Picc line- what to expect

I had a Picc line fitted, like you I was worried about the procedure. It was very straight forward and no pain whats so ever. I walked out and thought that’s not to bad. I would recommend having one fitted, just make sure you have it cleaned and flushed regularly. 

I'm having the pic line done next Tuesday I forgot to ask if it goes in your arm or the chest?

Mine was in my arm, just had it removed last week. For me it wasn’t painful to have the procedure and took a bit of getting used to the first week with occasional minor discomfort and then it was fine, I got used to it very quickly x

Oh that's good to hear I didnt like the sound of it in the chest I'd rather have it in my arm. Have you finished treatment now with you having I removed?  X

Well I’ve finished chemo, double mastectomy next then I have herceptin and perjeta every three weeks too for another 15 cycles (I think, lost count!) I can’t have radiotherapy again as I had it first time round so I may need more chemo too after the op, trying to not think about that though and just focus on what I know, so yes! No more chemo!! X

You sound so strong and positive about it all. Best wishes to you x

Thank you, I try hard to look for the positives where I can, there’s so much to deal with when you’re on our situation. I’ve done my fair share of screaming into a pillow but at the end of the day nobody can do it for us mores then pity good luck to you too x

Interesting thread - out of interest, did people get offered the option of a picc line or did you request it? I'm nearing the end of my chemo but on the last 2 occasions they have had trouble fitting a cannula, apparently due to problems in finding a 'good vein', and have given me a bucket of hot water to put my hand in for 10 minutes before trying again. This is resulting in a painful and bruised hand so I'm wondering why they have not suggested or offered a picc line instead.  

I was told by my oncologist it was happening rather than being given a choice, his reasoning was it’s better for the veins and I just went with it. The downside is you can’t get it wet so you have to use a waterproof cover and it needs cleaning so I had to go to the hospital once a week for that x

Thanks for replying Anna12345  I guess there are pros & cons with either method. Hopefully the hot water and bucket trick will still work for my final chemo cycle next month.