Hi, I have had a recurrence diagnoses and have a planning appointment for chemo (before surgery). I have lymphoedema in my left arm and surrounding area from my primary diagnoses. I am concerned that as I only have 1 arm available for chemo, bloods etc that there is a possibility I will need a line put in.
I work in the science department of a private school which involves lots of lifting, carrying and dealing with lots of different chemicals.
Has anyone been in a similar situation and can offer any advice for if I need a line.
I’ve got a PICC line, I just have to be careful not to lift anything too heavy/awkward, and of course how I pick the thing up to carry it. They do fix it down with thoroughly with first the sticky on triangle containing the clips to keep the line stable, and then the dressing on top. It’s been a huge blessing for both getting blood for testing, and for the treatment itself (saves a lot of time, as I already had dodgy veins before treatment started).
As you are unwell, it would be wise to seek assistance for any big/heavy items you need to move about, hopefully your work would accommodate that adjustment. I can move small boxes/piles of books etc without much difficulty, but I wouldn’t risk lifting anything quite big or heavy, in case it slipped and hit the line.
If you are able to go private, you could probably ask for a port - when my first PICC line had to be removed, I asked my oncologist about them, but she said ports weren’t usually available on the NHS. I was going to get a Hickman line put in, which is like a PICC line but in the region of your collar bone/chest (the NHS will provide this option), but in the end got a 2nd PICC line in as my skin recovered. They are also really easy to remove, while the Hickman is more involved (not sure how much more effort involved in removal though)