Picc Line

Hello Spencer78 and welcome to the community. I am sure you will get lots of support and help help as you go through your treatment. I am not from this group, but had a PICC line in for several months for my own cancer. I found it painless going in and really didn't feel a thing, so try not to worry too much about it going in. The process takes an hour or so, but that is mostly preparation and checks. The actual insertion only takes a few minutes. Once in, you should go for a quick chest X-Ray to check all is well. The nurse will then put a canula on the end and cover it with a dressing. You will get lots of advice on how to take care of it. The main things are not to get it wet and no heavy lifting. Once you get used to it, you tend to forget about it and carry on as normal. A nurse will flush it out once a week, again painless and only takes a few minutes. You can buy covers for them and waterproof dressings. I made do with cling film in the shower. I also bought a cheap roll of tubi grip (elastic bandage) and cut a fresh piece off each day to keep it clean and tidy. The benefits far out weigh the inconvenience. No cannulas to be inserted for each treatment. No needles for the regular blood tests. I hope all goes well with your treatment. Best wishes.

I had my first cycle of chemo yesterday,  they found it hard to find  a vein (although I have lots visable  today). They did suggest A picc line, but reading the information made me queasy. Im also worried about getting it infected. But i know what i gave ahead of me with treatment,  I'll be in for the next 11 weeks, then 3 cycles of EC.

And just don't know wwhat to do for the best. 

Hi Bizzy Bee

I had a PICC line in while I was having my treatment. I didn't have any problems with it.  It was so handy as my veins were small and difficult to locate.  Not only did I get my chemo through it they also took bloods from it which was great. Your oncology team will arrange with you to have the dressing changed once a week and your nurse will flush it out at the end of each treatment and when they take bloods from it to prevent it getting infected. 

While it's up to you whether you want to have it inserted the benefits far outweigh the possible side effects from having it.  I know that if I have to go through treatment again I'd have no hesitation in having a PICC line again.

Wishing you all the best for your remaining treatments.

Best wishes

Daisy

Thank you, that's helped a lot. Xx

@Bizzi bee , hi when i first got appointment for pic line I cancelled, then book again . And now iam half way with weekly chemotherapy and this is best things what i have !Picc its very very useful and make my life easier and for bloods and for chemo and there is special protection after they insert it and nurses changing every week dressing . Please go for it you will not regret! X

Hi. I was on the border line for a Picc. But I was relieved they went forward without it. But after each session with a cannula I wished for the Picc line. It was a struggle every time and my veins are still sore even though I finished chemo in Feb. It’s not the same for everybody so hear the advice. But if offered a Picc line you may chose to take it over being very uncomfortable every session. Your team should advise you the best way forward. Good luck

Hi, I’m addition to everything said so far my mum was told one of these drugs is harsh on veins hence she had the picc line 

Morning 

i didn’t have a Picc line but wished I did the veins in my hand are all a mess as is my arm they kept collapsing they could only use the right hand as I had surgery on my left side. Always felt anxious when going for treatment in case they couldn’t get a vein. 

Good luck & take care 

Anne Xx

Morning, one of the  best decisions  I made having  a picc line fitted; had mine removed  last week.  I didn't  know about  picc lines  before I started  chemotherapy in February but on second  session of chemotherapy it took an hour to get cannula in, those veins  weren't  stupid  they knew what  was coming.  The following  week  it was fitted, no discomfort and no more pain.  Once a week nurses clean area and change dressing you also have  your bloods taken which happened  in seconds.  I found  it an added bonus going each week as if I felt  particularly  unwell  after chemo  and worried  I knew I would be  able  to have  face to face chat which  helped  greatly.   Don't  forget  to keep it dry.

Sending huge hugs of support  and best wishes 

Hi everyone. After 3 cycles of EC my veins were shot and had a line put in. Wished I had got it done sooner. No hassle at all. Easy to care for painless can shower. Remember that a PICC line is not the only option and the hospital advise what is best for you individually. I had a Groshong put in. Very manageable forget it's there. It goes from yr collarbone to your chest cannula on end. Get it flushed weekly etc. Good luck everyone x