PICC line / Hickman line / Groshong line / Portacath

I'm starting chemo in two weeks and will be having a portacath. Having a cannula each time can damage the veins and the other options have lines hanging out which makes me squeemish. The thought of actually having the port put in is scary but it's probably worth it in the long run 

I’m a big wuss with needles but had a pic line for chemo and it was terrific. Once it’s in it was used for the blood draws and chemo which saves a lot of piercings . Also for blood transfusions if you need them and infusions.  Slightly uncomfortable being fitted but soon over and well worth it. Being removed was quick, simple and painless.

Hi Trentender, that’s for letting me know your experience. Did you have to have the picc line flushed through every week ? Was this done at the hospital ? 

Hi LittleBrownCat, thank you for letting me what option you are planning for. Wishing you all the best for chemo and the rest of your journey 

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi Cuffcake, I have a PICC line and so glad I have. It’s put in under local anaesthetic and it’s a little sore for a few days but other than that it’s fine. I have a line flush weekly which takes about 3 mins and have the dressing changed. Saves having your veins butchered by a cannula! 

I’ve ordered some PICC line sleeves off Amazon and annabandana which covers it up and makes it more comfortable. 

Hi Shellbell24, thank you for your reply. That’s good to know about the sleeves and annabanda.

Wishing you all the best on the rest of your journey through chemo 

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x 

Hi Cuffcake. I have a PICC line and so glad for it. The chemo unit gave me a waterproof sleeve so I can shower (Limbo). But I don’t think you can swim with a PICC, whereas you can with a portacath, if I’m not mistaken. Something to consider. I have difficult veins so having cannulas every time would have been a nightmare. Hope this helps  

Hi Cuffcake. I had a PICC line put in about a month ago, 6 days before my first cycle of chemo.  It was a little uncomfortable going in but not painful at all.  The thought of having something in my arm permanently for 18 weeks horrified me but I really don’t even realise it’s there now.  It has actually been a blessing for getting blood tests too as no needles involved.  My district nurse comes on a Monday and flushed it out and dressed it.   Best of luck xx

Hi Amy123, thank you for replying. Yes my veins are beginning to hide, the poor anaesthetist had trouble with finding one for my second op she did manage it which was great. It seems that lots of people opt for lines so it’s looking more like the option to go with. 
Thank you again and wishing you all the best on your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x 

Hi Beach Girl, thank you for replying and letting me known your experience with a PICC line. It does seem to be the option for lots of people. To start with I thought I would opt for a cannula as I didn’t like the sound of having a line put in but then finding my veins are already hiding I think this is going to be the better option. 
Thank you and all the best for your journey.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x