Anyone having Chemo without having a picc line inserted?

Hi, have had my 5th chemo, each session takes about 6 hours, and each one has been via a cannula in the back of my hand.   One vein is a bit dodgy now but otherwise ok.  No one ever asked me about a picc line and I never enquired as, like you, I did not want one.  I have good veins and I have never had a problem with them finding a vein.

Hello Irishgirl16 Thank you so much, the thought of having a picc line and potential risks of infection and things going wrong on top of  coping with chemo . I don't want that added anxiety.  I wish you well with your treatment, hopefully you don't have many more sessions to go. 

Hi, I had 6 chemo cycles without PICC with no issues. I had chemo every 3 weeks and they just put a cannula in each time with no issues. I have good veins too and it is really worth hydrating more than usual the day before and day of chemo as it keeps your veins big. 

Hello Beatthebreast that's so good to hear and thanks for the tips about hydration. My proposed chemo is at 3 weekly cycles as well

I think you'll be fine then. I think they only give you a PICC line if your veins are difficult to put needles in, or you find it very upsetting / painful or you are having weekly cycles and it's more convenient to have the PICC

Just 1 more thankfully.  And I agree with the hydration and also keeping warm helps the veins be strong somehow

Thank you

Thank you

Why don't you want a picc line?

Do you have really good veins in your arms?

Has anyone offered you a port ?

I don't have good veins. I had a port for my chemo but in my hospital all chemo patients had a port without choice. If I ever needed it again, I would insist on it. 

I needed another operation after chemo and developed an infection which required intravenous antibiotics.  After eight blocked veins, I had a picc. Preferable to the veins which were agony, the port had been so much easier than the picc!

• Whilst you are getting replies from people who didn't need a picc, over the years I have read many comments from people who got relief from having the Picc after agonising attempts to find veins. Cording is not a pleasant side effect either.

I am pleased I didn't have to make a decision. I hadn't found Macmillan and I just assumed that a port was used everywhere. Mine was just above my collar bone, it healed quickly, enabled very easy access for the chemo nurses,( I put a local anesthetic patch over it an hour before chemo) and no difficulties with showering, swimming etc. I now have a tiny scar about a cm in length which you would have to look for.

Hope you make a decision you are both happy and comfortable during chemo with.

Love Karen

Hello Lacomtekp,

Thank you

No I haven't been offered a port, the picc line seems to be what is being suggested. I'm trying to minimise risks having chemo during a pandemic when my immune system will be comprised by the treatment. There are risks involved with both of these for example clots, blockages, infections they require flushing, can leak. I would rather if I can take it directly through a cannular,  after the treatment is taken out.  The chemo will be delivered every three weeks which will give my body a chance to recover so not administered every week into the vain.