PICC line and start of treatment

Hi  Georgie6775 . Not from this group but had a PICC line for a couple of months and a chemo pump for 2 separate weeks. The chemo helps the RT work better. Usually painless going in and most of the time it is taped up and doesn't cause a problem. Just try and do nothing too strenuous. When the pump is attached it is a bit awkward getting dressed as you have to pass it through sleeves as it can not be disconnected. You cannot get it wet. You can get waterproof covers for bathing but I made do with clingfilm. You generally wear it in a pouch on a belt. In bed I found it best to wear the pouch and have it on my tummy so didn't really disturb my sleep. The chemo is administered slowly over a long period so shouldn't cause too much problems. It has to be flushed out once a week by a nurse with a fresh dressing. I had a district nurse calling to do it to save going to hospital. Overall, no problems with it. hope i haven't overloaded you with info. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Hi Georgie,

I agree with Rily's comments, I didn't find the PICC line a problem.  It doesn't hurt when they're putting it in, and the chemo unit supplied me with a handmade "pouch" like a crossover handbag to carry the bottle around in.  It wasn't noisy at all, and although it was a pain showering with cling film over the line, and the bottle out of the shower, it was manageable.  I didn't find it a problem sleeping with it either.

Good luck with it all, not a fun period but you'll come out the other side.

Kate

Hi Georgie6775

Sorry I can't offer any help on a PICC line.  Hospitals have different protocols regarding how chemo is delivered and I had daily tablets.  The end result I believe is exactly the same and my biggest fear was swallowing the tablets which were bigger than any of my daily supplements - it must have been mind over matter and I managed!  I am pleased you have had some answers and I am sure more will respond.

Irene x

Hi Georgie,

The PICC line was super easy for me and made the whole chemo-in-a-bag thing much easier. While I was getting the chemo I had to keep the PICC site dry, so had to use the handheld for everything above the waist. Pretty minor discomfort. It's been out for almost two years now. I have a small scar that itches occasionally.

I really didn't want oral chemotherapy and appreciated not having to sit in a chair for the infusion. 

Getting out was even easier than putting it in. A couple of numbing needles and boop, right there in the doctor's office, wide awake.

The PICC line didn't interfere with any of my clothing. When I was hooked up I carried the bag o' poison spirits in a fanny pack.

Suz

The PICC line was the best thing ever. I hate needles and finding veins can be challenging. Bloods were taken weekly to check blood counts were all OK and no blood transfusions required. Whilst the PICC line was in for around 40 days. insertion and removal were painless. Buy a limbo neoprene sleeve to help with showering. It proved  a God send.

The chemo can which you are likely to have on weeks 1 & 5, Mon-Fri is challenging simply from the logistics of sleeping with it by your side and showering ( I slipped into a food bag with a double seal so I could still shower) and had it hanging around my neck for ease. The dressing is replaced weekly and flushed with saline and the can replaced mid week as it only lasts 48hrs. All straight forward and painless!