Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your husband and your diagnosis. I am on my own (living and relationship wise) and faced losing my dad to cancer a couple of weeks before my diagnosis last year. Life isn't simple or kind sometimes.

I had a PICC line in 2005/6 and it was fine, you can use a sleeve to tuck them into, so they don't dangle around, you'll just need to make sure any long sleeve tops you have a little baggy to accommodate your PICC. It's not painful and will help reduce the number of canulas and needles during your treatment. I was awake for the implant and removal, and it really was fine.

You will maintain strength in your arm because it goes into a vein, not muscles or anything like that, so walking your dogs shouldn't be a problem. You need to be a little careful with showering, as you don't want to soak it, and you need to keep things clean so you don't introduce infection.

I actually took up dog walking last year, during treatment to get me out of the flat. There is a website called Borrow My Doggy . com and I registered as a walker/sitter for small to medium dogs. As an owner you can register your dogs, and find people in your area who may want access to a dog but can't afford a dog, or have the space at home etc. I now regularly walk a neighbours dog, and I have really connected with their family, they invite me to dinner and help me with things. Once you pay the registration fee, no money is exchanged with anyone. For your off days or days at the hospital, it might be worth investigating that to relieve you of pressure worrying about the dogs being left alone for long stretches.

Good luck with your journey, Lucy