I’ve been offered the opportunity to have a PICC line - I’m nearly half way through my chemo and don’t have any issues with veins at the moment. I’ve been warned by someone that also had 8 rounds, that without one, I might get hard veins - I’m unsure how much of a problem that might be. In my last treatment, the nurse advised me to avoid the PICC line, as my veins were ok. I can’t decide what to do…
I opted for a picc as soon as I was referred for chemo as my mum had one when she had chemo. I’m on the Cornwall / Devon border and it seemed like I pretty much had the choice of a picc or a port, they didn’t seem keen to do EC through a cannula. I got a dvt and also needed the picc replaced right before the last infusion (although I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome so they might be more concerned that my veins are dodgy!). Have you spoken to a vascular access nurse / doctor? They’d probably be able to advise you more than the oncologist. Having the picc put in and taken out isn’t a big deal at all though so potentially you could have it placed, get the infusion then have it removed - I think that might be the best of both worlds in terms of potential complications. I had chemo before surgery but due to the dvt they couldn’t get the replacement picc in the arm on the non cancer side so they had to put it in the cancer side knowing I was about 6 weeks away from having the lymph nodes out. That second picc was placed on the Tuesday and removed immediately after the infusion on Friday with no issues at all. Hope you get your last EC over with and find the taxane cycles easier x
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I opted for a PICC line from the start as I have really poor veins in my good arm. It was so quick and easy on infusion day and the nurses seemed happy to have it in, however you do need to get it flushed every 7-10 days and you need primary care nurses who are able to do that or you end up going back to the hospital each time you need bloods or flushing as its specialised which can be a pain dependant on how far you are away from the hospital. that’s the only down side I would say. Good luck whichever you choose.
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My friend avoided having a PICC line and she says she regrets it now as she is struggling with her veins. I had a PICC line and while it was a lot easier in terms of bloods and infusions, as already mentioned you do have to have it flushed every week. However, I was able to get this done at a local health hub and didn’t need to go to my hospital every week.
There are pros and cons to both methods, so I think it might be a case of listening to your gut. xxx
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I’ve had a PICC line since October 2025. For 3 months, I was having chemo weekly and then for a further 3 months, it was every 3 weeks. I am currently having immunotherapy via PICC line.
PICC line has generally been ok, doesn’t impact on everyday life too much but I have had to temporarily give up two sports because of it. However I have been able to keep on running. Like others have said, need to have it cleaned, dressing changed and line flushed at least every 7-10 days. I have mine done once a week. I luckily have a local hospital I can go to so I don’t have to go the hospital where my treatment has taken place which is much further away from me. I also have to wear a special cover when showering. Almost 9 months later, my Limbo cover has never let me down.
For me, blood tests and treatment have been much easier. Pre-diagnosis nurses always struggled with my veins. Whether to go ahead depends on your own situation, for me, it was the best decision particularly because I was there weekly but its different for everyone. Good luck, I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for you.
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Definitely have PICC, better than a central line like Broviac or Hickman. Become very aware how professionals manage the care of the line to avoid the line becoming infected.
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