Skin metastasis? UPDATE

[BanksiaRose]

So, GP and CT scan confirm that the skin nodule at laparoscopy port site is metastasis and with other ‘small changes’ my oncologist has given me the option of weekly taxol starting next week. As I only finished second line Carbo/ Caelyx in March I am now deemed platinum resistant. I think I’ll try to have a PICC line inserted as I’m dreading cannulation as my veins are small and move about! Any advice anyone re regime and/or PICC lines? Best wishes to you all.

[Hidden]

I can not advise on weekly Taxol, but I had a PICC line inserted last week, I had my chemo two days later and it made me realise I should have had it done months ago. It is so easy no prodding with a needle and several attempts to get a cannula in. The procedure itself was straightforward and completely painless. I would recommend to anyone. Good luck x

[BanksiaRose in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. It looks like a PICC would be a good plan!

[Katmal-UK]

Hi I resisted having a PICC line fitted....... eventually had to and was the best thing I did. Good luck xx

[LittleSan]

I had a port put on the left side after both my original port and PICC line stopped working. I didn't get on with the PICC Line at all. Xx

[BanksiaRose in reply to LittleSan]

Hi. Do you mind telling me why you didn’t get on with the PICC line? and did it get blocked? Thanks

[LittleSan in reply to BanksiaRose]

It kept occluding during infusions and eventually it blocked with 3 DVTs. Xx

[BanksiaRose in reply to LittleSan]

Mmmm. That gives me food for thought. Thanks for info. Best wishes. x

[SilverOrca in reply to BanksiaRose]

Hi it's the first time I have posted here, I too will be starting 3rd line Paclitaxol after finishing 2nd line treatment in January 2020 had a Parp Inhibitor for the past 5 months as maintenance but my scan has just shown a new tumor in my spleen so this will be discontinued, I am also considered platinum resistant I will take the treatment they have offered . If I receive a response with the Taxol after the first four sessions I will qualify for the Prompt Trial which will be testing a new immunetherapy drug. I have had Taxol in first line treatment although did lose my hair but it was overall tolerated well. With regards to having a pic line I would recommend requesting a port which is placed under the skin in your chest/pec area. This can stay in place slot longer and you can go swimming and you really do not notice it's there. I was working in quite a physical job so I argued that in would be much more practical than a pic line. In the end they give it to me and I am so pleased with it as I have much more freedom to swim and exercise you cannot even feel it and you can have you bloods taken through it and also have your chemotherapy administered through it hope this helps, take care...xxx

[Tulips66]

Hi , I am so sorry to hear you have to start treatment again so soon. I didn't have a PICC line but had a port inserted on right side of my chest in March 2019 a week before I started my treatment & was sore & bruised for a few days but have had no bother with it since. The nurses can take my bloods from it & then give my treatment so maybe ask your nurses or oncologist for advice on which one is suitable for you. Good luck with your treatment, I had taxol/ carbo & Avastin & am on avastin only now. Take care Xx

[Tesla_7US]

Ask for a PORTA CATH. You can bathe, shower, swim and enjoy pretty much everything you'd normally do. I've had mine for almost 5 years and through two recurrences. You'll be amazed at how much easier EVERYTHING is when you have one. I get a bit of lidocaine injected or rubbed on before they access the port. It doesn't even feel like a pinch.

I had mine surgically implanted and first chemo infusion three hours later. I felt NO PAIN OR DISCOMFORT AT ALL. Titanium ports are standard for cancer patients in US.