Hickman line trouble

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1

Hi everyone

I have had a Hickman line inserted for my chemo, and it’s not been in for almost a month.

Last week when I had my second FEC, I mentioned to my chemo nurse that there what some iritation where the line is buried under the skin (where the cuff is). She said that a reaction isn’t unusal and it shouldn’t bother too much.

During the last few days though it’s iritating even more than ever (imagine the itching from a bad bug bite), and it’s driving me mad.

Has anyone else had a reaction like this? I’m seeing my district nurse tomorrow for it to be flushed, but would like to know others experience.

Thanks, Rebecca

2

I’m sorry to hear that - it sounds awful. My last long line in 2006, my skin reacted at the exit point after about 4 months but not inside.
My current longline that’s been in about 8 weeks now does not appear to have a cuff. i can see the line under my skin and over my collarbone and then disappears into the vein and it all appears the same width so presumably you have a different manufacturer to mine.
I would ask the district nurse but i think you need to contact your onc dept again.
Hope you get some relif soon
Kate