PIC line maintenance as things are.

[standeasy]

I wondered what PIC line people are doing. I had a new PIC line put in a short while. I did not take in how I would soon be living. A nurse told me that people are getting rid of their PIC lines where possible so that no weekly visits necessary. I do have a good arm that I have guarded for 16 years after axillary clearance and is probably usable. The feeling that I have made a mistake is causing me anxiety but it may not be possible to reverse. The nurse and I will carry on doing our best.

[JulieP1986]

I had mine fitted just before commencing my 2nd line treatment. Have received first round of chemo and had my first flush was yesterday. Originally planned for Thursday but was pushed back to yesterday. During the procedure there was no mention of it being removed. The unit is opening on Saturday mornings now as another unit has merged with them from another site, under current conditions. The unit has an outside entrance, self contained away from the main hospital entrances. My veins are useless after a couple of operations and 1st line treatment.

[jenny8c]

I am still having my PICC line flushed and redressed weekly. I think I will be having one more chemo (should be 13 more) and then it will be stopped. The hospital I go to has no virus patients so I am reasonably happy to still attend. I don't fancy the option of having it removed as it wasn't easy to get in in the first place and my veins are shot to pieces. However I will discuss this with my oncologist during my phone consultation on Tuesday.

It is not an easy decision and I think we just have to go with what we feel most comfortable with. Good luck Jenny xxxx

[Iwillbeatit in reply to jenny8c]

I had a PICC line for first round of chemo. It was taken out by senior nurse really quickly and painlessly s o don't worry about that I was totally unnecessarily. I now have a port usually flushed every three weeks much easier. Similar doctor opt to insert though takes a bit longer. Just for info. Good luck.