I mentioned previously that I have been told I have bad veins, and some of the lovely members mentioned PICC or Portacath options, so I was just wondering if anyone had thoughts on which is better (less painful / more convenient / etc)?
I did mention it to my surgeon and she said I could do it if I want, the cannula is probably one of the scariest prospects for me :(
thanks in advance xx
I have the portacath also. Whilst it does make chemo access easier & the procedure to place it isn't particularly difficult, I have had other issues with it. A lot of the time, I've had excruciating pain on certain movements as both the surgeon & I believe a stitch may be irritating a nerve. To combat this, I've realised I just can't do anything which involves using my pectoral muscles. But of a bummer when you're a gym junkie like me! Anyway, it's been fantastic for access & I'm so glad I haven't ruined my veins.
However, I'm planning to get it out now that I've finished TCH and only have Herceptin to go. I'm over being stabbed with pain for something as simple as wiping a bench or backing out of the driveway. I'm sure this isn't typical for most though.
I'm so grateful for all the feedback, I think its my biggest phobia of the whole process. I was thinking more along the PICC line (just the thought of the chest thing freaked me out) but reading your feedback I think I will see if I can do a portacath. Who better to ask than those who have been through it :)
I have had two bouts of breast cancer. First time I did FEC and I balked at the suggestion of a picc line which was all that was talked about at the time. What I did not realise is how badly my very good veins would be affected by the chemo. So 18 mths later I had no veins to use for the next lot of chemo and had to have a port put in. OMG why did I not get it the first time. It made chemo a dream and was only a small op to put it in. I wish in hindsite it had been offered first time and I could have saved my good veins from being trashed. Blood tests now all have to come from the back of my hand which was the only place that the chemo did not get put in. If it's offered I would take up the offer. Just my opinion. I do have a small indentation and scar where it was taken out from. A battle scar I wear with pride.
Good luck.
Paula xxxx
Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it xx
Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it xx
Thanks so much for the feedback, I really appreciate it xx
Hi
I have had a Portacath in for 31/2 years and it is a godsend.
The day surgery to have it done is not too bad and it can be used almost straight away.
I have over 78 rounds of various chemos in this time and I find that there is almost no feeling the needle going in for each transfusion . I have seen many other patients with poor veins and picc lines that have so much trouble that I am glad I have my Port.
Obviously this is your choice , all the best
I was also told my veins weren't good but I decided to give them ago. My surgeon suggested not to have surgery unless I needed it. I had 12 weeks of AC which the chemo nurse told me turns veins 'woody' in some people. On the whole the veins coped with treatment every three weeks. However I am now on weekly paclitaxel. I tried to have a picc line put in but my veins were too hard so last week I had a port put in. I think it will be good but I am a bit apprehensive. I think I should have done it earlier as it has set me back having another op and anaesthetic.
good luck on your journey.
I have a portacath. I wanted to be able to go to the pool and swim without fear of infection. Also my treatment via IV would go for 15 months and I believed this was probably the best option. I am unsure how long a picc line can stay in for. You do need a light general for a portacath and it does leave a scar. It is done in day surgery. Hope this info helps. Kath x
