Ok so my initial reaction to having this was omg no way never as im pathetically squemish and couldnt bear to have something like that ‘in’ me for so long. But having read a bit and learnt that the chemo damages/discolours the veins etc and people seem to be getting on ok/easier with it im thinking about it (still shuddering tho)
I need to make an informed decision so got a few questions, any advice appreciated…
Where is it put? hand/arm
is it similar to the canula you have for op? bigger?
can you decide to have this anytime, ie, first one through vein, get this for second one?
How difficult is it to keep clean/dry? im assuming you cant get it wet so is it really difficult to wash/bath/shower
If it does get infected what happens then?
is it gonna freak people out when they see it (besides myself)
whats the diff between a picc line and a portocath?
Sorry thats a lot of questions but im so bit clueless partly my own fault (onc did mention but i dismissed it rather quickly) Now im thinking it may be best so i need to suck it up and stop being a wuss!
Hi Clare, I had a PICC line at the beginning of the year and while I didn’t like the idea either (it made everything seem more serious), I got used to it and learned how to manage it after a while. I agreed to it because three different chemo nurses advised having one.
It’s generally put in your upper arm.
The main part is a plastic tube which goes through a healthy vein and into one of the big veins nearer your heart. There are some ‘fittings’ that lie against your arm and while these are individually no bigger than a cannula, altogether they are bigger.
It is possible to try one or two sessions and then get a PICC if there are signs of damage, but some people who do this regret not getting the PICC earlier. Mine was fitted before chemo 2, but only because the heavy snow and holidays meant they hadn’t been able to schedule me in before chemo 1.
There are various ways to keep it clean and dry–I used a cheap cover meant for keeping casts dry, and kept that arm out of the shower except for a quick rinse. Occasional wetting probably doesn’t do too much harm. There are more expensive, but more water-tight sleeves that you can buy.
They need to be flushed and redressed once a week, and this can be done in a variety of ways *a nurse can teach you or a family member how to flush the line and change the dressing * a district nurse can come to your home every week * you can go to your chemo unit and have it done there.
If you have any problems with adhesives, be sure to tell them. The nurses at my unit used different dressings and tried to position the fittings in slightly different places each time, as I have very sensitive skin, and this avoided any major problems.
I don’t have any experience of infection, so I’ll leave that to someone else–but ask the nurses.
Because I had mine during the winter, it was covered up by clothing. You can put a sleeve over it, which you might find is more comfortable in any case, or ask the nurses to cover the fittings with gauze. They may give you a jersey sleeve, like a lighter version of a tubigrip, or you can cut sections of an actual tubigrip (but not tight), an old t-shirt or jumper sleeve, and the like, to act as a cover.
It might be best for someone who has had a portacath to tell you about it, but I believe they are generally reserved for people who need longer term treatment, as the whole thing is under your skin and fitting it is more involved.
The PICC insertion really doesn’t hurt, as you get plenty of local. It can be uncomfortable at first, but warmth and paracetamol should take care of that.
You will get a leaflet explaining it all to you, and there is information on this site and on the MacMillan site. (Just think of little kids having these things, sometimes for years. That’s how I got over being a wuss about it.)
If the Onc and the nurses recommend it to you, I’d listen to them. Good luck!
Hello Clare,
I had a cannula for the first chemo and then chose to have a PICC.
It goes into a vein in my elbow. I’m so glad I had it done. For me it is much better than being stabbed each time!
All blood tests out and chemo, pre-meds, anti-histamines go in through the PICC.
If you are unfortunate enough to get an infection and need anti-biotics they go in there too and get into your system more quickly.
It does look a bit medical. The dressing is see-through so I keep mine covered up with long sleeves, tubi grip or lacy pop socks I cut the feet off and just hem the edge.
For the shower I wrap it in cling film and secure it with micropore tape.
The nurse who put it in said “we are giving you this treatment to help you live a long healthy life so you are going to need healthy veins in the future. We might as well preserve them!”
I got a picc line fitted at the beginning of August before chemo number 3 as my veins were beginning to play up.
Mezzomamma has answered all your questions - I just wanted to add that it’s the best thing I’ve had done. I made a few picc line covers out of stretchy material and old tights. No one would know I had one when I wear sleeves over it.
I didn’t have any local anaesthetic when mine was fitted and you can’t feel it once it is in place.
Thank you so much for all the info. It does make a lot of sense especially preserving the veins.
I think i may have first chemo without to get over my initial fear of that then brave the picc for chemo 2. That way i can talk it through at my first session.
I like the stretchy cover idea supertrouper, my stepmum is quite crafty so she may be able to make something for me
Thanks again all, appreciate it x
Edit - I guess you cant sleep on that side where it is? What if you catch it or knock it?
Claire, your chemo nurses may offer you a length of tubifast which covers the line up really well. If you line is put in under ultrasound guidance it may be placed higher than the crook of your arm so will be even less visable. Slightly longer “short” sleeves usually cover the line. Make sure any covering does not roll down and compress the entry site. Boots make a PICC cover or Limbo make one which was for plaster casts and is completely waterproof. Good luck, I am sure you will not regret having a line!
Hi Claire,
I had a portocath fitted, which is fitted internally. I was told it was best to have to avoid infections as a picc is external, however if I had had the choice now I would still have gone for the pic as I found the experience of having a portocath fitted very stressful. i have heard that a pic is less painful. I didnt have my portocath fitted until after my second fec and my veins were totally burnt out.
Good luck its worth it and once its done its done and you wont have the stress of them finding a vein.
Rach x x
I had a portacath fitted as my veins packed in half way. I have to say, it was the best thing I did. So much easier. You can’t see it. The op was nothing compared to chemo. No infections. You can swim and I’ve been going to the gym etc … no problems.
I wear the stretch cover over the picc line in bed and sleep on that side without any problems. After the first 24 hours I stopped noticing that it was there.
Thank you lovely ladies, i am a bit more reassured now that picc line is the way forward. Not sure i could do the portocath sounds a bit more complicated but glad it has been good for some of you x
How long before chemo do you need to u need to get the picc line inserted? Im due to start chemo 14th oct is it too late to arrange this for first one do you think?
Hi Clare,
The PICC line is ready to go as soon as it is inserted, so you don’t need to allow time between having it and your chemo. It just depends on how busy your radiology department is, but if you may be able to get it fitted in if you say you need it before your chemo starts.
I didn’t start off with a PICC, but wished I had, my veins were very small and uncooperative, the hand warming, etc meant that the session lasted a lot longer.
I was unfortunate in that my first PICC line got infected a few days after having it, I got cellulitis in the area by the PICC, I was given really strong antibiotics, which dealt with it. My chemo was delayed by a week and had to be given by cannula again. I then had my second PICC line fitted and the sessions were easier from then on.
I think having it fitted before chemo while your immune system is still strong is probably best to avoid risk of infection.
I had a PICC line fitted last year for my second lot of chemo and it was mostly trouble free and very convenient. Got an infection in it after the last chemo., which was quickly cleared up with anti-biotics. Had it removed 2 months after chemo. when they were sure I wouldn’t be having more for a while. I recommend them heartily - you will be fine, I’m sure!
I wish I’d done it for the start of fec got mine after i’d done 3. Vein pain is not nice. If you can get it done before start do so it will make your life easier. Good luck Chris
Im booked in to get my picc line on 12th oct, couple days before chemo start day, think ive made right decision. Thanks for the advice and info peeps xx