Recovered from breast cancer but now have large amounts of fluid on lungs

[DonSA]

A friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer about 3 years ago and it has since receded.  Last week she was having a hard time breathing and rushed to hospital where doctors found that she had fluid on her lungs and drained off 4 litres of fluid.  She is noe in the care of a thoracic surgeon. We were contemplating wether or not the fluid on her lungs has anything to do with the breast cancer she had or if this is an isolated incident? Is it possible that the cancer could have spread to the lung?

[DonSA]

Thanks for the reply.  The fluid has been sent for testing as well as part of the lining of her lung.  Unfortunately, the results show that the cancer has spread to her lung.  Her doctors are confident that kemo will work and we're trusting and praying now for a positive outcome.

Thanks again.

[National Jewish]

There are many causes for fluid to develop around the lung and, unfortunately the spread of breast cancer is one of them.  Careful examination of the fluid that was drained may give the answer to its cause.  The exam should include a search for bacteria, white blood cells (WBCs), chemical markers and cancer cells.  It is good that she's been cared for by a thoracic surgeon.  However she should also be under the care of her primary care physician and the cancer specialist who assisted with her care 3 years ago, if there was one.