I am new to the site and recently started FEC-T treatment with radiotherapy and herceptin to follow. Having had my second FEC, my nurse noted that my veins have deteriorated by 50% from my first FEC and said that I might have to have a line or port for my next chemo.
She asked me to think about the different options, PICC, Cenral and implanted port, though she is not sure if the implanted port is an option in Wales, incase we need to go with one before my next treatment. I’m assuming that it may need to stay in beyond my chemo for the year of herceptin, which I’m not too thrilled about and want to therefore make the right choice. I’m a pretty active person (well was before my treatment!) and want to weigh up between the options in terms of how intrusive a procedure and practicality in not getting in the way during activities (wanting to get back to climbing, yoga, swimming etc if I can) and visually.
If anyone has any thoughts/views on the type of line or port they have and location, arm versus chest, I’d be very grateful to hear from you. I’m not sure if the line in the chest would be visible or easily hidden under tshirts etc. I am nervous about having one, but am told if will make chemo much easier.
Also, has anyone had chemo through their arm if the veins in the hand are no longer any use, as this is the other option.
Hi suzidel,
I have a Hickman line as I have I had ANC on both sides so they can’t risk large volumes of chemo in my veins. I was a gym bunny before all this but have had to stop for now, mainly due to chemo making me so breathless. I only walk now, and that’s snail pace!
I don’t have experience if the PICC line. The one drawback of the Hickman is that it’s very visible. Mine has come out mid chest and I have to wear high tops/scarves to disguise it. It has to be kept away from direct water so splashy showers and submerged baths are out. I did see somewhere that you can get covers for swimming but swimming and chemo don’t go anyway!
I did see one lucky man with his line in his shoulder and that looked less obvious, especially as the removal will leave a mark.
I know haven’t answered your question but hopefully the shared experience has helped. Pm if you want to know more.
Welcome to the forum. I’m sure other members will soon be along to offer you some support. You might also find it helpful to join the Chemotherapy monthly thread for February. I’ve attached a link:
I’m just finished 6 x FEC and am happy to let you know my thoughts on this - but it’s just my thoughts, everyone’s situation and medical advice can differ.
I wasn’t offered a port but I know someone else who had one in their chest area and I think it sounds like a very good option, I believe a small surgery is needed to put it in and take it out - maybe that is why it wasn’t offered.
I was offered a PICC line or to insert a cannula and use my veins. I chose to go with the cannula/vein option as the doc had mentioned a slight risk of infection with the PICC line and the fact that a district nurse would have to come out and attend to it regularly.
I persevered with getting chemo through my veins even though my arm was beginning to get sore by about cycle 3. Sometimes it took a couple of goes to get a good vein before chemo could start. Now that I’ve finished, one of the veins in my arm feels hard and is more visible than before when I extend my arm, but its not sore any more.
If I had it to do again, I’d give more thought to a PICC line as it might make the process of getting chemo easier. But prob best to check with someone who had a PICC line to see how they found it.
Good luck with everything - you’ll be back at all your activities before too long x