My sister was diagnosed with terminal emphysema 3 years ago and placed on the lung transplant list. Last weekend she was rushed to the hospital with her lungs surrounded by fluid. They removed some fluid and said it had cancer cells in it then took her off the transplant list saying there was nothing else they could do for her. They also found a nodule on the outside of her lung. I am wondering, is this a situation where she has days or weeks to live?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your sisters situation and problem. Metastatic pleural effusion is always end stage cancer. So surgical treatment is not possible in her case. And transplant is strictly contraindicated in patients with malignancy. So transplant should be avoided in her case. And she is having stage 4 cancer. And treatment is only palliative chemotherapy and nutritional supplements. Usual life expectancy is less than 1 year. Five year survival rate is less than 15-20%. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your sister. Thanks.