PICC LINE - breast cancer

Thank you for that. I am having a PICC inserted this Friday in preparation for my chemotherapy starting next week, so it was reassuring reading your post.

I had the PICC line placed and very much like you it was a breeze to insert etc. It did take sometime to get used to permanent attachment. I would recommend purchasing the waterproof arm protector for when taking showers etc. Also sleeve if you feel conscious when wearing short sleeves. All can be brought from Amazon easily and some charities may send you items.  

Over a period of time my arm got infected due to allergic reaction to the dressing, you have to go weekly to have the picc line cleaned and dressing changed(in my case anyway). I had vascular nurse treat me a number of times and change the dressing to a sensitive one but problem had set in. My skin was oozing, sore and swollen looked like a burn to the point it is actually scarred a bit now hoping it will heal. I was told due to constant change of dressing and allergy (skin does become sensitive when on treatment I guess) and moisture to the area caused it. 

I had the picc line taken out weeks ago and very happy it is out, my arm is healing albeit the scarring which I hope will fade. I’m happy to have the cannula less faff and having to go weekly visits to hospital and no issues. I don’t mind the extra few minutes to find a vein in my case anyway. Also take into consideration how long your treatment is so maybe better to have it if long term etc. 
I would just say make sure staff let the area dry completely when going for dressing changes etc so that moisture doesn’t set in and also be aware your skin will be and can be sensitive so find something’s to help you. 

trial and error with these things but focus on the bigger picture, best wishes all. 

I agree. I had my PICC line inserted 5th September (so it's been in 2 months now) and I have had 3 chemos and 3 to go. My veins are terrible and even when I was in surgery the anaesthetist found it difficult to get the canula in my hand!! So that's why I had it - also EC is harsh on the small veins I was told so I thought PICC would be less risk. 

I have also had some issues with the PICC dressings and my skin would blister and itch around the edge of the dressing - I am not sure if it is the dressing or what Nisey23 describes - but I seem to have found a certain dressing that is ok and all my blisters have healed now and it appears to be resolved. 

I was terrified of having it inserted but it didn't hurt me either. 

One thing worth noting is that if you have to go to A&E with infections when on Chemo - most staff are not trained to use the PICC which is frustrating - I have been twice and they take blood from your veins and you need cannulas inserting to give anti-biotics introvenously. Very annoying cos it always hurts and they have to try 2-3 times!!!

I've had a PICC line for a couple of weeks. There is always issues with getting to my veins so having a PICC line just makes it easier.

When you are getting it fitted, it does seem a bit scary at first but it was painless and the specialist nurse talked through everything. 

It's tucked under my arm so mostly hidden away although I don't know if I will ever get used to something dangling from my arm but that's ok.

I have blood tests and chemotherapy every week at different hospitals. Hospital for blood test is just closer so it's reassuring it's been looked at by a nurse at least twice a week.

Mostly it has been trouble/issue free although I did wake up one day with quite a bit of bleeding around the PICC line which did freak me out a bit. I don't know if I had slept on it funny or there was something I had done the day before. I went to the hospital where I have blood tests done straightaway and nurse explained can happen from time to time, bleeding had stopped, cleaned everything up and changed dressing. No issues since. 

Even with the annoyance of trying to shower and other minor inconveniences, still glad I opted for the PICC line.

I purchased a sleeve from ‘amazon’ which is designed for covering the picc .

i have used it every day when showering and there are no leakages at all. Good purchase and keeps the area completely dry.