Picc line

Hello and welcome to the community. I am not from this group, but had a PICC line in for several months for my own cancer. Firstly, painless going in. Bit of a blessing. Does away with all the needles for chemo and blood tests. Covered up when not in use and I forgot I had it in most of the time. Bit of a nuisance as you have to have it flushed once a week, but again this is painless. Just got to remember not to do anything too strenuous. I am sure some some group members will be along to share experiences. Best wishes. 

Welcome. My picc line went in easy and didn’t hurt going in, I found it a bit uncomfortable for say 5 days but by that it was odd rather than painful and within a week I was used to it I’d say. It does make life easier as regards treatment and there are a few things to avoid but you do get used to it and so far I’ve had no problems with it. It was more daunting than the reality of having it after a week or so if that helps xx 

Hello rily and anna12345

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. I am reluctant on having a picc line to be honest. If I could get away with it, I would. I think more than its complications ( infection and blood clotting), I am more concern on its mental and psychological effect of picc line as a constant reminder of my illness. But after what I have experienced yesterday, which they can’t gained access to my vein, my chemotherapy was move for another week and if I risk the peripheral cannula again next week and they get access again I will have to wait for another week which is the worst scenario for me. It feels like it left me with no choice than to have picc line. 

Upon hearing the good side of it based on your experiences, it made me feel better about having a picc line. Thank you so much I very much appreciated it. xoxoxo

Always here. When I’ve discussed it with people on the ward, most, not all, but the vast majority are happy to have it rather than not, they’ve had similar experiences to you and have voiced the opinion it’s better. I can’t compare because I was told it was being fitted and I just went with it so I’ve no experience without it x 

Hi I had one fitted when I developed SBC as my veins were wrecked by first lot of chemo. For me it has taken away the stress of every blood test and weekly chemo session! I have had no issues so far ( thremonths in), but it is there all the time as a reminder of my condition; but I am also bald and have lost 10kg, so no real pretending that nothing has changed

Hi Meiard,

I can so empathise, being in a comparable situation. Yes, there are far too many signs and reminders of our situation....... my Picline has been a blessing for me. Don't know how I'd coped with weekly chemo, blood tests without it.

Really feeling for you about your hairloss. I'm only very slowly losing mine because I've opted for the cold cap. What do you do ? Did you opt for head covers, a wig or do you wear your hairloss poudly ?

Best wishes, TalkingListening

Thanks TalkingListening. I am not too bothered by it tbh; I wear nothing at home and have a wig for going out ( chance would be a fine thing!) My aim remains to be ordinary so I can just get on with life as best as I can. 

Hello Anna12345,

Your voice and experience help me a lot. Thank you so much. I was able to realised that there is more advantage of having a picc line than going through cannulation every 3 weeks. xoxo

Hello Meiard,

Thank you for sharing your experience that is good to know that that the picc line has taken your stress away from further damaging your veins as that is one of my concern as well. My first chemo have left me with massive bruise around the cannulation site. 

I totally agree with you about hair lost and losing weight. But the wig have given me confidence when I am out and the turbans and hats I wear in the house aa my kids doesn’t like seeing me bald . As much as I appreciate losing weight, I’ve lost 5kg since my first chemo. Its not just the best way to lose weight . xoxo

I’m pleased, this is a lovely forum where we all just try and help each other, I’ve got so much out of it myself and I’ve not been involved for long but it’s helping me immensely to connect on here x