PICC line

Hi Shyfox!

I've had chemo twice, 8 years apart, and I've found it's not as bad as I thought it would be. But of course everyone is different.

Regarding the cold cap, I used it the second time, and I found it OK.  It saved my hair, but I did lose some, so my hair is thinner.   But hopefully, because I used the cold cap, it will all grow back?  Last time my hairline receded, and my hair grew back a bit thinner.  I took a hot water bottle and two warm wraps and I was fine!  When they first switch on the cold cap it gets very cold very quickly, but once it's been on for a short while, your body adjusts and it doesn't feel so cold.

I also used a Picc line the second time, and it is really great.  I never even felt it going in! 

Regarding sepsis, I had Paclitaxel the second time, and sepsis is a big danger.  But most people don't have it. Just take your temperature every day and be sure to ring the emergency number they give you if you are at all worried.  They don't mind if you just need reassurance, so better to be safe than sorry and call if you are not sure.

Hope you find it not as bad as you fear.  You will have lots of support, and the nurses are great!

Best of luck! xxx

Hi x I was so worried about having my picc line inserted but it wasn’t bad at all. They do give you a local anaesthetic which is the worst bit but that’s over super quickly and then you can’t feel anything. When she said it was over I couldn’t believe it was done. The first few days I would describe it as tender and you are aware of it when moving your arm but I didn’t need painkillers and after a while you forget you have it. In terms of picking up an infection, I was lucky and other than an infected fingernail which I got after finishing chemo, just take sensible precautions. Good luck it will likely be no where near as bad as you expect x

I agree with you; I always get good advice and support on this group .

Sorry to hear you have been suffering with cording...I was lucky enough not to have it after my surgery.

As per the other comments, I found having a picc line fitted very straightforward. I have ordered covers from Etsy so I don't catch it on clothing (but nicer than the surgical tubing when wearing shorts sleeves) and, apart from a few twinges, not had any problem with it.

In my case, it's checked, flushed and the protective plaster is changed every week. They regularly swap it for infection too. I felt it was preferable to having a canula and was recommended it by my bcn due to my veins.

I also cold cap. I had very thick hair and have still lost a fair amount, especially on the top, which I did find distressing at first as had naively thought I wwouldn't loose any using it. But I've decided to keep going  - they use a surgical cap now my hair is thinner and it does definitely feel colder than it did the first couple of times, esp now im on weekly infusions. However, I take paracetamol beforehand and once I've got past the first 15mins or so, it's tolerable. I'm hoping that it'll help with regrowth.

All the best for your chemo xxx

Hi Shyfox. My daughter had a Picc line for her first 8 chemo cycles ... well 7, it wasn't fitted before the first one. She said having it fitted was no more than a normal blood test, only the local anaesthetic was uncomfortable - and chemo was SO much easier with it. She actually had a port for her 14 cycles after surgery and radiotherapy which was even better - you don't have to keep it dry and can shower, swim, etc.

Regarding the cold cap, daughter did try but found it the worst part of chemo. She hated it and had lost 80% of her hair by cycles 3 anyway. I know many people keep much more hair than that but it had reached the stage where she wouldn't go out without a chemo beanie anyway. So she decided to give up the cold cap and asked her hairdresser to take of the remaining wispy bits of hair. Daughter was much happier when she'd done this. Eighteen months on, she has a full head of very thick hair - sort of shaggy bob at the moment, highlighted. It looks good. I hope it works for you if you decide to cold cap, but if you don't...please don't worry, there's so much choice of chemo headgear and your hair will grow back.

Very best of luck with your treatment. xxx

Hi

I support all that is said below.  The PICC line saved my veins and it meant it was easier for blood tests etc.

I am pro the cold cap.  I lost some hair but it grew back quickly.

There is nothing perfect about the cancer journey and it is making the best decision you can at the time.

All the best 

Hi 

I am currently having chemo I have a really bad phobia of needles so when 1 first started my chemo the first 2 cycles of EC a cannula was put in my hand but they really struggled to find a vein it took so long and it made me feel so sick and stressed me out so much even taking my bloods was such a problem .The thought of a picc line in my arm i was against it at first  because I was having EC chemo I was advised to get a picc line . 
so I decided to get the picc line I was so scared I was shaking at my appointment ,the doctor that was going to do the procedure was so gentle kind and kept reassuring me . 
I did not hurt as they numb all the area . 
It was the best decision I ever made ,I don’t think you get used to it but you learn how to deal with it in your arm .               So now my bloods are taken from my picc line chemo goes in there and when I’ve had MRI scans with contrast they can use the picc line instead of trying to find a vein in my arm .I can only say that for me it was my best decision as it has stopped my anxiety stress sickness that I would have before my chemo appointments. 

I have never heard a picc line being described as a positive!

Good luck

Thank you all for your replies.

Just a quick update, I've had the picc line fitted today. It was totally painless like all of you mentioned, so no bother at all. It feels like it's bruised , it's sore but I suppose that is due to all the prodding. I'm hoping it will resolve and won't be painful for too long. 

Have you experienced any pain with your picc lines? Is it normal to feel bruised and how long for?

Thank you!