Cannulation options?

 I am not able to answer your specific question, I just wanted to say hello. I think that your wife will really benefit from having a caring husband to support her

Wishing you best all the very best.

Big hugs Jules xx

Sorry that should say, wishing you both the very best….think my brain was in front of my typing fingers there! Xx

Most people on immunotherapy by infusion use a cannula for each session which is a needle in your wrist or back of your hand.  It's inserted after all the pre-checks are complete (weight etc) and removed once all the drugs are delivered.   

My understanding is that permanent PICC lines and Portacaths are sometimes used for chemo because the side effects sometimes cause the veins to shrivel up so they can't get a cannula in easily. The picc and portacath lines go direct into your central vein. One (Picc) you can't get wet and I think you need to maintain it/flush it weekly.. The breast forum group talk about these options a lot which is where all my knowledge is from. But it's hearsay from me so weight it appropriately!

The portacath you have to get inserted before treatment - 7 days beforehand I think.  It takes about 45 mins.  

A temporary cannula is usually fit-for-purpose for most.