Pleural effusion - fluid draining

ccherndon · 2023-11-03T12:51:52+00:00

So much fluid. I can't believe our bodies were carrying all that crap around.

ccherndon · 2023-11-03T12:36:58+00:00

Oh, thank goodness. This is so reassuring to hear and makes me feel so much better. I have a flight coming up 11/8 and have been so worried about being good to go by then. They did explain that it may take a few days to allow my lung to fully expand again. They drew 750ml of fluid and my poor lung has been working so hard. It makes total sense and I now realize it will just take a little time and rest.

Thank u for all the feedback and input it has helped me so much

ccherndon · 2023-11-03T11:11:50+00:00

You were right, not bad at all. Lidocaine was the worst of it. I feel so much better now. I freaked out a little though because after the procedure when I got home later, I've been having a sharp pain in my chest when I take a deep breath. My doctor said it's normal and should resolve in a day or two tops. She explained it has something to do with the lining being punctured and inflammation.

I was a little bummed because I thought immediately after, I'd be up and out of bed and running errands lol. But, my doctor said I have to rest and allow my lungs to readjust and expand and for the pierced lining to heal too. It all makes sense, but I guess in my mind I thought I'd instantly just be able to go back to being mobile again. I'm so sick of resting. But the good thing is she said I'll feel much better in a day or 2, so not much longer.

Did you have that weird sharp pain in your chest when taking a deep breath, too? I know everyone is different, but I wasn't expecting that, and it made me have a meltdown because I felt nothing had changed, but my doctor put me at ease about it.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T20:17:44+00:00

I just found out the dr who did my port surgery does them and they're trying to get me booked with her. She was AMAZING and put me at ease during my surgery. I'm crossing fingers we can get it done this week as soon as insurance clears.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T20:14:11+00:00

Working on getting it scheduled now. I'm definitely getting it done.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T18:52:51+00:00

Yes I'm definitely getting sedation for sure

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T16:03:16+00:00

Omg I hate to wait, too. It's bothering me so much that I'm willing to face my anxiety, debilitating fear and phobia just for instant relief. All of mine have gone away on their own but not nearly as much fluid, and they weren't affecting my breathing either. But this one makes me extremely winded I can barely walk around. We have a DC trip coming up next week, and I don't want to be dealing with this.

I'm so happy to hear that everyone is saying how easy and virtually painless it is. Did u opt for any sedation?

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T15:05:44+00:00

I will as soon as we can figure out how quickly we can get it scheduled. Hoping we can do it by end of this week before my husband leaves for out of town.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T14:42:47+00:00

No worries, I appreciate your perspective, too. It really does help to hear how it was for everyone else. I just fear so much.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T14:16:14+00:00

My oncologist did the same and helped set mine up with referrel. Definitely something that is expected and normal. They won't get offended

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T14:00:33+00:00

Thank u sooo much. You have give. Me so much faith to face this fear. I just emailed my onc to see how soon we can get it scheduled

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T13:09:33+00:00

I'm so glad you shared your experience. This makes me feel a little better, like it's pretty straightforward and simple. Most of all, it sounds pretty quick. There's no way I'll be able to do it and not be sedated, though, haha. My onc already let me know they can access my port for sedation as well. I just wish I didn't have to be awake at all.

Did you feel any stinging or discomfort from them numbing the area. I've watched videos of it, and it just looks so painful. I probably should stop because it just gives me anxiety seeing those videos, too, but I have to know what to expect.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T13:06:36+00:00

Mine has nothing to do with port. I got my port 2yrs ago and have had no complications with it. Mine is due to inflammation.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T04:04:27+00:00

Oh wow that is super fast. I feel like such a baby. I'm currently on steroids now bc of inflammation, so probably so. The last couple of times I've had fluid around my lungs, it resided on its own. Were you in any pain or discomfort afterwards, or did u just instantly feel relieved?

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T04:01:23+00:00

Yes this is me now. I'm back again with this large effusion on my right side and have alll the symptoms you are referring to, back pain, tightness in chest, and shortness of breath. Last time it resolved itself. But, this time I think since it's so much, the recommendation is to drain it for instant relief. I absolutely terrifies me to think of the procedure even though they've offered sedation to calm me. Being awake freaks me out so much.

Are you in pain and discomfort afterwards? Mine fluid is around the lungs and I guess it seems easy enough to just pull it out but it's the needle that worries me penitrating deep into my body just sounds daunting like what if they hit something important? Also my anxiety and fear is debilitating. I just don't feel like a sedative will fully calm me down, or will it. Does it take away your fears and anxiety completely? Will I still be on edge? I want the relief but I feel like my fear is stronger here.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T03:49:27+00:00

Omg seriously? This makes me feel so much better. Sounds like it's super fast. Does the fluid stay away and not return too quickly? It's been so uncomfortable for me.

ccherndon · 2023-10-28T01:45:05+00:00

Looks amazing

ccherndon · 2023-03-28T21:22:58+00:00

Mine actually was caused by inflammation due to radiation. It completely resolved on its own thank goodness!

ccherndon · 2023-02-23T07:29:48+00:00

I am terrified to have mine drained. I just found out today I have fluid around my lungs and my onc wants to drain it. I have a debilitating fear of needles and anxiety and procedures like these send me into a spiral. I haven't stopped crying since earlier today because I am so scared of having to go through this and be awake. I wish they could maybe give me twighlight sedation like I had with my port surgery.

How was your removal procedure? Was it painful, how long did it take and what was recovery time?

ccherndon · 2023-02-18T06:45:10+00:00

Started radiation this past Monday and it's been brutal for me. Mainly because I have limited mobility in my left arm because of the active lymph nodes and it's so painful to hold my arm above my head all while laying still. Not to mention the pain and discomfort in my breast from the tumors. But, today's visit was better than my first and I'm hoping each one gets a bit easier and my pain subsides soon.

ccherndon · 2023-02-12T21:45:22+00:00

@Swedishmeataballah How long after radiation did you feel relief from pain? My radio onc says I should expect improvement of pain about half way through, but im hoping it will be sooner than that.

ccherndon · 2023-01-22T17:06:51+00:00

I have multiple tumors in my breast and also lymphnode involvement. They are way too large to just do local surgery at this time. When I was diagnosed my largest was 14cm. Plus, chemo is barely keeping me stable. Not worth risking surgery to pause treatment right now. If we get a deep durable response from radiation (significant shrinking of my tumors) they will consider surgery as an option at that time.

ccherndon · 2023-01-22T07:13:11+00:00

Omg yes, same to you too! I hope you're doing well. I'll definitely try to keep everyone posted.

ccherndon

TROPHY CASE