadol but never felt the need to take it. I just want to add that I was really impressed with the French healthcare system and all in all I found this to be a confidence building experience. I will not be held prisoner by this wretched disease and I now feel confident that excellent care is available, certainly in France, and all on my European health card too.
Good luck
Coutance xx
I live in France and can testify to the excellent cancer care here. The biggest problem being the language barrier as my French is not fluent.
I have read about other people not being able to access Avastin post Chemo, that is not an issue here. I have Avastin every three weeks through my central line - which everyone has here to avoid trying to find a vein each time.
Stay well, keep fighting 👍
Oh Ossett, I am so sorry that you are having to wait. Much easier said than done but try not to worry too much as it really is ok and you will feel so much better afterwards. I went home 2 hours after my 2nd drain and then went out for the afternoon to try and make up for the lost time on my holiday - I felt absolutely fine and the wonderful pain free sleeps I had after the drains were blissful. Please let us know when it is done.
Thinking about you
Coutance x
Hi I had two lungs drained the first one wasn't pleasant as a trainee (reg) did it and I didn't have pain relief and I had a drain box left on for 3 days it didn't hurt having the drain removed they get you to take a deep breath and hum, however before the second one I complained and I was giving pain relief in my arm and also giving local anesthetic, and this was a much easier experience and they clamped the drain so I didn't have to carry the box around and they drained more the following day, i wore a button up pj top and wore it backwards after it so the back was left open, i hope this goes well for you but do ask for iv pain relief first, its done under ultrasound best wishes for tomorrow
Unhappy with my last oncologist appointment
Pick yourself up, dust yourself down and start all over again
Oncology Appointment
Ascites and permanent stomach drain 
Saw Oncologist yesterday
