Re: My Dad's chest xray results???

[Guest guest]

I had substantial pleural effusion when I was admitted to the

hospital in December. I had been dealing with a chronic cough and

couldn't seem to get rid of it. I tried several antibiotics thinking

it was " walking pneumonia " , but my chest film showed the fluid build-

up and the suspicious nodules which turned out to be malignant.

Anyway, my pulmonologist was able to resolve the pleural effusion

with a combination of diuretics (lasix primarily) and asthma meds. I

am now taking Advair, Singulair, and spironolactone (a mild

diuretic) and have clear lungs with normal breath volume.

I understand that severe effusion can be treated by putting a small

tube inbetween the layers of tissue separating the lungs from the

chest wall. Up to one liter of fluid can be drained rapidly.

If your radiologist classifies this as minor effusion, it should be

very easy to manage without inserting a drain.

Best of luck to you and your dad.

-joe-

> Does anyone know how much pleural effusion the lungs can have to

function normally? Will he start developing symptoms soon? What

are the symptoms? What procedures are available if my Dad's lungs

fail to work?

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the kind wishes. I have been very fortunate in that I

have been tolerating chemo very well; my CEA has gone from 388 to 32

after 6 sessions; and my CT scan shows all of my nodules getting

smaller or totally resolved.

I can only think that this is the result of lots of good wishes and

prayers from the group. Of course it helps to have a great ONC <grin>

God Bless;

-joe-

> Dear Joe,

> Thank you very much. Your information was very helpful and I will

ask my Dad's onc whether he should get medications now to prevent

further build up instead of waiting until it gets worse. I am so

happy that you are doing well. I hope you continue to improve. All

the best, Nickie

>