I’m trying to find out how I should expect to be given my chemotherapy.
I’ll have radiotherapy for 5 days a week for 5 weeks with Cisplatin on days 1 and 22 followed by brachytherapy and then Carboplatin/Paclitaxel given every 21 days for 4 cycles.
Can anyone let me know if the chemo is normally given via cannula or will I have a PICC line or port cath fitted?
Hi EP17
I had carboplatin and paclitaxel on 4 cycles of 21 days.
Mine was given via canula into the back of my hand. I did alternate hands each time. I asked specifically to have it via canula and my consultant was happy. During my chemo sessions most people I came across had a canula in the same way. There were a few who had PICC lines. I think it depends on different things, such as the number of chemos, the health of the persons/veins etc.
Because they do the cannulas so frequently, I found them relatively painless. If you have a preference there is no harm in asking. For me I wanted everything removed each time after chemo and did not like the thought of having a PICC line. Other people are different.
I wish you well with your chemo.
Jane
Most of the people I came across had cannulas. The ones I saw with the PICC lines/Ports seemed to be the ones that looked more poorly/frail. My consultant said cannula was fine for me as long as veins were ok. They were. The cannula took a little longer to put in on the last session but they have various tricks up their sleeves to help. Heat pack, lowering hand etc.
