Hi all I’m so scared of having a picc line and starting chemotherapy next week, 8 cycles. Once every 3 weeks. Any advice is most welcome. My babies are keeping me going sorry for sounding so silly….
Hi, I’m due to have round three of 8 cycles next Friday. I had my PICC line put in a few days before my first treatment as I have such rubbish veins and it was recommended by my oncologist.
Like you, I have a large, bouncy, excitable dog (I also have a child, but she’s 12 so not an issue) and I was concerned about her jumping at me and catching it. It feels like a very weird idea having things ‘hanging out’ of your arm. From my experience so far, it’s been absolutely fine. It’s not as dramatic as id painted it to be in my head. It’s kept well bandaged to keep it clean, so it’s just really like having a large, raised plaster on the top of your arm. I’m obviously being a bit more cautious around the dog but it really doesn’t seem to be a problem.
Im glad I have it, I’m not very good with giving blood or injections, I really don’t like it. But the PICC line makes everything so easy - it all just ‘happens’ and you’re not really aware of it.
We’re also a 20 minute drive from the hospital (and I don’t drive so am reliant on my husband) and it hasn’t been a problem so far going in for ‘line care’, I’m in and out fairly quickly. Just over an hour and it’s all done. I find it comforting also knowing that it’s being checked (mine had moved this time and was quickly adjusted), cleaned and if you have any questions it’s a quiet little 10 minutes for a chat.
It feels daunting, but it’s certainly made my life a little easier I feel.
Thanks, I think I need to just get it done and stop being a wimp about it! The fact I will need to go in weekly for flushes is a tad annoying once I move to EC but I guess it’s just one of those things. Also annoying that I would have to travel back again for bloods or just continue having them done the old fashioned way!
The nurses keep telling me EC is harsher on the veins and they manually push it through rather than using a drip so if my veins are rubbish, it will take longer - so they are quite keen for me to get the PICC!!
Do you find it ok to sleep on? I move around quite often in my sleep and I can’t see it would be pleasant to roll on it!
You’re not being a wimp at all, it’s a very strange thing to voluntarily do to yourself! I didn’t like the idea but it’s a fairly quick, straightforward process.
I’ve done 2 of 4 EC so far and it makes it all seem rather daunting that they manually ‘push’ it through your veins. Honestly, with the PICC you don’t even really know it’s happening. It all goes on at the side of you (you can watch if you’re that way inclined but I just maintain eye contact with my nurse or look out the window as I don’t like the thought of it!). My infusion normally takes about 45 minutes (I’m aware it’s different for each of us) and it flies by if you get on well with your chemo nurse, again it’s a time where you have their full attention and can ask any questions that you may have about different things.
Im a real fidget in my sleep and I’ve not had any problems with it (I also have two cats to bat away from me in the night!). I had a single reconstruction mastectomy first, so I’d already got used to sleeping with drains in and not worrying about it. I got a wedge’ shaped cushion/pillow from Amazon that I use with other pillows so I sleep fairly propped up which helps me not wiggle about too much, I also sleep with my picc line arm on the edge of the bed so there’s nothing to knock it on.
I think once you have it done, you’ll find that it’s not as bad as we wind ourselves up into think it being. xxx
Hi KP20 just thought I’d say, I had my bloods done at the same time as the flush that fell on my chemo week so you might find you won’t have to go back and do that separately!
Thats really reassuring to hear. I’m having EC too and would rather not know what’s going on. Do you find the wedge shape pillow helpful? I toss and turn and like you have a cat who likes to share our bed. Best just to get it done - there’s so much other stuff to contend with but sounds like the PICC line is going to make things easier. Good luck with next 2 ECs
I’ve found the wedge useful personally. It wasn’t the cheapest thing but as a side sleeper it’s really helped. After my mastectomy I had to be ‘on my back’ because of my reconstruction and I’ve just maintained this position. The wedge has definitely stopped me rolling onto my side and keeps me fairly still. Mine definitely needs extra pillows on it to make it comfortable but I sleep well with it. Arms on the side of the bed so that you’re not worried about the cats bumping you is also good x
I’ve had picc line put in in Oct 2023 and just completed weekly chemo for 12 weeks with no issues using picc link and much less painful than having it in the veins honestly. It’s connect and go and totally pain free. I was frightened to have one initially but this was also pain free too surprisingly. I worried about catching it but they secure it well with additional clip (stick on ) plus a dressing covering it all exept the end of the tube needed for IV. I also use a picc line cover so very little chance of pulling it out. It’s on inside of arm so hard to knock it so hope this reassures you. It would be very hard to catch and pull at all. I also ask for a gauze to be place under and over it so I don’t need to see it and provide extra comfort and security. You would be better having it for treatment than using veins honestly . Best of luck
I sleep on left and right side with no issues. It’s well protected with dressing and pic cover. Mine is quite low in my elbow joint which initially annoyed me when bending my arm doing my hair and make up , but I am used to it now and don’t bother me in the least. Initially you may worry about it which is natural but give it a few days and you’ll be surprised how accustomed to it you become. I just don’t notice iits there now tbh
Hi kaza, how are you? How was your weekend? After my daughters birthdays party, I went to the hair dresser, late afternoon, I got them to take about 6 inches off, it was a very emotional day, but I’m so glad I got it done.
Ive had a good weekend, tidying after Christmas and preparing for this week. We had a wonderful family meal out in London today for my husband’s birthday so time has gone quickly. How was your daughter’s party and the footprint? Hope you had a great time.
How brave having your hair cut short! I was planning to do this on Wednesday but want to get a wig sorted first. I was thinking of having a pixie cut as a half way house but I’ve never had short hair and now wonder if it’s best to leave it and wear a hat. I’m doing a Look Good Feel Better online workshop about hair loss on Tuesday so I hope that will help me decide. I think you’re going to try cold capping aren’t you? That’s not for me as I don’t like things pressing round my head and neck but it seems to have some good outcomes, especially in regrowth.
Was your ECG ok? I’ve lots of questions for my oncologist tomorrow so I’ll be glad when I’ve been to the hospital and know where everything is. How are you feeling about everything now? xx
sorry for sounding so silly….
