Hey Ladies, just finished my 4th cycle of chemo and due to go again monday. I am on a trial so have 8 more lots of cmf to have. My arm is really tender and i can feel the veins pulling when i move my hand and areas of my arm are hard and swollen (apparently this is ok and does happen). with 8 more lots to go I am getting scared of how they will do it and where they will find a suitable place to go. I have heard of something called a Hickman line, has anyone had one? or know anything about it?? I thought of actually asking for one, if it would take the presssure of my arm and the worry from my brain!.
Thanks
Gaynor p
I have a PICC line and although it is a constant reminder that I am having treatment it is saving my viens…
Sorry you are having a bad time of it. Have a hug{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Hey BabyBoo
Where do they put a PICC line? my treatment is due to end 2nd week of December can it stay in that long?
Thanks
Gaynor p
It is in my upper arm on my non operated side… can’t see why it can’t stay in till then!
Thank you. I will ask about it when i go on Monday.
Gaynor x
Glad to be of service…tra la la and good luck
Boo xxx
Hi Gaynor
My arm is swollen and really tender to day on the inside (opp to elbow) and told my onc today and it is normal, so am gonna ask if can swap arms at next chemo, but don’t think you can change arms if had surgery, which I haven’t. It hurts if touch and like a little lump is there, but soft. Said to take paracetomal if hurts too much.
Take care
Dawn
xx
Mine are tender and don’t always want to behave!
On my sixth chemo but have never been offered a line -if i had been offered one i would have jumped at it as nurses have a terrible time getting the canulas in
It doesnt help that we are restricted to one arm only -the veins on my left hand and arm are beautiful!
Have been told that they will go back to normal but it will take time
Last chemo tomorrow though!!
Jools
Yeah me too girls. My arm is killing me after 3 x FEC. I can’t straighten it and if the kids hit it accidentally I go through the roof…just another thing to grin and bear.
Ali
x
My arm is also painful following second FEC. As you say Ali, another thing to grin and bear.
We get very good at smiling on the outside!!!
Kim x
Hi Gaynor,
I had terrible vein trouble when on Epi but thankfully the CMF is much less toxic and harmful on the veins. Also, there are many more places they can administer the CMF so you will have loads more veins that can be attacked! I’ve had cannulas put in places I didn’t know were possible!!! Also, as you get a decent break after the day 8 it does give your veins time to recover.
I have just completed my 3rd cycle of CMF and was becomming seriously concerned that we may be running out of options veins wise, and that a PICC line may be the way forward. Personally I didn’t fancy this though as I know they take a bit of looking after. Anyhoo, thankfully as there are so many vein choices it hasn’t been an issue. Also, the staff on the unit give me a cream called ‘Hirudoid’ to apply to my veins several times a day. It stinks but its good stuff! Its for phlebitis and is awesome, perhaps you could ask about it?
Take care,
Kelly
-x-
Hi all
I am a bit worried. I dont start my chemo till Friday but my vein is killing me. It must be from probs with anaesthetic and drugs during my mastectomy op. I find it hard to straighten arm and it hurts to touch it. The chemo will I am sure be injected in the other arm, but should i avoid all probs by asking for a PICC or something?
Love Ruth
Although my PICC has now failed, I would still recommend asking for a PICC if you are fearful about your veins. It saved me the first five cycles, and of course is also used for taking your blood tests. Mine had to be flushed every week, but I quite enjoyed the hospital visit for that as I never had to wait long and it is a quick and painless procedure - it also gave me the opportunity to ask the nurses about anything else that was worrying me.
I miss my PICC and am dreading going back to the cannulas for the next seven cycles 
I’ve heard a Hickman line is better, though you may need a general anaesthetic to have it put in, unlike the PICC.
My veins were in a really bad state from my first lot of chemo that I was given a portacath which is permanent and no chance of infection.
It’s great and have no problems whatsoever with it. A lot of breast cancer ladies (certainly in our area) who have problems with their veins are given a portacath rather than PICC or Hickman line which are external.
Pinkdove
x