Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry to read about what's been happening with your son. This must be a very difficult time for you both.

I appreciate his concerns about a PICC going in again since it led to infections in the past.

As you both probably know, having chemotherapy and having blood taken frequently can put great stress on the veins. The veins often collapse during this process making it difficult to access them to have treatment. Also, it can be quite painful to continue to try and put a needle into a vein.

A PICC line can stay in for several months. This means your son won't need to have needles into his hand or arm each time he has his chemotherapy treatment. Although there is a risk of infection doctors believe the benefits of having this line in outweighs the risk.

The best thing for your son to do is to speak to his haematology team about this. Depending on his treatment plan it might be worth discussing if his chemotherapy could be given in a way that doesn't require frequent intravenous access like oral medications, but this will depend on the type of maintenance chemotherapy he is receiving.

I hope this has been of some use. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene