Chest Compression from Breast Implants Worsening Pleural Effusions?

[Half-Full]

I was surprised I couldn’t find any studies released to this. Obviously breast implants will not generally be the cause of pleural effusions, but if you develop pleural effusions from other causes, I would think it’s at least plausible that implants in irradiated areas where you’ve lost skin elasticity could cause compression on your lungs, which could prevent full lung expansion, which could potentially make pleural effusions worse or at the very least cause more discomfort from even mild effusions.

My wife is currently doing well on Xeloda. But even though her scans show complete resolution of the pleural effusion on her right lung, and only a very mild remaining pleural effusion on her left lung, she still has quite a bit of discomfort and trouble taking deep breaths and fully expanding her left lung. Her left side is where she was irradiated and she’s lost a lot of skin elasticity in that area and she’s always been extremely tight in that region since her radiation, surgery and reconstruction.

Removing or reducing the size of the implant is always an option but she doesn’t do well with surgery and we don’t want to seriously consider this unless we can convince ourselves it would provide some relief.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this, or seen any studies related to it?

[Adele_Julia]

I half a pleural effusion on my right side only - the same side as my right breast cancer which I had removed. I used to have implants in both breasts but had them removed. I am not aware of any studies connecting pleural effusions with breast implants. Sorry o couldn’t be of more help. Are you wondering if your wife should have implants given her cancer and pleural effusions ? If so, I think that’s a personal decision. I frankly had my right breast removed - I’m 58 and found no point in having it reconstructed. Flat there. My left breast isn’t much but it serves the purpose for my hubby lol. At this point in my life staying alive with MBC is my focus - not a fancy chest. I don’t care and implants by nature kill any sensitivity of nipples so why even bother? So I’m not the vain type there at all !

[jersey-jazz in reply to Adele_Julia]

Dear Adele_Julia----How wonderfully truthful you are, baring your chest, as it were. You have written truths that I doubt that most of us would never have the courage to say.

[jersey-jazz in reply to jersey-jazz]

Apologies for my version of a double negative.