PIIC Line

......hello.....

Unless you have very strong , exposed, veins you won't regret the PIcc which makes the connection to the chemo drugs easier. I believe there is a waterproof sleeve for the shower. But as you have small children, why don't you ask if it's possible to have a port? There is no comparison to the PICC as a port is put completely under the skin. Don't be put off by this idea. It means there will be nothing to get in your way and you can get it wet. I had a port in for eight months but I had friends who had them much longer  for follow on treatments. With a port there is no cleaning. An hour before each new chemo my OH put an anesthetic patch over the port which he could feel through the skin. When I arrived in the unit the nurse inserted the needle through the skin into the port which is attached directly into an artery. I never felt anything and had no vein problems or arm aches afterwards. Mine was just beliw the collar bone. I have a very neat, tiny scar which continues to fade and would only be noticed if you were looking for it. Mine was put in under general anesthetic ( a half day procedure...actual op 10 minutes) and removed with a local but I know others who had a local for both.

I have had a PICC too for antibiotics after I developed a serious infection from an operation. At first the staff attempted to administer the drugs intravenously but after eight attempts in three days where the lines blocked, an anaesthetist fitted the picc into a deep vein and I began to recover. So I do have experience of all three methods of giving drugs.

In conclusion. ......think carefully before you dismiss the PICC. I think you would soon get used to the line and would be able to continue to play with your children if you wore an arm cover. However, ask about a port. It is the ' gold star' for drug administration!

I hope all goes well for you.

Love Karen

Thank you so much Karen for your reply. You've really helped giving me all that detail.  I'll ask about a port but if I can wear a sleeve that would put my mind at rest. Thanks again. Hearing from people who've gone through the same really helps. Sharon x