Ascites (Fluid Build-Up In The Abdomen)

Hi!  I really need some feedback from anyone who has experienced ascites.  I was diagnosed last August with Stage IV, Leiomyosarcoma, and have been determined to beat it despite the "statistics"!  I've done pretty well, and just had a hysterectomy on 6/26 since the original tumor was the only real site left with activity in it.  We'd also hoped that removing that would stop the fluid build-up, ascites, that I've had for months now.  I've been going in to get tapped about every 5 days, for months, with the usualy amount drained being in the 4-5 liter range!  Now I have a temporary drain which I detest!  I'm still producing a lot of the ascites, and my oncologist seems to be baffled at its source, even though I'm being treated at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago, considered to be a top-notch cancer center!  Has anyone had similar experiences with ascites?  If so, PLEASE let me know how you resolved it.  Thank you, Karen

sometimes this can be an ongoing problem.  There are some reports that Octreotide may be effective in controlling malignant ascites, but the drug has not been tested in a clinical trial.  You could ask your doc about it.

How is it going with the ascites? I noticed your message from July. My father has been at Northwestern as well and they recommend a permanent catherer,he is having that done tomorrow. How has been your experience so far?