Pic line

Hi all after my first chemo it’s was the worst week ever. I now know what to expect next time. I was wondering whether to have a pic line so any tips or is it worth it would be grateful. I’m having fec-t treatment so I’ve got 5 more to go

Hi Abella

 

Well done for getting through your first treatment.  I endured 4 cycles of AC (similar to FEC).  Worst part for me were the cannulas. Nurses always had problems getting them in.  I was always being asked why I didn’t have a Picc line and had to explain that  my original onc told me to persevere with cannulas as she thought the Picc line wouod be an infection risk.  Have you had problems with the cannulas too? 

 

On my last AC, it took three attempts to get a cannula in and it was so painful,  I just couldn’t bear it any longer and said I wanted a Picc Line for when I started T. I asked to see a different onc who was happy for me to go down that route. They do take some looking after - need weekly flushing and dressing but for me it has been worth it.  Also need to make sure that they don’t  get wet so I spend a while wrapping my arm in cling film when I shower each day! You can get a waterproof sleeve instead.  Ultimately, I had a bad reaction after my first docetaxel and have now had a change of regime.  Just started on weekly Packlitaxel  and have another 8 to go.   So thankful I have the Picc line now as it takes out all the drama, pain and stress that I used to experience at the start of  each cycle.  

 

It’s worth getting the opinion of the chemo nurses and oncologist.  Have they suggested you get one?  They are not right for everyone and I met a lady last week that had had problems with hers.  Worth getting some more opinions but ultimately it’s a personal choice. 

 

Good Luck! 

The Picc line makes delivery so much easier. Also bloods are taken via the line. It is easy to look after. The community nurse comes once a week to flush it out to keep it clean, and takes the blood samples a couple of days before chemo. I was given a Limbo to keep it dry in the shower, but clingfilm also works. I bought a few very pretty Picc line covers which people thought were just a fashion. Not so necessary in winter as your sleeve will cover the line. Go for it! Kx

Hi Abella ?
Definitely go for the Picc. It makes delivery and blood tests so much easier. Do ask for a limbo sleeve for showering I am looking forward to getting rid of mine at the end of December, but I would have been lost without it over the past few months.
All the best
Jacq x

@ktk, apologies I just realised I wrote exactly the same as you. It’s must be doubly true! Hope you are well
Jacq ?

Hi guys thank you all so much. The chemo nurse said it looked like I’d only got one vein they could use. I’ve got to pop to hospital on Thurs so I will pop up to ward to see chemo nurse and ask about it. Do they put you to sleep to put it in .
Abella

Hi Abella,

 

I can only reinforce what everyone else has said - Picc line is defintiviely worth having. The procedure is very straightforward. You just have a local anasthetic (not sure I’ve spelt right!?) and it takes just a few minutes to put in. I was very nervous about the procedure, but I really didn’t feel a thing and now I’m just so relieved to have the line, as it has made my weekly chemo so much easier for both me and the nurses. Absolutely go for it if you can!

 

Gaby x