Recurring Fluid in Plural Space: Experiences and Treatment

There is a Pleurex catheter that can be inserted into your side, the drain bag is external and someone can empty it for you. Certain medications can slow the fluid production over time. Talk to a pulmonologist.

Hi there. My sister has struggled with pleural effusion since her diagnosis in January. She has had eight thoracenteses. Her pulmonologist implanted the Pleurx catheter about five weeks ago and she has avoided thoracentesis (and hospitalization) since then. We drain her catheter (at her home) about every other day and get out about a liter each time. 

Me again. I should’ve added that my sister‘s oncologist said that the fluid should slow down and stop after about four to six months of steady cancer drug treatment. She is on Kisqali and Arimidex, but has only been able to be on both for about six weeks due to some side effects she experienced with Kisqali. I hope that helps, and I hope you get some relief soon. 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and support. My doctor said that a catheter increases the risk of infection. On Tuesday I will start chemo therapy and hopefully that will help.

I had the ame thing when I was diagnosed in 2019; they put catheters on my lungs that had to be drained several times a week which was much better than thoracentesis. They were removed a few months later and now my lungs are great!

I just had my 3rd thoracentesis since diagnosis Dec 2023. Kisqali stopped working for me after just over a year. I’m worried it’s just happening again and I’ll have to go right back soon 😢

I have had four thoracentesis within the last three weeks and still have issues. However, I have started my new treatment with Enhertu or Fam-trastuzumab, it's an infusion I will get every 21 days to fight this cancer. This treatment make me feel awful. Hopefully it will work for me and maybe you can let your doc know about this medication. Good luck

Hi everyone. I have. Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. It spread to my lungs. I have constant pleural effusion large drain but no malignant cells found. I am on kisquali and Fasodlex injections for a year now. My mammogram and ultrasound showed slight decrease in my masses but the mri showed marked improvement. I just wish I can get rid of the pleural fluid. So the can see what is happening in the lungs

Thanks for all your kind words and suggestions. I go once a week to get my lungs drained. My chest feels like it is being squeezed tightly and it is difficult for me to breathe. I messaged my doctor this morning and told him that I can't take this anymore. There must be a treatment that can help me. The fatigue and the pain are driving me crazy and I want everything to stop. Thanks again for responding to my post

So sorry your pleural effusion causes you so much discomfort. I wonder why I have a large left lung effusion with no real symptoms. It appears on every image so it’s hard to see what on my left lung.

Please keep us updated about your progress. Stay strong! We are all here for you!

Monika. How are you feeling?

I'm doing better 🤠 finally I got the pleural catheter after I put my foot down and I had my second Enhertu infusion. It is so much better, now that I can drain my lung and I think the Enhertu is working, the drainage is down to a minimum and hopefully they can remove the catheter. Thanks for all your support. I feel so much better.

So happy to hear that🙏❤️

Hello Jane I was just thinking you could suggest a pleural effusion to your left lung? Maybe that way your doctor can get a better picture of your left lung.

Yes I will ask him

I’m stage 4 MBC with a pleural effusion on my left lung. I’ve been put on oxygen and it’s giving me much relief. Now I use the oxygen when I’m resting but I also can be off of it for about 30 minutes at a time without falling below 90. I do have a concentrator in my room and a small portable device for shopping or outings.

I have a pleural effusion on my right lung and no one knows where the fluid is coming from. At least I have a pleural catheter so I can drain the fluid myself. At first, I had to go to the hospital to get my lungs drained, but since I have the catheter I can care for it myself. This is driving me nuts. My oncologist has changed my treatment and I'm now on Enhertu. The side effects are not that bad. What bothers me is the constant fatigue. Well, all I can do is to hang in there and take it one day at the time. Good luck for you and I hope it gets better for you.

Dealing with recurring pleural effusions can be exhausting, especially when requiring frequent drainage procedures. Many community members have shared similar experiences with fluid buildup, and treatment approaches can vary depending on individual circumstances - some have found relief through procedures like pleurodesis or indwelling catheters, while others work with their care teams on managing underlying causes. Connecting with others who understand this challenge firsthand might provide valuable insights and support during this difficult time.