Dear Hope - I had thoracentesis done twice - both times they removed 2 liters of fluid. Removing the fluid certainly relieves the pressure making easier to breath, but the fluid kept coming back. I was exhausted. Going to the bathroom was my one "outing" for the day. I lost a lot of weight even though I hardly moved out of bed. The thoracic surgeon said I was breathing with my neck muscles and burning more calories than normal because of it. I then opted for the pleuradesis (when they seal the lungs with the talc)...best thing I could have done! You will probably be a walking barometer for a while. It was explained (and I felt it) that when the air pressure in the atmosphere changes (wind or fronts) it also put pressure on the lungs. Weird but true. Within a few weeks of the surgery, I was painting my daughters bedroom and doing my normal routine (not as fast but good enough for me...). I doubt very highly that the procedure irritated the tumor. If you have any specific questions please ask - email or the boards...
madubois63@aol.com