Here is what my Ct scans usually say, "PLEURA: Small right pleural effusion. No pneumothorax.".

My lung cancer surgery at age 46 has always bothered me for the last 23 years. I noticed shortness of breath immediately after surgery. I also have permanently elevated pulse. My pulse when I sleep drops down to mid 80's and while I'm awake just sitting it is generally in mid 90's. My O2 runs about 95% sitting and can rapidly drop to 85% walking.

I tried for the first 10 or 15 years to keep walking and took lots of yoga classes (sometimes 6 hours yoga per week) but eventually I simply gave up trying to regain my breathing. It was hard but I accepted that I would never be able to run up a flight of stairs, or walk up hill very far again without doubling over from shortness of breath. It was hard thing to accept.

I have no idea about draining plural effusions but it has never been suggested to me. I think maybe there is risk of lung collapse or maybe there is risk of creating more scar tissue which might complicate reading future CT scans.

I had the traditional thoracotomy because VATS was not widely available back in 2000. Plus I had very large 10-12 cm tumor. My scar still hurts especially on chilly wet days. I've learned to ignore the pain, tuck it away in the back of my mind. Your recovery might be better. Perhaps there are better ways to deal with these things now. I hope so. Just letting you know from my perspective as a 23 year survivor.