Pericardial Window

[NPmary]

I had my 2cd thoracentesis. It was more painful and for a very long time. They did drain a little more 950 ml. I am waiting for a thoracic surgery appointment. We will discuss possible placement of a pleural catheter for drainage, possible pleurodesis. And something new: turns out a lot of the chest pain (and breathlessness?) is due to the pericardial effusion (fluid collection in the sac around the heart causing pressure - it is no longer considered small or trace - it can continue to get bigger and the pressure will cause death (its called cardiac tamponade) - so l want to find out if l am a candidate for an operation called pericardial window (cut a window in the sac, drain fluid directly into the peritoneal. If all goes well l could die from something else. I am hoping all this can get sorted out soon and then l will probably opt for hospice at home.

If anyone has experience with any of these procedures l would be so grateful to read anything you have to share. I previously posted regarding the pleural catheter and pleurodesis but l just learned about what l am facing with the pericardial effusion 2 days ago.

Thank You so very much for being here. ❤️🙌🪷🙌❤️

[Totheriver]

💕🙏 Love and Prayers to you. Theresa

[NPmary in reply to Totheriver]

Thank you, Theresa. ❤️

[SoulJourney]

Oh my heart and prayers are with you.

I have zero knowledge or experience in this area. I hope you are able to gather all the information you need for the best decision possible.

A big virtual hugs sent your way

Tammie

[NPmary in reply to SoulJourney]

Thank you, Tammie.

[LibraryGeek]

So sorry you are going through this. Hope you can have the operation and all goes well. Thinking of you and sending hugs.

Jackie x

[NPmary in reply to LibraryGeek]

Thank you.

[Hazelgreen]

Wow, Mary, you are going through far more than most of us!! Thoracentesis does sound horrible. I thought pleural effusion was more likely with lung cancer than breast cancer but I guess all types of cancer may affect different parts of the body. It really is shocking though how much worse some symptoms are. I am sorry for you!

[NPmary in reply to Hazelgreen]

Oh, thank you.

[Hopeful4Cure]

Feeling for you Mary. Have you checked other sites too like breastcancer.org or inspire to see if someone else has had to go through this delicate process too? Just a thought. We are all here pulling for you with loads of support and sending you warm hugs, positive energy, prayers and the strength to get you through this.

[NPmary in reply to Hopeful4Cure]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support.Thanks for your suggestion, I checked one other site (no response yet), I will check those others.

[mariootsi]

We are here for you. Sending prayers and good wishes and love.

[NPmary in reply to mariootsi]

Thank you.

[bikebabe]

It’s good they got so much out - almost one litre and I guess better it’s out than in. I remember having 22 large syringes of crap taken out of my football of a boob after a failed lumpectomy /total node removal. I admire your resilience in dealing with everything that’s been thrown your way so far. Stay strong whilst they find a way to keep this under control. Love and Best wishes, Jx

[NPmary in reply to bikebabe]

Thank you.

[jersey-jazz]

Dear NPmary-You have encouraged so many of us. I hope our prayers and wishes help you in some way. I am send so many prayers to you and will put you on our list at church for prayers to be read and sent.....Love from Frances

[NPmary in reply to jersey-jazz]

Frances, yes the kind words and prayers mean so much. This group has been a great help to me and others. It has meant even more since I decided to leave Facebook because my identity kept being stolen and other ridiculous stuff - I had been a member of a private MBC group that was so supportive - miss them.

Thank you, wish everyone the best. 🪷

[Lilywallytootsie]

Prayers and hugs on the way. Wishing you the best. Blessings, Hannah

[NPmary in reply to Lilywallytootsie]

Thank you.

[lmcnally]

I had pericardial window surgery in November. Went well and was pretty easy. Only spent one night in the hospital. Seems to be working after last echo in January. Doing another one in March. I definitely don’t have shortness of breath anymore. Wishing you all the best.

[NPmary in reply to lmcnally]

Thank you so much for sharing!It is so awesome to hear from someone who has had this. 💕

[Bettybuckets]

I am so grateful someone had first hand knowledge! I did want you to know that my friends husband just had his pericardium cut away and is now doing so well! He had it done in Boston but I am sure other places do this special op. So many prayers hoping all goes well for you and breathing easy soon.

[NPmary]

Thank you!

[BE63]

I have had the thoracentesis procedure 4 times. At that point I was referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon who recommended a pleurodesis. I had this performed on January 8th of this year. It was completed through via VATS which is less invasive than other options. I had two chest tubes and was in the hospital 6 days. My pain level was very low, although they tell/told me it can be very painful because of all the nerves involved.

My follow up appointment at 4 weeks showed good results with the procedure in terms of no fluid and my partial lung collapse was resolved.

[NPmary]

Thank you so much for sharing. Just learned I have a consult with thoracic surgery 2/27. I hope you have continued good results. Mary 💕

[life8888]

Good luck with the surgery! Stay strong.

[NPmary]

Thank you, don't know yet what they will recommend for sure. I just want to fix what I can and hope it goes well.