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Pleural effusion

  • 1.  Pleural effusion

    Posted 07-13-2025 15:34

    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! 



  • 2.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 07-14-2025 07:13
    Before I begin, I can’t say how amazed I am at everyone’s resilience and determination to fight this beastly disease. I wrote some time ago that I had a radical hysterectomy back in July last year followed by 3 of six treatment of plaxitil/carboplactin. I was diagnosed with high grade serous stage 3 ovarian cancer. They stopped my chemo just prior to Christmas because of low blood issues and breathing. Since my last treatment on December 23, I have had only bloodwork, and approx. 5 transfusions. In April I had a bone marrow biopsy which was inconclusive, a second one on June 16 indicated I had T-GLG form of leukemia/lymphoma and today I will start a treatment plan of one pill a week (not sure the name since I pick it up at the pharmacy this morning, along with weekly bloodwork and folate supplement. This will take about four months until they see noticeable improvement. Next month I will have my second five month ct scan. My CA125 is still at 7. So Sylvie I share your frustration of formerly being active down to weakness and breathlessness even after going up a flight of 8 stairs. My hemoglobin count has been steadily around 72 and as low as 59. While I’m happy to see an answer for the blood issues I am worried at the lack of cancer treatment since December to the point it is consuming me. I have never been informed if immunotherapy, other forms of cancer treatment can be started. I’m not tech savy and if I google it is overwhelming and don’t know if it’s fact or fake. I feel like the elf on the shelf waiting for someone to find a treatment towards at least some freedom and peace constantly wondering when and where this disease will strike next. So Sylvie let’s breathe together and hopefully we can have this behind us. And for all the ladies in this forum, continue the fight and I do admire your courage and determination. ❤️ Jean
    Sent from my iPad




  • 3.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 07-14-2025 12:21

    I agree with you Jean 

    one day at a time 

     I enjoy and take advantage of the good days and try not to dwell too much on the what next 

    Together we are stronger🩵




  • 4.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 07-14-2025 07:29
    Sorry ladies, brain fog and spelling issues. Diagnosis for my blood issues. T-LGL leukemia a form of lymphoma!
    Sent from my iPad




  • 5.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 07-14-2025 12:16

    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




  • 6.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 07-14-2025 13:39

    Hi @asatino

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

    Stay strong ❤️




  • 7.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 07-15-2025 16:42

    @Sylviequebecbc I'm so sorry for what you are going through. It is clear that others have been through this and/or something similar and I'm glad they have been able to share their voices. I hope that your energy will start to come back. Thinking of you.




  • 8.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 20 days ago

    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. 

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  • 9.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 14 days ago

    @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 🙂 

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  • 10.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 13 days ago
    @Sylviequebecbc Have you asked about a CT colonoscopy? I had one when I developed an abscess after a bowel resection. It’s not nearly as invasive. (My gyne oncologist says I will probably have another one in September, once chemo is finished, because it seems the tumour has created a fissure into my small bowel.)

    Take care




  • 11.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 13 days ago

    Thanks GGail,

    I will ask about that!

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  • 12.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 13 days ago
    And, of course, it’s a possible ‘fistula’ I have, not ‘fissure’. I don’t know if I should blame autocorrect or chemo fog. 😆
    Sent from my iPhone




  • 13.  RE: Pleural effusion

    Posted 13 days ago

    @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. 

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