Hello @cancerboy
As ever, it seems very dependent on your local NHS Trust and waiting lists.
I have a PICC line (still waiting for transfer to my requested preference for a Port). It seems that most oncologists prefer one or the other rather than a cannula being placed - that’s a lot of cannula insertions when you’re on weekly Paclitaxel and it’s a very irritant drug for your veins. They don’t always use just hand veins and can use arm veins but you’ll also be having weekly blood draws prior to your Paclitaxel so that’s more vein stabbing every week. So, I think to protect your vein health they’ll likely opt for a PICC or Port. PICC lines are quick and easy to fit whereas Ports require minor surgical intervention. My oncologist said best to get the PICC line in so we could get on with starting chemotherapy as there’s a wait time of several weeks to get a Port fitted. Also depends on how long your chemo lasts ( if <6 months they usually go for a PICC; how will your Herceptin be administered? IV or subcutaneous? If it’s IV you have a strong case to advocate for a Port.
At some cancer centres you can have an Arm Port (rather than a Chest Port) which are fitted by the Clinical Nurse Specialist (who does the PICC) so might be worth asking about that. I couldn’t have an Arm Port because I’d had lymph node surgery on both sides.
Also worth noting that having a Sentinel Node Biopsy won’t prevent you having vein interventions for sampling / PICC Lines etc on that side, it’s only when you’ve had all the lymph nodes removed (Axillary Lymph Node Clearance) that you’re advised not to have blood samples/cannulas/blood pressure cuffs etc on that arm.
As for the activities you want to do; you can’t swim or lift weights above your head with a PICC. You can do any activities with a Port.
Hope that helps.