I had recurrent pleural effusions starting after my LUL lobectomy for cancer. Had only one positive node. I had to have three procedures to drain the fluid, about a month apart because it really interfered with my ability to breathe. It still continued so for about 6 weeks I had an indwelling pleural catheter that was drained every week. You really want to avoid this if you can. Gradually the fluid amount lessened and I finally convinced people to take it out. Continue to have some fluid accumulate but not interfere with my breathing.