Finished AC three weeks ago and Started 12 weekly doses of paclitaxel today. Had a blood test yesterday and the IV today. All along, the doctors have been telling me that my veins are not good, but I have been a bit pig headed, thinking that I will show them! However, 22 more needles over the next 12 weeks makes me feel apprehensive and I have never been worried by needles before.
what have others' experiences of picc lines been? I am thinking seriously about one now.
I loved my picc line, I had it after three rounds of FEC when one of my veins was very damaged. All you need is a local anaesthetic where the picc line went it and its painless otherwise. I had short showers and wrapped the part of my arm where the picc line went in in glad wrap and a small towel. I got a slightly sore arm when I did too much shortly after I had it out in. I wish I had had it for all my chemo so I didn't end up with damaged veins. I had to have the dressing redone each week by my chemo nurses. This was good because I could ask them any questions I had. I found that very helpful. It takes seconds to remove at the me of my chemo. I would recommend picc lines whole heartedly.
good luck and all the best, from Karen
I don't have a pic line but have a port a cath with is under my skin above my remaining breast. This had to be done under surgery but apart from a 3 inch scar you forget it is there, it will be taken out after all treatment ends. It is accessed for blood tests,chemotherapy and herceptin treatments. There is no mark left after access and I don't have anything protruding from the skin except during treatments. I have never had a problem.
My surgeon did this after it took 3 different members of staff to access my veins for my mastectomy.
Good luck
Hi There, I had PICC fitted 5 weeks ago at start of Paclitaxel weeklies and am very happy with it. Minor issues - Took a few days for it to "settle" and have been told not to use that arm much. It will start to ache a bit if I do too much driving and have to keep it dry - so short showers with plastic sleeve. It makes chemo soooo much easier - No more needles. I hope to keep mine in for op as well. All the best with your decision.
I had a picc line and it was the best decision ever.... Had it in December 2015 and finally came out April 2016 after my BMX.
sadly cannot have one myself as sugfer major allergies to plastic rubber etc somsuffering through AC chemi without resulting in terrible bruising multiple stabs etc that Inam affraid is destroying my veins permanently...
I have 2 friends that are undergoing Chemo and both had it done andnbith just over the moon for habing done it as in their words it makes everything so much easier and more managable
For me, I will only have 2 more AC Sessions as they dare not give me.other tyoes of Chemo which were planned due to my allergies but honestly if it turned out Inwould need more than another 2 sessions considering exoerience my friends had (with) and mine (without it) I would seriously risk the adverse allergic reaction and go for it to try prevent further damage to my blood vessels every time Chemo is due.
All the best
Jel.
