Fluid be Gone

Adele has been busy getting lots of rest in-between her visits with family and friends.  Everyone has been doing a wonderful job staying just long enough to say hello, wish her well and then be on their way.  Trust us, she remembers when you guys stay too long and boy do we hear about it, just kidding...kind of!

The doctor is very happy with the amount of fluid that has been drained from Adele's chest.  This afternoon she was given medicine to hopefully prevent the fluid from accumulating again.  Then, depending on her body's response, Adele should be home early next week.

Here is some additional information.  Hopefully this will help to answer any lingering questions you may have regarding Adele's latest hospitalization. 

Malignant pleural effusion — A pleural effusion is a collection of fluid in the chest that is located in the pleural space, a pocket between the lung and the tissues of the chest wall. This space is normally empty, although it can accumulate fluid in people with advanced lung cancer. The fluid pushes against the lung, compressing it and preventing the lung from fully expanding when breathing. Thus, the most common symptom of a pleural effusion is shortness of breath.

In most people with lung cancer, the pleural effusion is caused by the cancer. This is called a malignant pleural effusion.
Treatment of the pleural effusion is usually recommended for people who develop shortness of breath. Shortness of breath often worsens as more fluid accumulates.

Fluid drainage — The simplest way to treat a pleural effusion is to insert a small tube (a catheter) into the space around the lung and allow the fluid to drain out. Afterward, the catheter is removed. This is called a thoracentesis. Thoracentesis can usually be done in the office or hospital room using local anesthesia.

If the fluid reaccumulates quickly, meaning that you need another thoracentesis in less than one month, a more aggressive treatment might be recommended. This includes a catheter that is left in place (a tunneled catheter) or using a substance to block the build-up of fluid (called pleurodesis).

• Tunneled catheter — Some people are treated with a catheter that is left in the pleural space and connected to a container. This is called a tunneled catheter. The patient (or a family member) uses a hand pump to drain the fluid once a day or as needed. The catheter is usually inserted during a day surgery procedure. It is left in place for several weeks or months, as long as the fluid continues to drain. The advantage of a catheter over other treatments is that it allows the patient and their doctors to manage the fluid collection out of the hospital.
• Pleurodesis — Another option for treating a malignant effusion is called chemical pleurodesis. This involves draining the fluid and then applying a substance (usually talcum powder) to fill the pleural space, preventing the fluid from collecting again. This treatment is usually done in the hospital and requires a three- to five-day stay.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour.  ~Author Unknown