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Living with cancer Hickman line

Hickman line

Offline piscesjo over 8 years ago

i have to have chemo every week and the nurses are having difficulty getting a cannula into my veins. They are asking me to consider a Hickman line.

I wanted to know what it's like having one inserted and any practical issues of living with one.

Thanks.

Offline Kimbers197 over 8 years ago

My dad had one for almost four months. The thought of it was worse than the reality and he was dreading it. However in his words he said it was bloody brilliant. No more problems taking blood and no issues getting lines in. A lot simpler and less painful!
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Offline Evagar over 8 years ago

Hi I have just been diagnosed and expect to have the same issue as my veins are rubbish. I am super squeamish so I'm a bit dramatic when it comes to passing out etc! However my boss has a similar thing - a port? for her insulin and she hasn't any issues with it at all. I think she needs to saline flush it every other day (I will need someone to do that for me) but she's not had any issues. I understand they can also use it to take blood from. The cancer isn't scaring me -its the needles and dreaded cannula! Good luck
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