Has anyone else experienced this?

[Tinawyatt]

My mum was diagnosed in April stage 3 had had carbo x6 then 3 avistan and fluid build up again. So then 3 cycles of weekly taxol, this didn’t work as ca keep rising abs fluid build up. She’s had 3 drains from the beginning and now starting caelyx. The nodules haven’t grown since the august scan but its the fluid that’s causing the problems by blocking the drainage system. Is anyone else had this? She’s never had surgery as they said it wasn’t an option

[Superkim]

Hi Tina, Where is the fluid build up? Pleural effusions or ascites?

-Kim

[Tinawyatt in reply to Superkim]

It’s mainly in the stomach area but last time had to have the chest drained as well.

[Superkim in reply to Tinawyatt]

OK, so this is my experience: I have never had to have my abdomen drained, but do have two permanent drainage tubes "Pleurx Catherters" for draining the pleural effusions (area around the lungs). I've had them in since March and drain every morning. Before the drains were put in, my CA125 would go up as the fluid built up and then I would have it drained at the hospital (thoracentesis). But the fluid accumulated too quickly and now I have the permanent drains.

I believe there are drainage tubes for the abdomen as well, but don't quote me. It's the cancer that causes the overproduction of fluid and until the cancer is under control, the fluid will continue to accumulate.

There is a surgery called a pleurodesis where they use a talc and saline slurry to irritate the pleura and seal it to the chest wall (removing the space for the fluid all together). I don't know if this is an option for your mom or not. It's not an option for me at this time as I have other things going on at this point.

I'm looking for a surgical option too. Good luck to you and your mom.

[Tinawyatt in reply to Superkim]

Thank you for your reply. They did mention a permanent drain in the stomach as an option if the treatment didn’t work.

[Superkim in reply to Tinawyatt]

I know it's not pleasant, but it's much easier to manage on your own without getting poked with giant needles all the time...just my opinion. I'm sure you ladies will figure it out.

-Kim

[Lizzieanne in reply to Tinawyatt]

I have h ave had pleurodses for my pleural effusion this was how it was found my OC had recurred after 18 years. Had two drains and then the procedure. Cancer cells were found in the fluid and they didnt want them to stick to lining of lungs. Just had six sessions of chemo and will start on parp inhibitor. First diagnosis had ascites. So far so good with the pleurodeses onc said it could happen again but fingers crossed. So for me it has been a good procedure