My veins are being difficult and keep hiding from the chemo nurses (little devils) and it has been suggested I have a pic line fitted for the remaining two chemos and for the months of Avastin. Any tips would be helpful. I am a little worried about the fact I already have a PUlmonary embolism.
Jill
Hi Jill
I had the Hickman line which goes in through the chest, I thought it wouldnt get in the way as much as in the arm.and it didnt.
I had it in for 6months, and it was the best thing slice bread!!!
What a joy no messing about trying to get cannulars in and less time consuming. When I have my next chemo, I wont be thinking twice.
I am sure others will be able to advice on the Picc line
Good luck with whatever choice you make.
Regards Barbara.
Hi Jill,
I've got a picc line fitted, I thought getting it fitted was so interesting and nothing to worry about, I go every week to the hospital to get it flushed and cleaned, I bought a leg tube from Boots they are different sizes, I was advised not to where a compression so I got the biggest they had, I put it on to have a shower and then wrap cling film over it to keep it dry.
best wishes love x G x
I had a PICC line fitted 2weeks ago! Such a relief! No discomfort fitting it and it does not leave me feeling like a pin cushion. Hints:
Keep micro pore tape to fasten down the stretchy cover they give you top & bottom. Be careful to wear loose sleeves and after a shower the tape they stick the line up with may come off so I replace it with micropore. Avoid baths as it is almost impossible to avoid immersing it.
Do not sling your shoulder bag over the arm with aplomb, you can dislodge the tube!
Make sure it gets flushed!
Sit back and enjoy!
Margaret!
Thanks for this advice. I am having PICC line fitted before my next lot of chemo/Avastin. Took 4 attempts to get blood last time. Not best pleased at this is a much better option. Feel better informed than I was before. HOW GREAT IS THIS SITE xx
I am opting for the Portacath where I will be able to swim and have unrestricted use of my arms, and equally wallow in the bath!! I do not like restrictions!! Playing my violin is very important in my life as is sorting out my allotment and doing ever inventive cooking! Gio
MargaretJ has given good, practical advice! I would echo her and also add that if offered, I would take the option. It will be strange at first, but the benefits and lack of hassle and lack of pain when playing hunt the vein are worth it!
I echo everyone else - it's such a relief not to have the performance with the veins ( just one more thing).... I had one halfway through my second lot of chemo; and also had one recently when I was in hospital for a post surgery hernia complication.... I looked like a pin cushion by the time it was inserted. There's a very good sleeve for use in the shower with cuffs at both ends and quite thick plastic - if you can still find them - I think they're now handing out thin plastic ones which probably work less well than a plastic bag with rubber bands. I'm about to have a portacath instead for my current chemo, as they couldn't get the PICC line in!
I have a portacath fitted and it was the best thing I have done. So much easier and you can swim and shower with it in. I have had two courses of chemo through it with no problems at all.
Good luck with having it fitted.
Hugs Jackie xxx
Many thanks - and congratulations on raising the profile of OC and becoming a celebrity! Really encouraging to have someone living so positively..... Did you swim throughout your chemo cycles or did you tend to lay off the nadir points? I'm feeling pretty fine and am tempted to bloody mindedly ignore the nadirs.
I didn't swim which is a shame as I love swimming but I must admit I tended to just get on with life and go wherever I wanted no matter what my nadir was. However I was more aware and watched people for any signs of illness to avoid. Xxx
Pelvic Scan update I have an appt, thanks to everyone for your advice
I have a temperature today
I have a difficult decsion to make....advice needed.
I have a concern with my ca -125, post op
