Forum Discussion

janinaj's avatar
janinaj
Member
12 years ago

Picc line or Porto Cath

Hi ladies, Is there a thread anywhere that talks about the pros and cons of going with a Portacath vs a Picc line? I leaning towards a Portacath because of my intense fear of needles, the heat and humidity here and my love of swimming and sitting in the showers. I know that chemo is going to be tough so I'm keep to keep my loves as much as possible. But I don't know a lot about people's experiences with it...... Does it irritate greatly? How long does it take to heal before they start using it? Does it make the chemo any more intense, better or worse? Any advice or directions towards advice is greatly appreciated. Best, Janina

8 Replies

  • mandycoop's avatar
    mandycoop
    Member
    12 years ago

    I feel like that is the case with triple negative, hopefully not so xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    The oncologist makes decisions about which chemo and how much, how often based on the individual person's diagnosis. If the pathology of the cancer shows that the cancer is hormone positive then additional treatments are usually recommended. Tamoxifen or aromatose inhibitors for those with ER and PR positive cancers. These are in tablet form. If the cancer is HER positive then that person is given Herceptin. This is not chemo but is a drug that helps to prevent the cancer from recurring. It is usually given by infusion (like chemo) every 3 weeks for about a year I think. Hope this answers your question. Take care. Deanne xx
  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    12 years ago

    Hi Mandy, my treatment was so long because my tumours were Her2+. The standard treatment for Herceptin which is the targeted therapy given intravenously at 3 weekly intervals for 17 cycles. On my regime (AC x 4 then Paclitaxol X12) the herceptin started when the paclitaxol started. It continued when paclitaxol finished. The main damage it does is to the heart which is monitored through 3 monthly gated heart pool scans, but the damage is reversable. This diagnosis was very bad to have a few years back as it is extremely aggressive growth and prognosis was poor. We are very lucky to have this drug now. Louie

  • mandycoop's avatar
    mandycoop
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Deanne,

    Why do some people have such long chemo regimes, do you know?

    I am learning so muh through this ordeal.

    Mandyxx

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    12 years ago

    Hi Janina,

    I had a portacath because my IV treatment went for 15months. It was put in the day before my second chemo, it would have been before the first but they couldnt fit me in. Mine was used the day after it was put in, but i believe they can be used pretty much immediately (same day). They are put in under sedation by a radiologist surgeon (dont know their official title) as they use xray to guide it into the right spot.

    Mine took a while to heal, but i have since discovered after most of my surgeries since that my body rejects stiches. I found mine irritating for this reason unitil it healed. But then it was great, so easy.

    At each treatment they flush it as a normal part of the procedures on treatment day. Nothing you need to do or worry about. My treatment is now complete and it will be removed 19 Dec. Some people keep theirs for a while after treatment finishes and then they need to be flushed regularly.

    I have only heard of a picc line for short term treatment and you cant get it wet. The port is very easy to live with and has never stopped me doing anything. I swim regularly.

    Hope this helps XXXLouie

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I'm not sure of your circumstances and what chemo you will be needing but I will tell you of my experience in case it is relevant. I had 6 rounds of chemo over 18 weeks, 3x FEC and 3x Docetaxel. As I was Her- I did not need Herceptin. I enquired about portacath or picc but was told that it would be better for me to just have the cannula put in each time as I was only having 6 rounds. I had 'good' veins and got through all the blood tests and chemos as well as an extra cannula for IV antibiotics when I got an infection on round 4. Chemo is hard on your veins but thankfully mine seemed to survive the ordeal. My understanding is that a portacath is usually best if you need to have infusions over a longer period. Piccs are only used for shorter periods. Both piccs and portacath need to be flushed at regular intervals, piccs more often than portacath. A portacath would be less of a bother on an everyday basis as it does not protrude from your body. Your oncologist would be the best person to give advice on what would be best for you, considering your individual circumstances. Hope all goes well no matter which way you have your chemo. Take care. Deanne xx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I'm not sure of your circumstances and what chemo you will be needing but I will tell you of my experience in case it is relevant. I had 6 rounds of chemo over 18 weeks, 3x FEC and 3x Docetaxel. As I was Her- I did not need Herceptin. I enquired about portacath or picc but was told that it would be better for me to just have the cannula put in each time as I was only having 6 rounds. I had 'good' veins and got through all the blood tests and chemos as well as an extra cannula for IV antibiotics when I got an infection on round 4. Chemo is hard on your veins but thankfully mine seemed to survive the ordeal. My understanding is that a portacath is usually best if you need to have infusions over a longer period. Piccs are only used for shorter periods. Both piccs and portacath need to be flushed at regular intervals, piccs more often than portacath. A portacath would be less of a bother on an everyday basis as it does not protrude from your body. Your oncologist would be the best person to give advice on what would be best for you, considering your individual circumstances. Hope all goes well no matter which way you have your chemo. Take care. Deanne xx