Hello,
I am new to this so thought I would give a background of my mum's cancer story.
2020 mum has a pain in her abdomen which leads her to call the GP who asks he to come for an appointment. The GP sends mum up the hospital with suspected appendicitis. After multiple tests e.t.c it is decided it's not the appendix but there is an issue with the bowel. Mum is then scheduled for surgery and has this no problem and the issue was removed. A few weeks later the pain is back so a scan is done. This shows mum has bowel cancer.
After multiple discussions with many professionals it is decided for a further scan to be done. This then shows cancer in the bowel, both lungs and a small speck around the heart. This news was devastating but we were told there are treatment options.
Fast forward to 2021 when mum is due to start her treatment following on from a scan we are told this is on hold as stage 4 abdominal cancer has been found. Mum then has 12 weeks on chemotherapy and finished this April this year.
Results were received last week and we were told the abdominal cancer has grown and now mum is being offered further chemo via a PICC line for a duration of 12 weeks.
It has been a whirlwind of emotions and appointments e.t.c and I was recommended via a colleague to join this community group so I thought why not give it a go.
Does anyone have any advice on the PICC line treatment so I know what to expect as I am quite anxious to see my mum go through this?
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community but sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your mum’s diagnosis and ongoing treatments.
First I had a PICC line for my 6 cycles - 750hrs chemo treatment and it was no problem. It actually made life a lot simpler as bloods can be taken from the line. It takes about 30mins to be put in and I had worse days sitting on the dentists chair.
The care of the line will be done by the hospital or a District Nurse. Showering is not a problem as you can ask for a waterproof cover but I just wrapped the area with clingfill ;) check this info link.
www.macmillan.org.uk/.../picc-lines.html
A cancer diagnosis in the family can be challenging in so many ways but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey can help you navigate this difficult time.
The Community is organised into support groups so do look through our list of Cancer specific groups. Find the best group for the cancer area that is being treated then connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
To join a group just choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting someone you may benefit from talking with others caring for family and friends so do check out our Carers only group as you will connect with others supporting family and friends through their cancer journey.
It’s always good to talk so do call the Macmillan Support Services on 0808 808 00 00 - most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week Clicking here to see what is available. This service can give lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear. We also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
((hugs))
Hi again, the PICC line is purely a delivery tool. It’s main function is to save the ware on her veins so no, it will make no difference to her diagnosis but will make treatment simpler reducing stress and worry ((hugs))
Have search for the best group as I was not sure what specific area the chemo was being used to target.
If you get stuck or just want ask any more question I will be at the other end of this thread ((hugs))
