Cannula or PICC Line

Hi JanG20. I'm not familiar with the type of chemo you will be having, but have had my fair share of chemo for my own cancer and also had a PICC line for a few months. If you are having a PICC line, it is usually fitted before treatment starts. Otherwise the chemo is administered via a canula in the back of the hand. A cycle consists of a number of sessions and vary with the type of treatment. A number of cycles make up a course. Macmillan have produced good 5 minute video on what to expect if you click HERE although things will probably be a bit different owing to covid precautions . I am sure some of the group members will be along with more specific information. I hope all goes well. Best wishes.

Hi JanG20

a warm welcome to the group, though sorry you find yourself here.

I see you've also posted in the January chemo thread and had some responses there. 

When we chat about a cycle or session or round of chemo, we mean one chemo appointment. You attend as an outpatient and sit on a chemo ward or unit in a chair with a drip and that is how the chemo is administered. As an example, I had 8 cycles so I was given chemo 8 times - I had a chemo appointment then 3 weeks at home then the next chemo appointment and so on. Treatment does vary though, depending on the drug you are prescribed amongst other things

As rily says, chemo is often inserted via cannula in the back of your hand or your wrist. PICC lines seem to be a hit and miss affair - some hospitals use them as standard, some only use them if they find problems with the veins. They are usually put in the top of the arm. If you have a canula, it is usually taken out at the end of the session and a new one is put in next session. If you have a PICC line it is fitted prior to your chemo and then left in and covered. You can buy a waterproof cover to protect it in the shower. 

I think most people would say if you are offered a PICC line, grab the chance. It means fewer needles and makes things easier and quicker once you are in the chemo unit.

I see from your other post that you are needle phobic - please do mention this to your team. You won't be the first person and they'll do what they can to make it easier for you. It might make sense to have a PICC line, then.

Hopefully you are finding your way around this site OK. We are a large and friendly bunch of people all here to support you however we can. The cancer rollercoaster is not an easy ride but it's do-able and often nothing like we were imagining. My treatment was several years ago but the people here got me through it and I found it a huge help.

Give a shout if you have any more questions - Let us know how you get on at he oncology appointment on Friday!

R

Thank you, all the information I am receiving is helping me prepare for upcoming treatment.

Don't fancy cold capping tho.

hmm - cold capping isn't for everyone. I didn't do it - I'm too impatient. 

R

rily thank you

Okay so I have had my video chat with my Oncologist and here is what's happening:

I will have 20 wks (5 months) chemotherapy / Paclitaxel weekly for 12 wks for first drug and  Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide fortnightly for 8 wks for 2nd drugs . Will have as part of treatment steroids and anti sickness medication.

Within 2 weeks I will meet with Chemo nurses and have a picc line fitted under local anaesthetic which will stay in for duration of treatment and meet again via video with Oncologist dueing treatment.

What is the injection you have to give yourself during chemotherapy? I am so scared of needles and have to administer myself.

This is probably filgrastim, which I think makes your body create more white blood cells.  I need to have these as well and am not looking forward to it.  However I've heard that its really not as bad as you think it will be.  I'm hoping after a few I'll not be bothered anymore 

Thanks