Hello everyone,
My oncologist meeting went well yesterday (Jan 8th) and she agreed that a PICC line would be a good idea, given that I'd had an extravasation in my left arm on December 29th. (The arm is improving and bruising is disappearing.) I had called the chemo ward on the 5th asking about a PICC, and now have an appointment for next Tuesday 13th for the PICC insertion. I got the letter this morning with the consent sheet dated 6th, so they had moved pretty quickly on that!
As my second cycle (of 6) starts on Monday 12th, I was given the option of delaying it a week so I could use the PICC line. But I didn't want any further delay, so I'm happy to go with my right hand...and just be very careful! If anyone has any tips for living with a PICC, or can suggest a good waterproof cover please, that would be great.
I also asked about the mucus situation (in my case from the fistula) and she said this could be either from the tumour, inflammation or a body reaction to the chemotherapy. The mucus has not increased over the last few weeks, so I will just monitor that.
So far, so good. And I had my bloods taken this morning, so I'll be interested to see what effects my two weeks of magnesium-raising efforts have had on my levels next week.
Kathy
Hi KatB5 i had my chemo via a picc line and i used a limbo sleeve for showering which worked really well i even managed to get my pump and all the tubes in. This link is the one i had
https://limboproducts.co.uk/product/limbo-slim-elbow-picc-m45/
As for living with it, i just had a tubi grip over it, occasionally it would pull if that makes sense but it didnt hurt you were just aware. The only bit that annoyed me was i wasnt allowed to lift weights at the gym and it was put in 2 weeks prior to starting treatment. Hope this helps. Xx
Hi Kathy I had a picc line and they gave me a waterproof cover when I had a shower and a cover to keep on it at all times,I didn't know I'd got it and it made having a canula and doing bloods so much easier ,less stressful no more drinking loads of water and having cold hands to worry about ,Good Luck you'll be fine Wendy
Hi KatB5 , it’s great to sounds as though your treating team has everything in hand & are moving quickly for you regarding your PICC line. It’ll be so much easier for you I’m sure.
It’s good that you’ve now got some explanation as to the mucus situation & that it has stayed stable & not increased at all.
I hope your magnesium levels are ok too, let us know when your blood results are in.
Good luck for the start of your second cycle on Monday & the PICC insertion on Tuesday, you’ve a busy week ahead.
Nicola
Many thanks Wendy. Going forward, I think it will make things easier, and I'm not the greatest fan of needles either!
Hello KatB5
I was never offered a PICC line, I would have jumped at the chance! I was like you in not wanting to miss a session and given your history I am sure they will be ultra careful with your cannula this next session.
And good luck with your blood results too. Please let us know how you get on.
Irene xx
Thank you Irene. Indeed, I was keen to avoid any further delays. I'm hoping that I'll get an experienced cannula giver on Monday...update to follow.
Kathy xx
Mine was a limbos sleeve which they gave .e xx
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