Plurel effusion failed

FormerMember
FormerMember
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hi everyone. I’ve just joined looking for some help and advise. 

My dad was diagnosed with bile duct cancer Nov 3019 with mets to lungs. 

Following having a stent fitted it’s his lungs that give him the most trouble.  He’s had to have 5 plurel effusions and his consultant decided to fit a permanent drain. 

Unfortunately this has stopped working, he’s only had it 3 weeks. We went to the hospital today and the dr explained that the fluid was in one large cavity so was easy to drain BUT now the lining has formed lots of little pockets and therefore they can’t really drain it now - they only managed to get 200ml out (normally 1.75ml) 

he said that dad is not well enough for the operation to glue his lining shut as its major surgery so in his opinion they should take the drain out and there’s little more they can do. 

Hes made us an appointment with his consultant for next Monday. 

Autely they can’t just leave him can they? He can’t breath, he struggles for breathe just sitting. He can’t eat as he can’t breathe while he chews, sleeping is difficult as well. 

Hes on low dose morphine to try and help but I’m wondering if anyone knows of anything else that we can try to help him? Anything I need to be asking the consultant? 

Thank you for reading.  Kelly.  X 

  • Hi and welcome to the online community although I'm sorry you've had to find us.

    I can't help with your questions and I noticed that your post hadn't had any responses so could I suggest that you post in ask a nurse and one of the specialist cancer nurses will respond within 2 working days.

    When you feel ready it would be really useful if could pop something about your dad's journey so far into your profile as it helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

    x

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  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Kelly, post on the lung cancer forum as well. I know your dad primary is bile duct but there may be better advice on there related to the breathing. 

    My mum had bile duct (primary was gall bladder cancer). Some things I wish I had known.. is he getting nursing support at Home? How is his pain (if a lot ask for more relief), ring emergency doctor if you need to, don’t be behind the door. Ring your clinical specialist nurse they are there to be the main point of contact. Have they provided build up drinks for dad? Have they given sleeping tablets to help with sleep? I know medication isn’t ideal but if it’s needed it’s needed. Basically your family and dad deserve help so any number you have ring it. Your dad shouldn’t have to be in pain and you deserve support xxx 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi. Thank you for your time in replying. 

    Yes he’s in sleeping tablets / morphine for the paid and to help with his breathing. 

    A fan also seems to help in this very hot weather.  

    We see the respiratory consultant on Monday so let’s see what he suggests. Fingers crossed

    Thank you again.  Love Kelly