A Patient’s Experience of The Thoracentesis Procedure (Pleural Effusion tap, Thoracentesis, removal of excess fluid from the chest)

During the Thanksgiving holiday, over a liter of pleural fluid was withdrawn via needle from my right chest space. I had just finished my third cycle of Carboplatin, Pemetrexed, and Lorlatinib after almost ten years of TKIs alone. The fluid first became evident on a PET scan and was classified as moderate effusion. I didn't even know it was there but felt substantial relief when they took it out. Breathing is much easier and the pressure is gone.

Patient Stories, ResearchKirk SmithJanuary 30, 2025Thoracentesis, Jeff Sturm