Sandy, Have been reading your posts and am compelled to write because we have so very much in common. I also have ibc and was diagnosed with a pleural effusion August 2006, my first experience with stage 4. I had 2 liters of fluid drained from my right lung and my onc strontly recommended pleurdesis with talc. I had it done in September and went on zeloda and herception for seven months when my tumor markers started to increase. Sent for a pet/ct which showed tumor growth in pleural cavity. Changed to doxil every 3 weeks with herception but I am coughing and my tm was 51 after first doxil treatment. Onc tells me doxil is slow moving and it will take time to do its thing. I feel ok most of the time with some fatique and a light rash on trunk of body. Hair is good.
I hope this information helps a little and I wish you all the best. I have learned a lot from this site and appreciatge everything that is written. My onc told me pleurdesis will not cure the cancer, only the fluid buildup. Ellen
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