Cannula - difficulty and I’ve not even started treatment

Yes, the solution for me has been a portacath. I was getting cannulas put in with difficulty and after the 4th EC infusion a blood clot developed along my forearm. With 12 paclitaxel infusions and 5 more zoledronic acid ones to go I got the portacath and it has been brilliant - sometimes it’s used to get blood samples as well as putting stuff in.

All the best to you, xx

Hi tutu123,

I'm so sorry you've had trouble and pain with the cannulas. I've also really disliked them. I've just started my chemotherapy treatment (ECx3 followed by Docetaxel x3) so I was fitted with a Picc line (peripheral catheter) that goes into your upper arm, 3 days before my first infusion. Like the port it makes it easy for the nurses to inject the drugs and do your blood sample each cycle. It does not need minor surgery like the port so can be done in half an hour by the IVAS team. They give you a local anesthetic. 

I didn't like the picc at first as it took a few days to settle down but having just had my first chemo on Thursday (yesterday) I'm really glad I did, as there was no anxiety about a needle in my hand for 1.5hours.

I hope you can ask for a picc line or port fitting for your chemo and can avoid cannulas. 

Wishing you all the best in your treatment. 

1. Hi tutu I had a lumpectomy on the 9th of September for triple negative breast cancer,I am petrified of needles especially cannulas,they tried putting it in before the op with great difficulty,which led to be having a meltdown in the Anesthetic room , hopefully I can have what you did if I have got to have chemo 

Hi i had my picc put in on Thursday and it’s still really sore.  I can’t do too much cause it really sore when I move my arm.  Was urs like this ?

Hi Luisa, 

I'm sorry you're feeling sore with the picc line. Mine was definitely a bit tender but not sore. I didn't like the feel /idea of it at first as it felt alien to me so for me it was more of an emotional reaction My husband also had to remind me they've agitated a vein so it's like a small injury. It did settle down after a few days.

I think if yours is sore you could call the Picc line number they give you as they told me if you have 1. Pain 2.heat or 3 swelling you should call them.

Hopefully they can put your mind at ease. And maybe also take some paracetamol to help also. 

Fingers crossed you feel better soon x

The weird 100 symbol was meant to be a colon. Not some strange 100% pain comment..