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NarelleDenning's avatar
NarelleDenning
Member
13 years ago

I want to marry my Hickman Line

It took a melt down just after my last round of EC chemo to find just an ounce of courage to finally bite the bullet and get a hickman line. And believe me it was only an ounce of courage that I could find.The procedure scarred me for life but the benefits far outway the scarring! So much so that if I could marry it I'd be divorced from hubby in a flash! Haha.Im upto my 6th round of Taxol and I'm so happy at the moment. The side effects are not to bad and Im coping with it really well. I still hate that I look sick however that has its benefits as well like prompt customer service when we are out and about or eating at a resturaunt!Everyone starting chemo should be fitted with a hickman line.
chemotherapy

7 Replies

  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    12 years ago
    My port is on the right side of my chest close to the sternum, so bra not a problem. But I agree sleeping is a problem. Especially the first four weeks dreadful! I am always aware of it. As soon as Herceptin is finished in April next year I will be demanding its taken out out out! Cheryle :)
  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    12 years ago

    Ok my turn.  The Portal is a great method to deliver the Chemo and I totally get that, its my preference to what I have seen with the acess via the arm veins.  However, some people who have it via the arm have no issue with it either.  I find my portal has been smooth sailing, but it is annoying.  It sits right where my bra strap is, so I have no support from my bra as I always have the strap over the shoulder or take it off altogether.  I notice it a lot, I can feel it when I turn over and lie on that side in bed, and if I do too much strenuous exercise (even a long walk),  I say "its pinging"  not quite hurting/weird feeling.  I have been told I can have it removed if I prefer, but they are leaving mine in just incase Cancer returns and it will be the fastest access for more Chemo.   (Triple Negative BC).    So what the hell is a Hickman Line???? hahahaha  xx Bel

  • NarelleDenning's avatar
    NarelleDenning
    Member
    13 years ago
    Thats correct. The line is on the outside of my skin. It has an entry point on my chest and is attached to my vein. My sister has a port and it sounds like ours are attached to the same vein except my protrudes from the skin and dangles. It hurt when they first put it in but my skin has recovered and I dont feel it at all.It has plugs at the end and thats where I get attached to the IV.
  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Narelle, just a question with your Hickman Line do you have tubes/lines on the outside of your body? It's just I have never heard of it before and assumed it was like my port which is under the the skin. The nurses access it each week with a syringe (I close my eyes and don't see what they do) and then a short iv is attached. Cheryle :)
  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Narelle, just a question with your Hickman Line do you have tubes/lines on the outside of your body? It's just I have never heard of it before and assumed it was like my port which is under the the skin. The nurses access it each week with a syringe (I close my eyes and don't see what they do) and then a short iv is attached. Cheryle :)
  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    13 years ago
    Must be similar to my infusa port, I'm the opposite I can't wait to divorce my port. From day one it's been uncomfortable, yes it is good the nurses get me hooked up to the iv in no time flat but... Having said that 2 more Taxol, 14 more Herceptin then it's off to the surgeon as quick as these fat little legs can take me! Cheers! Cheryle:)
  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    13 years ago
    Must be similar to my infusa port, I'm the opposite I can't wait to divorce my port. From day one it's been uncomfortable, yes it is good the nurses get me hooked up to the iv in no time flat but... Having said that 2 more Taxol, 14 more Herceptin then it's off to the surgeon as quick as these fat little legs can take me! Cheers! Cheryle:)