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Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi Sylviequebecbc

i am s sorry you are dealing with this 

I had Pleural effusion in te emergency department  even befriended diagnosis the first time they drained 3 Iitres from my right lung and 3weeks later another 1.5 litres.

after my surgery full hysterectomy including omentum 

I have not had a reoccurrence. It I do remember that I was so short of breath and could barely get through. A shower and would have to sit down

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi @asatino

Can't imagine how you were feeling before your 3L drainage!  

Stay strong ❤️

Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2025 12:15
From: asatino
Subject: Pleural effusion

Hi Sylviequebecbc

i am s sorry you are dealing with this 

I had Pleural effusion in te emergency department  even befriended diagnosis the first time they drained 3 Iitres from my right lung and 3weeks later another 1.5 litres.

after my surgery full hysterectomy including omentum 

I have not had a reoccurrence. It I do remember that I was so short of breath and could barely get through. A shower and would have to sit down

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2025 15:33
From: Sylviequebecbc
Subject: Pleural effusion

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs. 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

@Alwayslearning

Hi! I am doing ok I guess given all that has happened lately! My Hemoglobin is still trending down, even after 2 transfusions and an iron infusion. I may be bleeding from my bowels we think now, my stool is dark and there is some blood i can see. My oncologist said to follow-up with my family doctor about this, and he said we should keep an eye on that, stop my anticoagulant for a few days if my hemoglobin drops 10 points from last week (and it did, now 89), said maybe a colonoscopy might be too bad for me right now, but if the bleeding gets worse, we might have to do one. The one thing we wonder about is if they find that my cancer has invaded my bowel , are they going to do anything about it? I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point,  so what next? 

I think I will contact my previous oncologist and ask for his opinion....

So one day at a time! 

Take care 🙂 

Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs. 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

@Alwayslearning

Hi! I am doing ok I guess given all that has happened lately! My Hemoglobin is still trending down, even after 2 transfusions and an iron infusion. I may be bleeding from my bowels we think now, my stool is dark and there is some blood i can see. My oncologist said to follow-up with my family doctor about this, and he said we should keep an eye on that, stop my anticoagulant for a few days if my hemoglobin drops 10 points from last week (and it did, now 89), said maybe a colonoscopy might be too bad for me right now, but if the bleeding gets worse, we might have to do one. The one thing we wonder about is if they find that my cancer has invaded my bowel , are they going to do anything about it? I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point,  so what next? 

I think I will contact my previous oncologist and ask for his opinion....

So one day at a time! 

Take care 🙂 

Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs. 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Thanks GGail,

I will ask about that!

@Alwayslearning

Hi! I am doing ok I guess given all that has happened lately! My Hemoglobin is still trending down, even after 2 transfusions and an iron infusion. I may be bleeding from my bowels we think now, my stool is dark and there is some blood i can see. My oncologist said to follow-up with my family doctor about this, and he said we should keep an eye on that, stop my anticoagulant for a few days if my hemoglobin drops 10 points from last week (and it did, now 89), said maybe a colonoscopy might be too bad for me right now, but if the bleeding gets worse, we might have to do one. The one thing we wonder about is if they find that my cancer has invaded my bowel , are they going to do anything about it? I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point,  so what next? 

I think I will contact my previous oncologist and ask for his opinion....

So one day at a time! 

Take care 🙂 

Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs. 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

@Alwayslearning

Hi! I am doing ok I guess given all that has happened lately! My Hemoglobin is still trending down, even after 2 transfusions and an iron infusion. I may be bleeding from my bowels we think now, my stool is dark and there is some blood i can see. My oncologist said to follow-up with my family doctor about this, and he said we should keep an eye on that, stop my anticoagulant for a few days if my hemoglobin drops 10 points from last week (and it did, now 89), said maybe a colonoscopy might be too bad for me right now, but if the bleeding gets worse, we might have to do one. The one thing we wonder about is if they find that my cancer has invaded my bowel , are they going to do anything about it? I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point,  so what next? 

I think I will contact my previous oncologist and ask for his opinion....

So one day at a time! 

Take care 🙂 

Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs. 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

@Sylviequebecbc I'm so sorry to hear that you are still being challenged with low hemoglobin levels and the unexplained internal bleeding. It seems strange but also maybe reassuring that your oncologist wasn't sending you to emergency however, it is no doubt still very unsettling.  Hopefully your current oncologist can clarify what might happen if the cancer has invaded your bowels however try to be hopeful it's not that. I know how important it is to advocate for ourselves including getting answers so it sounds like contacting your previous oncologist may be helpful in your family doctor and/or current oncologist are not addressing things as you would like.

I do hope you get some answers soon. I know that stress on top of everything else is definitely not fun.

Sending warrior strength your way. 

