PICC line for chemo

Hi everyone.

Had my second round of chemo yesterday but the nurse really had a problem getting the cannula in my hand.

Tried one hand (which was still bruised from the first session) but the nurse couldn't get it in and the veins are no good. Managed to get in the other hand (it hurt) but said to think about a PICC line for my future chemo sessions.

Can anyone share their experience with having a PICC line. Does it hurt to be put in? Does it restrict movement during time between chemo sessions? Would you recommend it?

Aware everyone is different but just need some help.

Thank you

Parents
  • Hi, I had a PICC line inserted for my chemo.  It didn’t hurt at all - I could barely feel anything as it was inserted, and it made chemo infusions much quicker and simpler because the tube was simply plugged in.  It didn’t restrict movement or what I could do with my arm though I did have to wear a waterproof sleeve in the shower.  I ordered some colourful stretchy cotton PICC line covers online because the cover the hospital gave me was a bit uncomfortable, plus they had the advantage of not looking “medical”.  Another positive is that I wasn’t forever covered in bruises due to the nurses trying to insert a cannula! Best of luck 

Reply
  • Hi, I had a PICC line inserted for my chemo.  It didn’t hurt at all - I could barely feel anything as it was inserted, and it made chemo infusions much quicker and simpler because the tube was simply plugged in.  It didn’t restrict movement or what I could do with my arm though I did have to wear a waterproof sleeve in the shower.  I ordered some colourful stretchy cotton PICC line covers online because the cover the hospital gave me was a bit uncomfortable, plus they had the advantage of not looking “medical”.  Another positive is that I wasn’t forever covered in bruises due to the nurses trying to insert a cannula! Best of luck 

Children