My husband is due to be admitted to Clatterbridge on Monday. He is very worried about the Picc line being fitted and the chemo. Can anybody offer any words of wisdom please?
Hi Anniemum, kevin here, AKA Vespa, 2.5 years post Stem cell and doing good! i must say these were the two things i was worried about, unsure about, the PICC line, i found Fascinating !!! two really professions health care persons, fully decked out in blue disposable gowns, in my own hospital room, explained to me what it ism how it would happen and why it is needed, no pain at all, so careful, the screen was on my left shoulder, i wanted to watch the thread of the line, but the medical person at my feet kept saying, "look at me Kevin" took them about 15 minutes, and then i was wheeled down for an X ray to check on the placement, it was a good thing to have in place, for meds, and of course the infusion of the Conditioning chemo, this was on a bag on the IV line connected to the PICC line, and once again, no pain, no earth shattering event, Stem cell transplant was the next day, and once again, very straight forward it is of course right to worry about the next steps, all i hope to do with this message is get across, that is that IT IS WORHT IT ! i lead a good life and the recovery whilst tough was worth it, and i hear great things about Clatterbridige clinic, so best wishes, please come back and tell us how things go on the road to recovery Kevin
Hi , undersdably it's going to be an anxious weekend for both of you . I had a SCT Aprol 23 and it was worth every bump in the road .I remain in remission .
The pic line sounds scary but is done under local anaesthetic and I didn't find it painful at all .Just a wee bit of fiddling around and getting used too once it's in . I'm not going to lie and say the chemo wasn't the easiest bit but the staff are well used too the side effects and can off support to offset them .Speak with the staff and make sure to let your husband know to tell the staff if he needs support or assistance. Most likely to feel poorly 2nd week but it doesn't last and be positive. I set a daily routine that helped. Phone on timer for oral care , shower every day and have a tidy up in room every evening. Sounds daft but it set sone structure to the day . The room he will be in is specialist air floor room and mine was chilly . A full zip fleece was needed to keep me cosy .
PS my husband was in Clatterbridge hospital 70 years ago on Peter Pan ward and fell in love with one of the nurses( not me) !! Best wishes to you both and a speedy recovery for your husband. Sue x
