Need some answers about malignant pleural effusion?
So my dad was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma. He has gone through three rounds of Keytruda and things had been going well. His tumor has shrunk significantly, and according to some recent scans so have his lymph nodes. Last week he went in for some lower back pain to find that there had been a lot of fluid on his lungs. After some testing they have determined that the fluid is malignant. Haven't had any answers yet from oncologist about what treatment will continue or not? Have never gone through this, there isn't much on the internet about it, and no feedback from doctors has me very anxious! Any information specific to this would be helpful!
Hi, I am so sorry your Dad is going through this.
There are treatments for pleural effusion.
If you are not pleased with the doctor's lack of communication, you may want to get a second opinion, specifically with a comprehensive cancer center (not a small hospital with just a few cancer docs). I hope you find this article useful:
https://lungcancer.net/complications-related-conditions-pleural-effusion/
I was diagnosed with stage 4 Adenocarcinoma in 2015 due to a large pleural effusion in my right lung. I had a pluerodesis (drained & see the lung). I tested positive for the ALK gene mutation and was started on the oral targeted therapy drug Xalkori (crizotinib). I have had no further problems with plueral effusion in the 4 years since being diagnosed. Wishing you all the best.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 Adenocarcinoma in 2015 due to a large pleural effusion in my right lung. I had a pluerodesis (drained & sealed the lung). I tested positive for the ALK gene mutation and was started on the oral targeted therapy drug Xalkori (crizotinib). I have had no further problems with plueral effusion in the 4 years since being diagnosed. Wishing you all the best.
Thats interesting but I didn't have pleural effusion. Some of the others on Lung Cancer Support. I'm trying to learn all of this So I can be of more support. This is why I'm still living to help others with lung cancer. Love susiejo1943
