can pleural effusion alone come back?

[Goodgirl98]

when I was first diagnosed with HGS OC in December 2021, it had spread till the lungs. There were 2 small nodules in the lungs along with pleural effusion in the right lung, which was also tested to be malignant. Have been NED since first line ended in June 22, and been on olaparib since.

Day before, did a chest X-ray as part of my master checkup and it shows a slight blunt in the right lung (costoprenic angle), seems similar to the first time. The observation is written as maybe pleural thickening or minimal pleural effusion. Rest of lung is clear. This radiologist does not know my medical history, it's an independent lab,

i sent the report to my oncologist and he asked for my previous xray which I have shared from 2011. I have asked if I can meet him tomorrow, which he has obliged. Not sure if there is cause for concern.

My ca125 taken just last month was 3.3 and my entire blood work as part of the master medical was really good (except non related cholesterol).

Is it possible for good ca125 , good inflammation markers like esr and still to get recurrence in the lung alone?

[Lyndy]

Hello, I have had pleural effusion too and lung nodules. It seems to be quite hard for them to tell exactly what small areas in the lung might be so don’t panic yet!

Your ca125 is lovely and low so it may just be pleural thickening or some damage from your previous pe.

As long as you feel well and have no symptoms I would suggest you discuss with your oncologist but they may have to admit they can’t tell exactly what’s going on xx

[Goodgirl98 in reply to Lyndy]

Tysm!! This is so good to know. Because this test was proactively done by me, i was not sure what to expect in tomorrows visit. I will temper my expectations now.

When you say symptoms, do you mean breathlessness or anything else to look out for? I had no symptoms when I was initially diagnosed (it all started with a visit to get strong antacids for bloating feeling) so I am always scared about what symptoms I might have missed or should look out got for 🥲

[Lyndy in reply to Goodgirl98]

My very early symptoms were little ‘snags’ on an in breath when going uphill x

[Goodgirl98]

update: met my onco today. He saw the X-ray and thought it was nothing; the blunt shading could be due to the procedure done earlier to drain fluid. To allay my concerns, he approved to do an ultrasound to check. Within an hour, I got that done and got the all clear; no fluid or thickening. The radiologist said the blunt edge could even be a skin fold or a skin artifact from before or even the angle taken.

So so happy. I am due for my first longish vacation (month long) in May and so glad this is behind me! I have been buzzing with adrenaline all afternoon and treated myself to a pair of sunnies for the vacay 😀. Wishing you all well.