Cannula problems

Hiya, it took them multiple tries to get a line in during my first chemo. I actually asked for a PICC and it was good decision. It was a simple procedure putting it in, they do it.in theatre with a local anaesthetic in your arm. Probably took about 15 minutes. It meant that all my.chemo went through it. They could take bloods from it too. Much easier. You do have to get used to it, you need to have it flushed during your off chemo week, and you’ll need a picc cover to shower, but honestly it’s not something to be concerned about. 
Slightly greater risk of developing a clot in your arm, which did actually happen to me. But was sorted quickly and I took blood thinners for a few months. 
It’s so much better than being stabbed with needles multiple times

Thank you HB Wren that’s very reassuring to know. 

Hi Frankie21 ….. I totally agree with HBWren I had a PICC in for all my main chemo and I had no problems with it and it saved the issues of multiple attempts at getting kind in…… and the slight delay will make no difference in the long run… I had 2 one week delays for various reasons when I had my chemo.

Hi Frankie21,

I had it last year for beacopp treatment and it was great, just need a week to get used to it being in your arm. 

Just adding a couple of links here of previous chats around PICC line, you might find the comments useful

Picc Line - Macmillan Online Community

PICC line and washing advice - Macmillan Online Community

Thank for all the replies and info. I’ve relayed it all and he feels much better. 

PICC line being fitted next Tuesday and 3rd Chemo the day after. He’s having R-Chop. 

Apart from losing his hair he’s done amazingly well so far. 

Frankie 

Hi all

My husbands PICC line has blood in it (which so think is normal)? There is blood on his arm around it. Should he try to clean it or leave well alone. It’s being flushed next Wednesday. 

thanks 

Hi Frankie21 I would call the chemo support line and ask them….. I never had any blood left in my lines after they had been flushed after treatment. 

Hi, no don’t try and clean it as it has to be specially cleaned by the nurses
When you say blood in it? what do you mean? 

After the picc line has been used like for bloods and chemo, it should be flushed with saline so the line should be clear?

I would get this looked at if there is blood in it so it restricts any infection xx

Don’t clean it yourself, it needs to be done properly to keep it sterile. Call your chemo support nurse. You might need to get it flushed earlier than next week 

Thanks for the advice. We went to a walk in medical centre and they checked it and said it was fine. It’s being flushed tomorrow.

The whole way through this process from diagnosis in September we have had no one contact or a Chemo nurse / support line.

All we have been given out of hours is the number of the hospital A&E department who are either engaged or don’t answer the phone, 

Is this normal? 

Frankie