@Alwayslearning

Hi! I am doing ok I guess given all that has happened lately! My Hemoglobin is still trending down, even after 2 transfusions and an iron infusion. I may be bleeding from my bowels we think now, my stool is dark and there is some blood i can see. My oncologist said to follow-up with my family doctor about this, and he said we should keep an eye on that, stop my anticoagulant for a few days if my hemoglobin drops 10 points from last week (and it did, now 89), said maybe a colonoscopy might be too bad for me right now, but if the bleeding gets worse, we might have to do one. The one thing we wonder about is if they find that my cancer has invaded my bowel , are they going to do anything about it? I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point,  so what next? 

I think I will contact my previous oncologist and ask for his opinion....

So one day at a time! 

Take care 🙂 

Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs. 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Thanks everyone for your replies and support! Means a lot.

I had another thoracentesis (partial) 3 weeks ago, they couldn't drain it all because I was not well, my body started shaking, so after 1.5 L, they stopped. The downside is I will have another one soon, my GP wants it done within a  week, still waiting for an appointment.  

I am now on a blood transfusion schedule, every 2 weeks, as long as my hemoglobin keeps dipping. I have had 5 or 6 transfusions so far. I started my new treatment under the POG study, immunotherapy,  which I get once per month. My next infusion is next week. I just hope it will help! 

I am unable to eat much these days, vomiting more. Loosing weight  and feeling weak. A home care nurse is coming today to start me on Maxeran injections, hope this helps. 

That is for me right now, trying to stay positive! 

@Sylviequebecbc I'm so sorry to hear that you are still being challenged with low hemoglobin levels and the unexplained internal bleeding. It seems strange but also maybe reassuring that your oncologist wasn't sending you to emergency however, it is no doubt still very unsettling.  Hopefully your current oncologist can clarify what might happen if the cancer has invaded your bowels however try to be hopeful it's not that. I know how important it is to advocate for ourselves including getting answers so it sounds like contacting your previous oncologist may be helpful in your family doctor and/or current oncologist are not addressing things as you would like.

I do hope you get some answers soon. I know that stress on top of everything else is definitely not fun.

Sending warrior strength your way. 

@Alwayslearning

Hi! I am doing ok I guess given all that has happened lately! My Hemoglobin is still trending down, even after 2 transfusions and an iron infusion. I may be bleeding from my bowels we think now, my stool is dark and there is some blood i can see. My oncologist said to follow-up with my family doctor about this, and he said we should keep an eye on that, stop my anticoagulant for a few days if my hemoglobin drops 10 points from last week (and it did, now 89), said maybe a colonoscopy might be too bad for me right now, but if the bleeding gets worse, we might have to do one. The one thing we wonder about is if they find that my cancer has invaded my bowel , are they going to do anything about it? I may not be a candidate for surgery at this point,  so what next? 

I think I will contact my previous oncologist and ask for his opinion....

So one day at a time! 

Take care 🙂 

Hi @Sylviequebecbc ... I'm checking in to see how you are doing? How is your hemoglobin level? Hopefully it's moved into the normal zone and you've got some energy back. Please let us know how you are progressing. Sending you healing hugs. 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this! 

@Sylviequebecbc

Hi there. Thank you for sharing the info on levels required for blood transfusion. Did the iron injection help you?

I found that my thoracentesis helped with my legs which was something that was really bothering me. It was becoming so difficult to do anything without resting. I'm sure the fatigue and shortness of breath played a role too but my legs were just not up to doing anything. So it was a relief to have my legs back again. Having said that, they are still not 100% but much better than pre-drainage.

I too am feeling the fatigue and my blood counts have been all over the place. Since I am now going to be changing my treatment plan to better manage my cancer and, hopefully, reduce pleural effusion occurrences, I will discuss what to do about my blood counts when I see my Onc.

There are just so many things that play a role in how we are feeling, it is sometimes hit-and-miss with the appropriate resolution. Meanwhile, we continue to feel crappy. I understand how this is affecting your outlook…I'm also feeling down with my current state.

Fingers crossed that you will receive the treatment needed to help improve your fatigue and low energy levels. 🥰

Hi Ladies,

Well, I had my second pleural effusion drainage (thoracocentesis) 4 days ago. I was very short of breath with any activity, but less coughing this time. I also have a very low hemoglobin,  so I thought that was the reason for my tiredness, low energy and shortness of breath.  

I was sent to the hospital because of my low hemoglobin,  and while there, my latest CT scan results came in showing a large pleural effusion, so they drained 1.5L from around my left lung.  My hemoglobin was 72 at the time,  and their protocol is to not do a blood transfusion unless it is below 70, so they gave me an iron infusion instead. 

I don't know if anyone has had a similar experience? 

I am still very tired and I cannot do 1/2 of what i could just a short time ago. I take a shower (with a shower chair) then have to rest. I am a little down with all this!