PICC

I had my PICC line in my right arm although I am right handed.  This was because I had lymph nodes removed on the left hand side.  PICC line was no problem other than the fact that you should not carry heavy weights on that arm and of course the sleeve that has to go on before a bath or a shower.  Good luck with it. I was a bit uncertain about it before it went in but it was so useful and there were the odd twinges but generally it was not uncomfortable.  All the best.

Dear Sandrad

Good afternoon.

I have a PICC line in my right arm although I too am right handed.    My Oncologist team recommended the right arm because I have cancer in my lymph nodes as well as in my left breast, axillary and milk ducts.   You are not advised to carry anything too heavy once you have surgery for removal of lymph nodes.   It is far better to have a PICC line inserted.   Does not take long.   My veins kept on disappearing and my arms were black and blue before I started my Chemo.   I just go back every 1-2 weeks for the dressing to be changed.   Unfortunately have allergies to the dressings, alcohol cleanser too.

Good luck.   Hope all goes well with your treatment.

Kaz1959

Mine also went in my right even though I’m right handed, I think I read somewhere they prefer to use the right as insertion is slightly easier but I might be making that up!

Not sure if I am right, but it should be the other side where the cancer is, I have my on left arm, cancer was in right breast, post chemo, surgery on 15th, picc line will be removed after Results, cannot wait to have it taken off (but it wasn’t that bad, I had issues with plasters, had rashes at times, it wasn’t always very comfortable, but you get used to it)

If I have a choice again, I would still go for picc line, no need needles every time and save your veins. 

Good luck with your cancer journey

Third, thank you.

Were you able to lay on the arm at night, a silly question, but i sleep on my right arm?

Thank you

x

Thank you

x

Yes, but first few weeks you getting used to it, and I felt the metal holder in it, plus my little one usually has her head on it during night when she comes to my bed. 

They should place it on right as veins are normally bigger as dominant arm, anatomy wise it is easier to navigate the tip into svc from right hand side also people normally move right arm more so helps prevent thrombosis 

Mine was in the same side as my cancer. As Dc6 says it’s to do with the veins , I can’t recall the whole explanation but I do remember it was to do with that, Dc6 explanation sounds good! I was told NOT to sleep on mine due to thrombosis risk, I would normally sleep on my right but had to get used to sleeping on the left! X