Nervous about Port

Hi Joy,

I too had dramas with a PICC line causing pain and swelling in my right arm during my chemo in 2011-2012.

I had the first one removed after about a month or so after having it inserted due to vein problems from the chemo drugs and blood clots near my heart from the PICC's positioning.  They told me I would have to have 'Clexane' everyday for two weeks which I did reluctantly. I ended up with massive bruising all over my tummy because of it, but it was a necessary evil and I got through it!!! Then my Oncologist told me I would have to continue this for another 6 months, but I decided to speak to my GP who is also a very good family friend about it. He told me there was another way to do this which was to have 'Warfarin' tablets daily then be monitored every 3-4 days to make sure the levels were appropriate through having blood tests. My GP had a PICC line fail himself due to blood clots forming and had taken this option too!!! So I did take this option because I decided the 'Clexane' was too uncomfortable to endure. Also because I thought if a doctor can do this then so could I!!! However I did have some more 'Clexane' from time to time due to the unusual levels in my blood of the 'Warfarin.' I did have another PICC line inserted before my next chemo but was a little worried about the blood clots coming back. the doctor told me that because I was on the 'Warfarin' it should be ok to have it done again. I had the PICC removed two weeks after the last chemo in January of 2012 due to the fact that if I ended up in hospital again with an infection like I had before, then I would not have dramas again with my veins. Ultimately the mess all worked out finally in the end which is all that matters right?

I wish you all the best with your cancer journey and hope you get through these problems swiftly and easily huny. take care always XXX Mia.