Picc line? Week off chemo?

A PICC line is put into your arm on the side away from where your cancer is/was.  It is a fairly painless procedure.  I was very unsure about it but my oncologist said that it would be best for me as I do not have very large veins.  I have had a lot of bruises in the past when having blood taken.  It is cleaned weekly and flushed through usually by the district nurse or a special team at the hospital.  It was absolutely amazing as I had complications with the chemotherapy and had to have a lot of injections and blood taken.  I did not regret it at all.  When it was removed at the end of chemotherapy it was again a slightly uncomfortable but not painful experience.  I did have the occasional twinge from it but it was so useful.  You do not need to look at it if you don't want to.  Mine was covered by a dressing and I was given a special sleeve to wear when showering.  If I needed one again I would certainly go for it.  I know it is scary and the more you think about it the worse it becomes.  It is your decision.  I think that the things on people's chest are probably what are called ports.  Chemotherapy is hard but doable for most people.  I guess that you would be allowed a week off if you needed it through illness or other needs.  If you decide to do this you prolong the treatment period.  Do ask your oncologist and tell him/her how you feel.  The chemotherapy staff where I went were very understanding, reassuring and kind.  Tell them how you feel and they will help you. Good luck with your treatment.  I hope that it will go well. All the best and tell us how you get on.

Hi chick, I’m triple positive, a year since first diagnosed, ex nurse and I’ve had everything they offer me so far, a way to go yet but for me but all treatment offered was a no brainer. Rather they give me everything they can to give me the best chance rather than kicking myself down the line. I had a pic line for chemo, small almost painless procedure being fitted, minutes, absolute bonus as you can have chemo and blood tests thru it, chemo isn’t nice but completely manageable, your thinking about a chest port, with a picc it’s just weekly appointments for a clean and redress, you have to keep it dry but you’ll get a voucher thru gp for a limbo cover so you can shower, pick it up from your local pharmacy. They may agree to delay a chemo session if you’ve got a special function, everyone very approachable so just ask. Nothing is as scary as you imagine xx

Thank you so much.   Ohhhhh it's in the arm ...and I don't have to touch it .... well maybe I can handle that ...maybe.

You're right I shouldn't think about it too much.     But of course I can't stop.

Parisa thank you.    In my arm I can handle ...the relief I feel knowing it isn't that chest thing is immense!

Top of your arm, your aware of it but it was absolutely fine, don’t be scared, you can definitely do it chick xx

Hi 

I too was not keen at first but a lady on here put my mind at rest by uploading a photo of hers (can't remember  name at the moment) it does make it easier for bloods and chemo