Picc line & carrying baby

Hello,

I’m due to have a Picc line inserted on Friday and start chemo. My only concern is that I’ve heard you cannot lift heavy things and I have a 15 month old baby, that does require lifting e.g cot, high chair, bath, car seat

I’ve been advised to try and lift him with the other arm, although I can carry him on the other side it definitely takes two arms to life him, he’s a heavy boy. Is it realistic to have the Picc line? What is the corcern about lifting a heavy weight?

I appreciate any advice, thank you

Hello37,

I don’t remember being told not to lift my 2 year old when I had a PICC line, but it was 16 years ago and things do move on.

If it’s an issue, would a portacath be better? I’d ask your bcn.

All the best
Kinden

Thanks for the message. I’ve been told the portacap procedure has a 3 month wait time at my hospital so it wouldn’t be an option right now. Hopefully lifting will be ok, as it will be impossible not to lift even if I’m careful.

I was told not to lift heavy items, but to be honest , I had to lift my spaniel dog up a few times.and I carried on as normal when l had mine in but l was careful and took my time whenever I lifted anything. I live on my own and there was some things at home I needed to lift I had no choice it was in for three months .

Hi hello37

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Hi Hello37,

Thanks for posting.

It sounds like a difficult time for you at the moment caring for your young son and starting chemotherapy.

PICC lines are a long, thin, flexible tube which are inserted into a large vein in the upper arm. Although you may go about normal activities once it is in place, you are normally advised to avoid heavy lifting to prevent the line being damaged or dislodged. As @janeymay7 says it may be that you try to take your time and try to be more careful, than usual, when lifting your son. There are alternative means of providing access to veins for chemotherapy treatment such as implanted ports. I see by your reply that due to waiting lists that may not be possible right now, but you may wish to discuss this option again with your treatment team to see if this may be suitable for you.

We provide a range of support which is designed specifically for younger women (20-45 years) with breast cancer which you may find helpful.

We are currently running the Younger Women Together support events face to face and online. These events have been created to provide support for younger women (20-45) with primary breast cancer.

Talking with another younger woman diagnosed with breast cancer can be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll contact you by phone call or email to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen.

The Younger Breast Cancer Network (YBCN) is a private Facebook group run by young women for young women (20- 45) who’ve had breast cancer. To join, go to Facebook and search ‘Younger Breast Cancer Network’ and send them a private message.

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Julie

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