Having a moment

[Eleni]

Tomorrow is my pre assessment when I'm having a PICC line fitted prior to my 3rd cycle of carbo/taxol and I'm freaking out.......just feeling so miserable to be in this place again.

[Hidden]

Hi Eleni, I can imagine that you are not a happy camper tonight. I do understand that the picc line is bearable and it works well for us. I havent had one but it is possible I will need one sooner or later. It is an upsetting time for you of course heading back to where none of us want to be. Once your first treatment is up and running you wont feel so bad. Its all the waiting and planning and our minds go into overdrive. I am sending you a hug and will be thinking of you tomorrow

[Eleni in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your support Suzuki......this next one is cycle no 3 and it's a recurrence after 4.5 years. That's what i'm struggling with..knowing what is still to come.

xx

[Hidden in reply to Eleni]

I know its daunting and look you got a long remission last time so hopefully once you start you will settle a bit. It is never easy starting back again. I have been there and done that I had Gem/ Avastin last time around and finished the Avastin in Oct. I have a check up and scan end of May and I am not sure how that will go for me. I do have niggles but not enough to warrant bringing forward my apt and scan. My son is getting married in 6 weeks so May suits me fine to deal with anything they may be worried about.

[Lily-Anne]

Good luck with your appointment. My cousin had a picc line for myloma and she said the thought was worse than the reality and made things a bit easier. so hopefully that will be your experience

Rooting for you

LA xx

[Emalou71]

I'm so sorry to hear this, I have no advice regarding a picc line but I've heard they do help and are kinder than digging for a vein. Huge hug to you and I hope all goes well tomorrow xxxx

[Susan3]

Hi Eleni

I had a port a cat fitted which is similar , didn't hurt at all , though if it was worst thing. I am surprised they are not used more as make life so much easier ...chemo quicker and no digging around looking for veins or discomfort during infusion . I know a recurrence us heart breaking but on the plus side you got a long remission last time and there have been advances since then . Maybe you could ask you onc about trials that use parp inhibitors as maintenance for a period after so you feel everything is stacked in your favour . Best of luck tomorrow x

[HogwartsDK]

Eleni,

Best of luck tomorrow! I am nursing a pretty bruised arm and lumpy vein after Chemo no 5 so hopefully your line will avoid that!

My thoughts and best wishes are winging there way to you for tomorrow! Onwards and Upwards!!

Dx

[Hidden in reply to HogwartsDK]

Arnica cream will help get that bruising down, I was told to use it as my veins were naughty at times and it does work.

[HogwartsDK in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Joan!

I hit the wall today day earlier than usual so feeling a bit sorry for myself!! Will cop myself on tomorrow so thanks for the tip!!

Dx

[Hidden in reply to HogwartsDK]

Hi D I hope you are feeling better this morning, we all hit the wall now and again dont worry. It is a lovely day out, went to a Mindfulness Hour and nearly fell asleep. I took the dogs for a walk just now. One of them has turned into a telly tubby over the bad weather and having being neutered. So I think a daily walk of 30 mins is prescribed for us at the moment providing the weather stays fine, I dont do walking in the rain.

[LesleyGreengran]

Sorry to hear you're back on chemo. I had a PICC for 6 months but reacted to all the dressings so have a port-a-cath now. The advantage of the PICC is that it comes out after treatment as it's a simpler procedure. I'm on third line and the first few are the worst because there's someone to go. I'm feeling much better emotionally now I've had the 3rd so I'm half way through. I hope you can arrange some good times and treats for your rest weeks.

[Eleni in reply to LesleyGreengran]

Hi Lesley.

Just had my 3rd line today and the PICC is definitely better if only because the chemo goes quicker.

you are so right about arranging treats - and I've got plenty organised. It's our 25th wedding anniversary next month and i've booked for us to stay in a castle!!! hoorah!

xx

[cah48]

I had a portacath last year but decided to have it removed at the end of December. My reasons for removal were: 1 only the oncology nurses could access it, therefore I had to make appointments with oncology for blood tests; 2 I was unable to have an MRI because the machine at Maidstone had broken down and MRI machines elsewhere couldn't cope with the portacath; 3 Every time it was accessed for chemo it felt like a bee sting, and 4 There is only one doctor at Maidstone who can insert and remove them. I had ct with contrast on Thursday and it took 4sites to eventually get the canula into a vein.

I know I will be having a third lot of chemo this year and I have decided to have a picc line inserted because it gives access to all and I believe you can flush it yourself once shown.

I hope this is helpful to anyone considering what is best for them.

Good luck to everyone who is back on the roulette wheel. Warm regards Carole 😊

[antheamary]

Hi i had a picc line as my veins got worse. I wish i had it right from the start. It was no problem having it fitted. I was so pleased to have one. I had to buy a waterproof arm bag from boots as you cant get them wet in shower.

I am sorry you are having more chemo. I have just escaped that at the moment. At least the treatment is still there for you. Go for it. Be brave it will work.