Hello londonbestie

I'm sorry to hear that your friend has been so worried about her Hickman line. I hope that now she's had it fitted that she is feeling less anxious about things. 

I'm sure that this could be an opportunity for the two of you to do some online research looking at what type and style of clothes she likes that will cover her line and help her to still feel confident.

In terms of visiting spas, this is something I'd recommend that she speaks to the team looking after her about as it may be that whilst she is having treatment there are certain things she may need to avoid.  

I know that this will be a difficult time for your friend and I'm sure that she will appreciate your support. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

thanks Jen, that's very kind of you to reply and thank you for your thoughts and ideas. it's fitted and she is on constant IVs. I understand that swimming and saunas are off the table due to the risk of blockage- she isn't well enough to go to a full spa anyway. but I want to help her have what happiness I can. we are definitely going to look at some new clothes together and see what we can find and obviously talk through any options with her doctors. but does anyone please have any ideas or recommendations for clothes or how we might manage the tubes and portable box subtly? or how we might be able to go to a shallow jacuzzi and protect the hickman? at the moment we are looking at bumbags and trying to tuck it into the bra but please if anyone has any other ideas or websites we can go to please do share.. it would really help her feel a bit better 

thank you

Hi Londonbestie

I wonder if a high neck tankini might work for covering the line but it really is important that the dressing and catheter stay dry so chat to her team about the practicalities of things. It's really important at the moment to not take unnecessary risks. 

I know lots of the ladies here who have had surgical drains following a mastectomy have talked about using a drain bag. It's a crossbody bag that enables you to put the drain and tubing safely tucked away and with the right clothing means that it's not visible to others. You can have a look online for some ideas about drain bags and if your friend thinks it's something that might work for her then there are lots of really pretty or funky designs available from lots of independent sellers.

At the moment it sounds like your friend has a lot going on and I do hope that over the next few days/weeks she's able to find some work around to help her feel confident with the line insitu. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

thanks Jenn