Arm soreness

I had a picc line inserted after my third FEC chemo because I had a sore vein.  You have it under a local anaesthetic, it's quick and simple.  It has to be dressed and flushed weekly.  It doesn't  hurt but you have to be careful with the arm and not lift heavy things.  Also can't get it wet in the shower.  Seems really good so far.  There is always a risk of infection but if that is avoided and it saves my veins, definitely worth doing.  The oncologist thought a portacath unnecessary as I have only 3 more chemo cycles to go.  Very easy to take out a picc line apparently, the nurse Justus pulls on it and it comes out.  Portacath a can stay in for years, but need flushing out I think monthly.  Picc line is more temporary.  Good luck with your treatment, one day it will end. 

Hi Sherril, happy birthday????, hopefully the rest of the day will be far more enjoyable!

I had a portacath inserted in 2012 before my 6 rounds of chemo and 12 months of Herceptin. So glad I had it as my veins (which are pretty narrow on my only useable side) would not have held up. The portacath was inserted under the skin at the top of my chest and the nurses were very skilled at locating the needle entry point so there was no discomfort. The portacath needed no other maintenance other than being flushed through by the nurses before sessions and once I'd finished all treatment it was removed again under light general anaesthetic. 

Whichever option you choose I'm sure your veins will thank you 

Happy birthday to you. That's a pretty good birthday present, no blood clots. I am sure your oncologist will explain the differences between picc and port. Just on 4 doses of chemo they had troubles in the last two in finding veins. The last lot was 6 tries and it made a mess of my arm so try to keep that in your mind and know that what ever the oncologist recommends its got to be better than being a pin cushion. How's the arm now, feeling better?

I had a porta cath inserted in January after my first chemo session. After sitting with my hands in hot water to bring the veins out, the chemo nurses recommended the porta cath to me. Put in under light general anaesthetic and I was good to go for round two. The benefit for me is not having to worry about it getting wet in the shower. It's been a great option for me as I will be having herceptin infusions every three weeks for twelve months. Good luck with your decisions.

MO Xxx

Happy birthday to you Sherril ?? sorry you had to spend the day getting ultrasounds.  Anyway, I've got a picc line and its the best thing ever.  After my veins collapsed during a hospital stay they put the picc line in and the fact no more needles are used its great!  I have a community nurse come to the house and she changes the dressings once a week.  I have my bloods done, had chemo done and now going in for double mastectomy on Friday 1/4 and knowing they won't have to look for veins makes me a little more comfortable.  I have had it now since December 2015.  Only thing is you can't get it wet during showers etc..