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