Picc line

[Lockygill]

Had my 3rd chemo in 4th cycle cancelled yesterday as they struggled to find any viable veins. I’m to have a picc line fitted for future treatment. Has anyone got one and how do you find managing it please? Looks like I may miss my window of opportunity to have my vaccination as well. Unless I can get one this week which is proving to be impossible. Thoroughly cheesed off today. Gilly

[Hidden]

Hello Gilly - I always resisted the suggestion made by my team to have a Picc line, but with ever increasing vein issues - I agreed. - it was the best decision, no more stabbing around for a suitable vein, which as I am on weekly chemo would have been a nightmare. It can also be used for blood tests and CT scans - wonderful- having it fitted was a breeze I didn’t feel a thing, you have to have it flushed once a week and have the dressing changed, but I think it’s a small price to pay.

You do have to keep it dry so no swimming, the Hosp give you a cover to wear in the shower but I found it a bad fit and opted instead to buy a “Limbo” cover as it was recommended to me - got mine on Amazon.

I don’t think you will regret it if you decide to go for it - good luck x

[Lockygill in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reassurance Lyn x

[Irisisme]

Hi Gilly,

I had one in for 18 months, having chemo was so much easier with it. That was a while ago and I’m now starting 3rd Line chemo on 26/2 but can’t have a PICC line before then.

It’s a nightmare for me at blood tests as nurses and phlebotomists have difficulty finding a vein so I’m not looking forward to chemo without a PICC line.

You will have to have it flushed every 7 to 10 days so if you’re on a 3 weekly regimen it does mean extra hospital visits- ask whether there is a mobile clinic that comes close to your home.

It does mean no swimming, which is a shame, but you get a sleeve for showers. There is a heavy duty sleeve for baths but I didn’t feel confident enough with it to swim. You have to get the heavy duty sleeve online but get given sleeves for the shower. You can also get special coloured covers for your arm.

It’s usually a simple procedure to have it fitted. I’ve had two of these procedures- the first was quick and easy but the second took half a day, which is unusually long. Neither was painful or required anaesthesia.

I recommend having a PICC line.

Iris 👍

[Lockygill in reply to Irisisme]

Thank you Iris x

[Lockygill in reply to Irisisme]

Thank you x

[Gemimablackvelvet]

I always have a problem like you Gilly and it’s frightening. My oncologist doesn’t favour ports because if infections and a pickline was impossible to fit due to wiggly veins. I have 3 more weekly chemos before I reach the end so if I’m fortunate enough to be offered something else I will definitely push for a port. It gets to be a nightmare doesn’t it! I’m really sorry for you. You really have to get your vaccine too. All the best Angela xx

[Lockygill in reply to Gemimablackvelvet]

Thank you. I am happier about it now. Vaccine booked for next week x

[parkwalker]

Hi, The pic line is fine, it's more than I thought you have to cover it when you shower and wear a bandage on it but it makes chemo so much easier and less stressful. I literally go in sit down and sleep. Can recommend even though I refused it at first.

[Lockygill in reply to parkwalker]

Thank you. It was starting to be quite stressful with all of the poking and prodding. Gilly

[Lockygill in reply to parkwalker]

I’m sure I will soon get used to it x

[Riverflo]

You have my sympathy as I have the same problem but I hadn't heard of a picc line so, thanks for the heads up and good luck. xx

[Lockygill in reply to Riverflo]

I had heard of them but didn’t want one...I’ve changed my mind since reading the supportive replies x

[Riverflo in reply to Lockygill]

Thanks, this forum is such a lifeline of advice and support. X

[Irisisme in reply to Riverflo]

Where are you Riverflo? Are you having chemo? If so your oncology team really ought to have explained about PICCs and PORTs, maybe you could ask them why they don’t offer either?

[Riverflo in reply to Irisisme]

I'm in Spain. Recently finished chemo and surgery but I still have 3 monthly blood tests and CAT scans. The worst thing is the contrast for the scans pushing through my hair width veins, so painful. I will ask because, although my oncologist speaks English, he probably minimises info due to the language barrier. Thanks for asking and thanks for the advice. xx

[Solange in reply to Riverflo]

I have found that it's far less painful if the contrast Dye is pushed through very slowly. I always asked them to, on the advice of a Radiographer. Good luck! I always have a picc line fitted pre new chemo Courses nowadays. I have had 5 different Courses.Good Luck, Solange 😊Xx

[Riverflo in reply to Solange]

Thanks Solange, I asked the last time and they said it has to go through with some force but they would try to use the minimum possible and it was better. xx

[kewl1]

When I got mine I was amazed at how easily and painlessly it went in. In fact, I didn't even know that they had finished putting it in till they told me I was finished. The biggest chore was wrapping it up to take a shower. I also had an Ileostomy bag to cover up at the same time so taking a shower was a chore. There are lots of Youtube videos where people show how they handle it. I thought what I came up with was easier than what I saw on the internet.

I wrapped several layers of (I forget the name) Glad wrap or Stretch and seal around my arm and I put a rubber band at each end. It worked perfectly. On Youtube a guy was first putting a facecloth or towel under the wrap. I have no idea why.

Anyway, you must be sure not to get an infection where it goes in. One time at the chemo I had a bit of a rash on my arm and they had 5 nurses around me including the supervisor. I asked how many would have come running if I had a heart attack and they said "about 40, LOL. They were like angels. I've never been treated so kindly as when I had chemo or when I had cancer in general.

The PICC line was much less of a chore than the ileostomy was. PICC line was 6 months and ileostomy was reversed after a year.

Good luck

[Lockygill in reply to kewl1]

Thank you x

[Leniko]

I was also hesitant but the chemo nurses kept complaining about my veins so finally I said OK to a chest port. It really was one of the best decisions, in retrospect. It is now so easy to have blood drawn , get treatment and it’s comfortable and does not bother me. I wish you good luck with yours.

[Lockygill in reply to Leniko]

Thank you. I feel reassured x

[Lesinbeds in reply to Leniko]

I totally agree. A port is the best thing. So easy for chemo, blood tests and blood transfusions