Chemo and a PICC line - any wisdom?

Hey, I can’t give advice on cold cap cos I didn’t go for that option but I believe there are pros and cons. I’ve just had my second dose of chemo, docetaxel, and had a picc line inserted which means it’s so much easier for nurses to administer the drugs without having to look for veins. I have got used to it being there although once a week I have to go and get it redressed but quite nice just to check in with nurses tell them how I’m feeling. I’m feeling floored with this round of chemo.  I reccommend you drink loads of water/juice/whatever you can manage, and more! And while chemo going in suck sweets. My nurse told me this!  I have lost my hair just at the beginning of this treatment, was coming out in handfuls so shaved my head yesterday. Feel so much better as the hairs were driving me mad seeing them everywhere! Good luck with your treatment. Xxxx

Hi Jane

was the picc line painful going in? Tempted but just so sick of ‘procedures’. Thanks x

Thank you. That’s helpful. At this point it’s all the unknowns that feel so scary. I’m so sorry this round is affecting you so badly. Hope that you pick up soon and it lessens off. 

Definitely go for a PICC line, it saves your veins and means you're not stabbed all the time.

I had 12 chemos which also means 12 pre treatment bloods, so that's 24 times to be stabbed with a needle. If you've already had surgery you can only use the one arm so often your veins blow and the nurses really struggle to find a decent vein  in a sensible place that doesn't impact movement of your hand during chemo.

The downside of the PICC is that you have to go to have it flushed and dressing changed every week so you are up at the hospital a lot. 

It's weird going in but not painful.

No honestly I hardly felt it at all. It’s a little annoying with showering etc. I’ve got used to it now! X

Thank you; think I’ll go for it. X

Similar position. My PICC goes in tomorrow, and first chemo on Thursday. I am going to give the cold cap ago  

It’s good to hear how others felt about the PICC line. 
Good luck for Friday. 
x

Hi Sandrad

hooe all goes well. Can you please update in a couple of weeks how the cold cap is working out? Think I start in the next few weeks on EC and want to try this. Thanks 

Thank you Hel39. My first 3 sessions are EC, so yes I will update in a couple of weeks. A wig is waiting if needed. 
Good luck with your first session in a few weeks time 

x

All the best for you too.