Picc, chemo and what to expect.

Hi 

and Breathe..... whoa!  I'm getting breathless reading this 

PICC Line (Great) - check  You'll learn to love it... Takes around 30 mins to fit, they'll use a local so it won't be painful, bit of pushing around and minor discomfort for 24 hrs then jobs a good un'  Ask if they supply a waterproof cover for when you have a bath or shower.

Don't be put off by the mahoosive list of chemo side effects most only get a few of the more common ones.

Here is the link so you can post a reply as an intro message into the June Chemo Club chat. BTW what chemo drugs regime are you going to be having and when is your 1st session ?

If you aren't using the cold cap hairloss can start between days 12 and 24 so you have a bit of time to figure out hair cutting.

I'll hit 'post' now and see if you have time to reply before you leave for hospital.

Hugs, G n' J

Thanks. Really appreciate the reply.

I just need to put my thoughts in order really. I think I'm scared of the picc as I found the drain after my last surgery quite painful and I'm scared its gonna be like that again.

I've got a hat and a scarf being delivered today so I'm hoping that might give me a bit of confidence about my hair. I feel I need to take control of when it goes as much as I can. 

Thanks again I feel calmer just getting it all out of my head. Xxx 

Hi , I won't say don't worry because I remember how scared I was starting chemotherapy BUT it wasn't as bad as I was expecting, and while they have to tell you all the possible side effects it doesn't mean you will get them, and if you do 9 times out of 10 they can give you drugs etc to help.

PICC line is fine being put in, stings a bit when they put local anaesthetic in then you just feel pushing. It's done under X-Ray. You have to keep it dry so you will need a shower sleeve you can get from Amazon . The most annoying bit for me was you can't lift anything too heavy so no 10 bags of shopping! You also have to have it dressed once a week but it was nice to touch base with the team r ather than every three weeks. 

Hair loss is sadly almost inevitable to some degree. The cold cap does help sometimes but not for me. I would get your hair cut shorter because of it does fall out it can be really sore which I wasn't prepared for and really long hair will make it worse. I had long hair which id been tempted to get cut in a bit for years but never been brave enough so I took the plunge and really liked it. There's no denying its horrible to loose your hair but there are lots of nice headscarves etc out there. Your eyebrows and eyelashes might not fall out till really far on in chemo which I didn't realize and hair usually falls out in 1at or second cycle.

Lots of hospitals give you a pack with things like a thermometer etc so check before you buy one. You'll be given a 24 hour number to ring if you have any problems.

so that's a lot of info for now! Try and take it one step at a time, tell the team about any problems they can usually be sorted. Good luck and keep posting here because there is usually someone who had a similar experience and can advise. Xxxx

Hiya

You should only have a little minor discomfort for a day or so around the entry site while it 'beds in' There is after care info in the picc line link above.

Post surgery drains are a different kettle of fish as they are are buried and go through the surgical site.

Do you know which chemo drugs you are having and when you start ?

G n' J

I start on Tuesday. I'm not sure on the combination of drugs, I'm waiting on the written plan should get that monday I think. I've got 12 weekly sessions followed by 4 fortnightly.

Thanks everyone I feel so much calmer now.

Thanks I feel a lot calmer. It's strange how I'm absolutely fine for weeks then all of a sudden I just start to panic.

Sounds like it could be Paclitaxel - That is given weekly for around 12 weeks. It is considered one of the better types for side effects....

Maybe you can let us know how you got on later ?

G n' J

it's a roller coaster of emotions for sure! I used to have a good cry in the shower and get it out of my system! Honestly please don't worry about PICC line it's nothing like a drain it's a tiny tube and you won't know it's there once it's in. Xxx

Hi folks,

Picc line is in, didnt hurt although they struggled to find a vein and ended up with one close to my elbow so bending my arm is a little more restrictive but only a little. 

Thank you for your support this morning feeling on much more on an even keil now. My hairs being cut short tomorrow. I feel like I've taken control of my hair by choosing to cut short. 

Thanks again really appreciated the messages. I'm sure I'll have more wobbles along the way xx

, so glad it went ok! I felt better choosing to get my hair short and hope you will too. Do keep posting if you have more wobbles, I have had so much support from everyone here. Good luck! Xx