Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma high disc grade 3 in 2020

I had just turned 40 when diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a mass in my left breast of 11cm along with 8 focal tumours and had travelled into my lymph nodes. 

In Aug 2023 I was admitted to hospital with bacterial meningitis and a swelling on my brain, then in Dec 2023 I spent 2 week in ITU and 3 weeks on the ward,  with large clot on my heart & bilateral lungs, I was in adrenal crisis.

Ive had MRI CT Scans X rays and on Friday 17th I had an emergency appointment made to see respiratory doctor, she preformed an ultrasound and shown me all my scan results.

They shown significant amount of fluid around my lungs and she called it a pleural effusion, she wants me to have a pleural catheter inserted permanently, and has prescribed morphine. 

The doctor said this was complications following my breast cancer.

Is this secondary and if so what will be following ie: treatment and can this be cured? Many thanks for any advice or help X

  • Hello Sadie80 and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about all you have been through the past few months and years, this must have been and continues to be a difficult time for you.

    I'm afraid as no one here is directly involved in your care as well as not having access to your medical records it is difficult to comment too much into what may be going on.

    It is really important you speak with your doctor to get some more information about what this pleural effusion means for you. Whilst a pleural effusion can be caused by cancer there are other causes including heart disease, lung infections and other organ failures. Previous cancer treatments unfortunately can cause damage to the body and in some cases this can cause longer term complications.

    It will only be your doctor who can confirm what is going on in your case and what else may need to happen next, so do speak with them when you can.

    I hope you get a better understanding of your situation soon and wish you all the best.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Naomi