rogfam Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Have any of you ever had it and was the fluid tested... and was it cancer?? It's too far out to be radiation related... She saw the heart doc today. He said he needed to consult with her Onc to decide the best way to handle this. He said they could do a needle, withdraw some fluid and test it; or they could open her up, get a sample of the tissue around the fluid and test it... But he seemed to want to prepare her for the worst... So, what are your experiences with this? TIA! God bless, Christy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkelley Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Hi Christy, Don't know how much help I can be, my dad has heart problems along with the cancer and had some fluid built up around his heart at the same time they were seeing it around his lungs a little over a year ago. He wound up on Lasix and all of the fluid went away. Maybe one of the chemos or some meds she is on is causing fluid build up. In any case, I hope its nothing. Hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anais Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 My mother had fluid around her heart (pericardial effusion) causing her shortness of breath and it diminished after a few chemo treaments (if I remember, there's not cancer cells in the fluid). The onc told her about a procedure called 'pericardial window' to drain the fluid, but it wasn't necessary. Anaïs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Christy- I know several members here have had the fluid tested and it contained cancer cells--but, for others no cancer. I hope all goes well for your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 On a personal note, yes Deb and I did go that route at one point in her battle. the cells did test positive for cancerous cells. THis was probably about a year before she lost her battle so do not get discouraged hearing this. Her Onc told us this after 8 litres of fluid had been drained by the top crdiac surgeon in the area. that was a coincidence and not planned but appreciated so very much. The Onc told us that as long as it was just cells and not cells turning into cancer we were OK though. I trust him and respect him still a year later. The operation was done without being opened up by the way. Hope this helps in some small way tonite Sending prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogfam Posted January 11, 2007 Author Share Posted January 11, 2007 Well, she hasn't had any chemo or radiation for a year, no real meds to speak of either... And her cancer marker keeps going up, and they've never found out why either... Thank you for sharing and your thoughts and prayers. wow, randy, that was a lot of fluid they drained off... I can only wonder how much mom has.. She has been sob and tired a lot too.. C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Saw most of that fluid cause I was bedside in ICU for about 3 days after surgery with Debbie when I was not working. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Christy, I will be keeping you and your mom in my prayers!!! GOD BLESS!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I had pericardial effusion 18 months ago, long after I was cancer free. My onc strongly suggested that I had surgery to cut a window so that tissue could be biopsied to rule out any cancer (I have radiation scarring to the back of my heart which looks suspicious on a echocardiogram). This was as much for my continued peace of mind as his I think but the surgery was well worth it......I could breathe again with no cancer worries! Hope your Mom's problems are resolved soon. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Christy, Alan has not had any of these issues, but we are offering up prayers. Please keep us posted on your Mom's condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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