Hi ladies
This is my first post but have been reading all your threads since I was diagnosed in nov 2013 and they have pulled me through some dark moments. I was diagnosed a week after my 39th birthday.Was bit of a shock because only found tiny lump that hurt. Everyone I knew said dont worry it cant be cancer if it hurts!After a mammogram I was told I had small tumor in rb &dcis in both breasts. On the 13/12/13 I had double mx and saline implants. Was quite poorly stayed in hospital 8 days had 2 washouts and blood transfusion. The ports are bit annoying as one slipped up near implant and other gets squashed when I am sleeping so keeps waking me up.I thought I was mentally prepared for the pain but totally underestimated it but am proud to now just be taking ibrofen and co drydomol and am now on road to recovery.I went to get my path report and because it came back as a grade 3 have been offered fec chemo which is the hardest decision I have had to make and am still not sure but because I am young and have children feel I need to do it for them to have a mum for longer.
My next big choice is whether to have a PICC line or not is anyone else having one or going with a canula?I am a very lucky girl as have got the most amazing man looking after me and a great family but it is hard to describe how I feel so need to reach out to people in the same boat onwards and forwards… XXX XXXX
Hello Micheybell
Whilst waiting for support and shared experiences from your fellow users maybe you would like to call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 and talk to one of our staff who are there to offer support, lines are open again on Monday and normal hours are weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2…
Best wishes
June, moderator
Hi Micheybell,
I am finished my treatment now but I had this discussion with my onc last week as I didn’t have PICC line. I had 3 FEC and 3 TAX and as I had ’ good veins’ and only 3 FEC which is the one that hurts veins they decided I didn’t need one. At the time I was really relieved…I didn’t want one. During chemo I was lucky that I didn’t have much problem getting cannulas in either which I know some people do and it can be quite upsetting. However since finishing chemo the veins hurt by the FEC have gone tight like strings. When I twist my arm it looks like a tree trunk and I can’t stretch my arm out fully as it is sore and tight. It is a constant reminder at a time when I am trying to move on from cancer. The breast care nurses say it may get better very slowly but some veins will always be damaged.
I feel a bit let down by my onc. As having a PICC line would have avoided this.
He says the cons for a PICC line are risk of infection and you need to go every week to hosp to have it flushed out. THe pros are that it makes chemo a lot easier to administer.
In hindsight, if I’d had all the info and a choice…I would go with the PICC line.
I’m sure you will make the right choice for you.
All the best of luck xx
Hi micheybell, don’t know if this is too late now?.. I just finished chemo 3x FEC, 3x Docetaxel. Hated the idea of PICC , but once I saw the hassle everyone else went through being cannulated, am really glad I had one. Don’t forget you’ll need bloods taking too , so it’s used for that as well. Having said that, it was removed yesterday & I can’t wait to go swimming!