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Breast Cancer - PICC line for chemotherapy

Chocolate
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Hi,

I am new to the site and would be greatful for any feedback.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April and had surgery to remove the lump at the beginning of June.

The operation went well, but I developed a haemotoma 3 weeks later. During my appointment with my oncologist he said my cancer was a Grade 3 although previously I had been told Grade 2.

Regardless of it being 3 or 2 he still recommends chemotherapy, which I accept is in my best interest.  I am due to have my first cycle on 13th August, and am having a PICC line fitted on the 8th.

It is actually the idea of having the PICC line put in that I am more concerned about at the moment.  I have had excellent care at all stages so far, but am feeling superstitious that this could be the third thing to go wrong.

I don't feel as if it was explained to me in detail, and after having read up a little about it on the internet I am worried about the aftercare of the line for the next few months it is in place.

Could others please let me know of their experiences to help me decide whether or not to have it?

Thanks to anyone who comments.

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    Hi Chocolate

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. While you are waiting for responses from those with experience of a PICC line, I am sending you a link to our patient information website on the subject. You could also contact our nurses for advice. You can call them on freephone: 0808 800 4040 from Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes

    Jane

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jane

    Hi Jane,

    I went for a preassessment appt yesterday, and expressed my concerns to the nurse. She explained to me that as I do not have very good accessible veins on my right hand (my left can't be used due to the SNB) this is why it had been recommended.  However, she suggested that we try the canula on the first chemotherapy session and see how we get on with that.  I must have been more worried about it than I thought, as it felt as quite a relief to have this said.  If I need it later, then so be it, but I now feel as if I have been given a choice.

    Regards,

    Chocolate

  • Offline in reply to Chocolate

    Hi.

    Just wanted to say I had  picc line and it is a very simple procedure putting it in. They numb the top of your arm, make a very small incision and use an xray to help them guide the line in to the right place. The whole thing takes less than half an hour. The care after is easy too. i had a district nurse come to me once a week to change the dressing and flush the line, she also takes blood ready for chemo. The hardest part is keeping it dry in the shower....I managed by holding the shower head!

    The only problem I had is, it turns out I am allergic to the dressings!! Caused a bit of a problem for me and i actually had the line taken out yesterday. I am now booked to have a port fitted before my next chemo in 2 weeks. I think the port will suit me better as my chemo is weekly and will be ongoing for several months to come :-(

    Good luck with the canula, remember the Picc is ok too. good luck with your treatment

    Elsas-mum xx

  • Offline

    Hi Chocolate

    My mom has a PICC line in for her chemo and is getting on ok with it.  She said it was strange at first having it there but she soon got used to it.  Shes not really had any problems with it.  The hospital told my mom its best for her to recieve chemo through the PICC line rather than using veins as its better to preserve the veins.  I hope this helps, and good luck with your treatment.

    Love Snowpea xx

  • Offline

    Hi I've got a pic line in now, putting it in is OK don't feel only thing I found is I usually sleep on that side so had to change sleeping habits most of the time you can't feel it just sometimes it catches, but would still have it makes having chemo easier as your veins do play up I usually have great veins but they struggled xx

  • Offline in reply to Elsas-Mum

    Did you not get a prescription shower sleeve x 

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