Forum Discussion

jojo71's avatar
jojo71
Member
15 years ago

I've got the PICC Line Blues

Hi ladies, 

I went for FEC cycle 4 of FEC on Friday, excited to be past half way. Sadly, after an hour of 3 nurses (who are all wonderful) trying to find a vein that was viable, I was emotionally wasted, in tears & over it. They were exhausted too, I think. We all agreed to give up. The 1st 3 cycles have collapsed the only viable veins I had.

I'm booked in to get a PICC line canula inserted on Monday for the last 3 cycles. It sounds terrifying and uncomfortable, and Ive been down, but I pull up my big girl pants, dried my eyes and read your posts this week, which has placed everything is back in perspective. Things could be worse.

So, this vent is now a thank you post  you all you pink ladies for your bravery, humour and basically being amazeballs. Your posts support the rest of us well after you have logged off. :-) 

xxx

 

7 Replies

  • Vicky's avatar
    Vicky
    Member
    15 years ago

    i had a portacath put in two cycles in last year. It was so much better. Mine is quite deep but I have one nurse that has the magic touch. I have had FEC 3 cycles, dosetaxal 3 cycles and on my 12th cycle of herceptin. Done radiation in  Janaury this year and are on hormone therapy now. Have just celebrated 12 months post diagnosis. Keep up the good work girls there is light at the end of the tunnel! Vicky

  • pisces_tas's avatar
    pisces_tas
    Member
    15 years ago

    i never had a picc line. i had chemo in back of hand the first time, then i had the rest from my elbow.

    how do they put the picc line in??

    kathy.

  • Tanya's avatar
    Tanya
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Jo

    i nearly peeed my big girl pants when I read your "pulled up my big girl pants" comment. lol

    I am nearly 4 years out and yet I still have trouble getting myself set for a blood test , my veins are still shot.  You wont regret having the PICC to save what is left of your veins.  I had TAC but my friend had FEC and she affectionately named it F#@( Evil Crap.

     

    Good luck sweety, you are on the countdown now.

    Tanya xx

  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi,

    I have been a bit nervous about all this too!  Second FEC last week, nurse found vein ok but said this stuff wrecks them.

    since then I have been sore in vein for about 9 inches(sorry non metric thinking)up my arm most of the time.  I wonder how many of us make it through without lines?  bit scared about it all...

    Julia

     

  • w_w_w_dette's avatar
    w_w_w_dette
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Jojo

    Oh boy what a terrible time it must have been for you on Friday. I've only had 2 Fec treatments so far and they are having real trouble when taking my bloods (every week because of my little ongoing neutapenia issue!), which is not near as stressful as when we're lining up for chemo.

    Fortunately for me (I can see now) my oncologist really pushed for me to get a portacath and I must admit that part has been a real breeze after I got over the fact that it looked like they were sticking a big drawing pin into my chest the first time!! I do have a giggle about that and the looks on people's faces when I say that's how they connect me! So far I've had no problems with it and I tend to forget it's there most of the time (after first 2 weeks settling/healing time). It's also a comfort knowing that if the blood tests get any more difficult, we'll access from the port for them as well.

    Although slightly different, I'm sure the Picc line will go well and also serve you well. Good luck with it all and the rest of your treatment.

    Dette xx

  • jojo71's avatar
    jojo71
    Member
    15 years ago

    hey, sounds like we have similar experiences and treatments. Thanks for the pep up. My hand is still sore from cycle one but honestly, the other 2 were in the arm and healed fine. This stuff is weed killer, especially the 'E" red stuff.

    Promise to let u know how the picc line goes. Im told it makes life easier, and most FEC patients used to get them automatically (or thats what the nurse told me) but it just creeps me out. 

    xx

  • pacwood's avatar
    pacwood
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Jojo.

    Hugs to you. It is an aweful feeling when you are excited to be so far into treatment and then BAM, a set back. Im scheduled for round 2 of FEC on Tueday and Im quietly freaking. First round took 3 attempts to get the cannula in and I dont want a repeat performance!

    Oncologist will look at the possibility of a PICC line if I get used as a human pin cussion this round. FEC must really mess with the poor old veins. Mine is still quite sore. My friend had a PICC placed after round 2 with FEC. Rd 3 was a breeze she said!

    Good luck and I will be checking to see how you go. (just incase I head that way too!). Hope the vent served it's purpose! And I do agree, I have nothing to complain about either when I look at what some awesome women have to endure.

    xo Christie.