Hello everyone
Just wanted to introduce myself briefly.
Currently waiting for the next cycle to start which was postponed due to my liver results not being in the right range.
I had a PICC line inserted two weeks ago but still feeling sensitivity in my arm and saw a big bruise above my elbow this week. Anyone know if sometimes PICC lines dont work and need to be replaced? I have a blood and needle phobia so getting increasingly anxious it might not settle after all.
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
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
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.
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
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