So, tomorrow Jay goes in and gets his PICC line fitted. I'm feeling all sorts of emotions for him just now. Nervous, Hopeful and Emotional all rolled into one. He got a phone call yesterday from the Beatson cancer unit in Glasgow as I think I mentioned here and the nurse I take it was that he spoke to I think cos I wasn't here, managed to give him some reassurance as to how the procedure works. I had visions of these long wires hanging out your arm which do but are not long and strapped down so it just looks like a big bandage you have on your arm just with wires you can see through it. It will probably take a bit of getting used to but I think once it's there. it's there and you can just get on with everyday things as some of you here have mentioned that have already had one done. Just says online about them that you have to be careful if lifting anything heavy and playing certain sports like tennis, badminton, squash etc is a `no no`. I'm just keeping fingers,toes and everything else crossed for him.
Vicky x
Hi Vicky ( PattyK ) I am not from this group but had a PICC line in for several months for my own cancer. Not as bad as it sounds. Painless going in. Once in, they send you for a quick x ray to check it is in place. Most of the time it is covered with a dressing. You can get special covers but I bought a roll of elastic bandage (tubigrip) and cut a fresh piece off each day to keep it tidy. After a day or so you forget it's there. As you say, nothing too strenuous. Important not to get it wet. You can get waterproof covers for the shower or bath, but I am a cheapskate and wrapped my arm in clingfilm which worked for me . it needs to be flushed out once a week, but again no problem. I had an agreement with my GP practise nurse to do it rather than going to hospital. The best thing of a line is it takes away all the prodding with needles for bloods and treatments. Best wishes.
Hi again Vicky. I had a chemo pump for a week at a time for chemo. If similar to mine, the drugs are infused very slowly over a long period and so does not have the same effect as the one day big hits. Kept in a pouch on a belt. The awkward thing is working out how to get your clothes on as you can't take it off. I tried different ways in bed but ended up keeping the belt and pouch on in bed and all was fine. I hope all goes well.
Hi Vicky. My pump was a cocktail of Mitomycin and 5Fu but cancer treatments vary. Five days at a time fortnightly with no real problems. It's the result that matters . Best wishes.
