Picc line chemo

Hi Storm rain  I had a PICC line when I had chemo & really glad I did. All your bloods are taken from it too so no stabbing your veins! You have a local anesthetic when having it fitted so doesn’t hurt, just a little sore for a few days until it heals. 

With regard to the covers, I would call your BCN in advance and ask if they provide the sleeves as some hospitals do. That way you know whether to order some or not. 

im 10 months post chemo so any questions feel free to ask! Good luck! 

Treatment is going ok, I am on cycle three now - it hasn’t been “too bad”, I mean it’s not fun and it’s tough but it’s manageable. 

I did mention my fears of it being “pulled” to the nurse who said she has never heard of someone managing to pull theirs out and that as it’s always covered up, it should be completely fine. I am most likely just being ridiculous about it, I just don’t like the idea of it!

I will discuss it with them again or I might wait to see how EC goes as with that one they manually push it into the vein (or so I am told) so it doesn’t go via drip - if my veins can’t handle it then I will have to go with the PICC.

Apparently it doesn’t hurt as you are fully numbed up anyway and the site is just a bit sore for a couple of days - it’s just the thought of it I don’t like!

Hi Shellbell thank you for the reply, il ring my bc. Nurse tomorrow. Iv got my picc line on the 10th then I start chemo on the 11th. How was chemo? I know it’s a silly question, as everyone reacts differently, in my head I’m thinking it’s going to be the worst thing in the entire world. Thank you so much. How are you getting on? 

Did you have bloods done at the hospital or local doctors?  I ask because my doctors won’t take bloods via PICC so my choices are continue to be stabbed for bloods as usual OR make an half hour trip to the hospital for bloods (as they will do bloods via PICC!)

One of the main reasons I considered it was due to no more needles but as my doctors won’t do it, kind of makes less sense for me!

I wish you all the best and hopefully a speedy recovery and that it all goes well, I can totally relate I hate the idea of needles hence I use emla numbing cream.  Google just makes it worse. Yes do let me know how you get on. 

So sorry but I would love to know aswell, I assume bloods is also taken through a picc line? That’s what I was told. That’s why I’m having it done in the first place. 

Chemo was not as bad as I thought it would be. I was never ill with mine, just found the experience a bit lonely as my unit sat everyone too far apart to chat & you aren’t allowed anyone in there with you. I had 4 EC then 4 Paclitaxol without too much of the side effects (other than being so bloody exhausted!)

im doing ok, was glad to get into a new year & hoping for good health! 

I had the bloods taken at the hospital but also had to have a line flush weekly as well. Mine was only a 10 mins drive so it was pretty easy. It was never discussed to have my GP do it, only option was the chemo unit at the hospital. But everything was done via the picc line 

A bit different as I don’t have a pic line, I have a central line which goes into my chest, but it does the same thing.  I had my first round of chemo through a cannula in my wrist and a few days later noticed a ‘pulling’ sensation in my arm and it was slightly tender to touch, I’m near the end of my treatment now (first was 31st Aug) and it’s a lot better but still there when I stretch my arm out. So I would definitely recommend a picc or central line. Also, if you are wary of needles a line helps with that.  I’m an hour away from my hospital so the district nurse comes and takes my blood,(through my line) changes the dressing & flushes it once a week, this was arranged initially by the chemo nurses when I had my second chemo. 

I pray all of us have the best of health️ I’m so glad to hear it wasn’t as bad. Oh wow I never new you wasn’t allowed to have anyone with you. How are you feeling now? Fatigue is a nightmare