hi
I am having a picc line put in my arm that i had my lymph nodes removed from ( only 5 removed , and a WLE ), my veins are too damaged in the other one after my second fec.
Has anyone else been told that this arm can be used i was always under the impression that it couldn’t be used again for anything.
My chemo nurses said that it is ok but i am a little worried about this.
Also can you drive home after having a picc line put in ?
Thanks Mel x
the nurse struggles to get blood from my “good” arm or hand. When they mention trying the other I say that is the side I had my breast cancer so they say no not that arm then.
I would check with a doctor or another nurse, I dont think they should put a picc line in your “bad” arm but I am neither a nurse or a doctor. I personally would ask someone else.
I had a picc line and would not have wanted to drive home but I live nearly an hours drive to the hospital. I think if you can get someone to pick you up it would be better.
Anne
I was also told nothing in that arm and if so much as a nat bite off to docs for antibiotics, I would get a second or even third opinion on that one.
My understanding is that you shouldn’t have anything like that done unless absolutely essential. Ideally you would be fitted with a portacath which you can have placed at the top of your chest rather than in that arm. I think others have had a Hickman line.
Having a PICC line can potentially increase the risk of lymphodema. I think I would give the helpline a ring to see how you can best handle this. If there is a lymphodema nurse/clinic in your area you could ask them to check with them first.
If there is no option then I guess that it could be deemed essential as obviously the chemo is potentially life saving.
I know some people have had portacath’s fitted privately but I think it’s expensive. I was lucky and had mine done NHS. I’d had blood clots in one arm and lymph node removal under the other.
As someone who has developed lymphodema, I would say please don’t be afraid to fight your corner. Elinda x
Thank you - I am really worried about this and have spent ages looking it up on the internet - all the literature says not to use the affected arm but the chemo nurses said they spent half their time telling people that this was not true.
I really want the picc done and they have given me no time, rang 5 pm friday and told me it had to be done monday at 11 - really worried about this. xx
If its any help ive had an nhs portacath fitted best days work ever total freedom. I would recommend it everytime.
Hi I too would have thought using your bad arm was a no no.
I too only have one arm they can use and had a PICC line fitted after EC3, whilst my veins had all collapsed in my arm the picc is put in under ultrasound way at the top of your arm where the veins are much much bigger. My Picc is about four inches above my elbow but on the inside of my arm where the nurse said she had found a great big wide vein. I would certainly not have had it in my bad arm and there was no question of it going in there.
Good luck with it, it truly is worth it!
Sal
Beardie,
Is there a reason they aren’t putting it in your ‘good’ arm? Can’t you just insist that it goes in that one? Is is because the veins are too damaged all the way up the arm?
I’m having one put in next week and it IS going in my good arm and the nurses did still feel that my ‘bad’ arm WAS a ‘bad’ arm, however…my oncologist implied that this was ‘old’ thinking and wasn’t necessarily a problem now…I believe it may be a lot to do with the standard practice in the old days of axillary clearance of all nodes, which obviously they try and avoid these days…
Can’t really offer any other advice and elinda your post about added risk of lymphoedema has bothered me, cos nobody told me that!!!..Is that generally or just if you have a PICC line in an arm that has had axillary clearance??
Sorry beardie, instead of relieving your concerns, I’ve gone and added to both of ours!!
Could you talk to your onc, and maybe your bcn and the helpline here???
Hope you get it resolved and think I might be phoning someone about lymphodoema now!!
Wandyx
Wandy - I think it increases risk of lymphodema to have a PICC line inserted in an arm where the lymph nodes have been removed. This is what I was told at least. I don’t think there is any such risk in a good arm.
Beardie - I’d definitely ring the helpline and get some outside expert advice. Too late i think today but ring the helpline first thing Monday.
The only other thing I can suggest is printing off some literature about risk and taking it to your appointment. If needs be they can contact the surgeon or oncologist or lymphodema nurse for verification before they proceed. That way you can feel reassured before any procedure starts. Elinda x
Beardie - further to my last comments, Breast cancer care do have a section on lymphodema risk (you’ll find it in the surgery section). You could print that off and take it with you. Elinda x
Hi Beardie
As your fellow forum users have mentioned, do give the helpline a call. It is open until 2pm today and then 9 to 5pm Monday to Friday. The number is 0808 800 6000 and the staff on here will be able to provide you with information and support.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Elinda,
Thanks for that last reassurance! thought it might be the case but nice to have it confirmed.
Wandyx