Newbie introduction and PICC line sensitivity (diagnosed with TNBC 29 Oct 2024/1st cycle chemo complete)

Hi Suz89

Welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.  While it didn't happen to me it can happen sometimes so I suggest that you get on to your chemo unit and tell them what you are feeling and about the bruise and they should be able to advise you on it.

Wishing you the best of luck with your remaining treatment.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you for your reply Daisy. I did contact the oncology nurses and was told to keep an eye on the bruise and let them know if anything is getting worse. I found the whole process very challenging and needed Lorazepam tablets to get through…

Hi, sorry to hear about your diagnosis and struggle with picc line.

i have also recently been diagnosed with TNBC and am due my 3rd weekly chemo session tomorrow.

Rather than a picc line I have had a port fitted beneath my skin. All bloods are taken from this and chemo given through it, I’ve found it brilliant so far. Not sure if this would be an option for you?

Good luck on your journey xx

Ports aren’t ideal for people with needle phobias as a needle is used to access them 

It should settle bruising is normal after an insertion , also if your liver levels are not normal it can cause you to bruise easier. The liver levels being deranged after chemotherapy are quite a common side effect so do not be worried about that 

if the picc carries on being sensitive asked them to redress it in a different position, try a different dressing may help. 

Thank you Kiwi79, I really appreciate your response and all the best for your journey too. It is my 2nd cycle starting tomorrow. I had actually asked if I could have a port instead of the PICC line as the thought of having tubes hanging out of my arm for 6 months was just turning my stomach non stop. But the nurse explained that this procedure would have to be done at another hospital and the waiting list was long so it would have meant delaying my treatment. But they kindly offered me as an alternative Lorazepam prior to the procedure, to calm me down and get me through the PICC insertion. Glad this was available as I am not sure I would have coped otherwise. The chemo nurses are just so brilliant and helpful, and I am so, so grateful for their support. 

Thank you for this Dc6, I wasnt aware that higher liver function results are responsible for increased bruising. Since my earlier post, I am glad to say it has finally stopped hurting so much and am hoping that in time my arm will return to feeling normal. 

Ah I’m glad you managed to get through it. Yes the nurses are all fabulous support. I had a reaction to my third dose of chemo yesterday and they were with me straight away looking after me and supporting me. They really are fabulous!

Good luck with the rest of your journey!

keely xx