Hi
I had my my first FEC chemotherapy 10 days ago. My viens apparently are crap and it took two hours to get it all in and was painful. There is talk of a PICC or Hickman line but I am getting dividied opinions as to advantages/disadvantages of this versus normal cannula. Has anyone got any experience to share?
Cheers
My veins packed in after 2nd FEC, and I had to have Hickman line inserted. It was the BEST thing I’ve done through this entire chemo thing. There is an increased chance of infection and you have to be aware of that, but the chemo is administered painlessly, quicker than through hand and the bloods etc are taken painlessly. I really can’t recommend it highly enough, particularly if you are needle phobic and/or have bad veins (both of which applied to me, but I was a very brave girl, for a bit!).
The hickman line has to be tucked into my bra, and occasionally escapes, that’s one disadvantage - when a “clamp” pops into view! But it’s pretty minor in comparison to the benefits.
Good luck to you
Westie xx
Hi Westie. I’ve been a little worried that I’m going to make it through the next 2 and then have to have a line fitted and I don’t want one because of the risk.
Can I ask…
Did it delay your next dose, ie waiting for it to be fitted?
Did the fitting hurt?
Do they remove it afterwards?
Cheers
Angie (hoping they use my other arm this time and right arm still aching and next dose is tomorrow blurgh).
HI Angie
No, it didn’t delay next dose. It was inserted on a Thursday morning and I got my 3rd chemo through it that afternoon!
The fitting didn’t hurt, but I got sedation (which DID hurt - why do anaesthetists think giving an injection to a needle phobic is going to solve their problems?) and I used gas and air too when the administering of the sedation hurt!
I’m using the line at the moment, but yes, they will remove it afterwards. Actually, I’d quite like to keep it so I need never worry about another blood test!!! lol
The line needs flushed weekly, which sounds horrible, but is dead easy. And I’ve not had an infection, but had one before I got the line and was in hospital with that!
Good luck with tomorrow
Westie xxx
Thanks Sue. Most appreciated.
You are very welcome, I’ll have my fingers crossed for you tomorrow, but you may want to discuss options!
Sue xxx
Hi Gronnifer
I had a central line inserted (portacath) after 2nd FEC killed my veins. This is up to date version of the PICC/Hickman and has LESS chances of becoming infected. It is inserted (under local) into the chest area and uses a port which is connected to the vena cavae. All bloods and chemo are administered through this using a special needle. It doesn’t hurt and only needs flushing every 3 weeks (PICC/Hickmans need it weekly)
Ask your Onc for a referral…see link for further information (copy and paste)
www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Linesports/Implantableport
I had a T/line fitted after the 3rd FEC because it took 3 or 4 goes to canulate. I wish I’d had it fitted as soon as it was first mentioned. The local is no problem and the fitting is virtually painless. Just relax! But make sure you don’t have anything to eat or drink - I had to wait until the end of the list because I wasn’t advised re eating or drinking - that’s in case you need a sedative which I didn’t.
The DN will come to flush the line each week and take post-chemo blood - mine doesn’t always ‘bleed’ - so take deep breath and raise arm - and hey presto it flows. Sue advised me to have the line fitted - and how right she was. My last FEC is next week - what a relief! Now it is so easy and much quicker as time isn’t wasted trying to find a vein.
All the best to you and to everyone with this wretched disease. Go for it!
Hi all
I am interested in all you views on the different lines they can put in. I am still hoping i wont need one. Although they said my veins are not good they never seem to have any trouble getting in there and it doesn’t hurt so I am going to try and stick with it at the moment. Actually I don’t think my veins are crap like they say they are just very faint. I should have been a politician!!! Still all your comments do help in the event that I will need a line.
Thanks
Debs x
I spent 2 hours with 3 nurses trying to find a vein - they did at the fourth attempt and some pain.
I am having a Groshong line fitted before the next one - I can’t stand all that and I don’t think it would be possible anyway.
It took an hour and a half to do the drugs and I think it is quicker with a line.
Hi
Thank you all for your comments (I started this one!). I am going to see how the second FEC (end next week) goes and if a long line is suggested I shall be less concerned as the comments have been in favour and I think I would be quite good with the rules re looking after it/infection etc. You are all lovely people.