Picc line & chemo on affected arm

That's awesome to hear @Liana_anna
 I've just this minute had to cut away my lymphaodema  bandaging  as my skin felt like a zillion spiders under it......  :#  I have done well it was put on my arm on Tuesday... my O.T. said if I lasted until wednesday she would be happy ... so I'm extremely happy just have to wear my sleeve tomorrow back again on monday for next lot of bandaging....  I found pressure i.e. gentle squeeze with other hand decreased my itchiness of dressing over picc line... try to stay cool the hot weather use to  make mine more  itchy.  hugs n energy xxxx Soldier crab aka Alice

@"Soldier Crab" @naomi.v @Karenhappyquilter 
Hi, just wanted to let you know that I had my picc line put in on Thursday n had my 5th cycle the next day... omg...how stress free it was...I wish I had the picc from the beginning. Moving my arm is not a problem at all an sleeping is alright as well...oh I'm so happy... The only problem is now it's starting to get itchy and I have to wait 5 days to change the dressing ...uugghhh.... but the itch is nothing compare to the pain, the stress and the anxiety from the chemo process...so I'm doing a happy dance now ☺☺ 
Hugs, Liana xx

@onemargie  congratulations!!! done n dusted yayy...I'm so happy for you. I'm so looking forward for this day which is 9th Dec...so I can have a lovely Christmas with my family. wishing you all the best  hugs, Liana xx

sorry should be more specific it was put just under the skin not in my actual chest!! It was easy to shower and attend to daily activities with no concerns. Margie

hi there I finished my chemo 5 weeks ago and I had a portacath put in at the start and it was great, It was put in my chest above my rib cage  on my unaffected side and was easily accessed and painless. I have been lucky enough too to have the portacath removed now that my treatment has finished. Hope this helps as another option for you. Margie :)

I found if I used my arm too much it was a bit sore.  It didn't affect my sleeping.  I wrapped my arm in a towel and had short showers.  I tended to cover my arm up because my husband found it made him queasy.  But it didn't worry me.  I had to have it cleaned and dressed each week by the chemo nurses.  I hope it's going well for you.

@naomi.v thanks for your reply Naomi. I was a bit hesitant to have the picc as I only have 2 more cycles to go it means I will have it for about 3 weeks...but then i thought about the burning pain, the bruises, the soreness and difficulties finding a good vein ..uugghh... at least if things go smoothly i will have 3 anxious free weeks. Thanks for the link it's very useful having not to worry getting it wet. Hugs, Liana xx 

Hi Liana! I've also had no issues with every day things, but I did find for the first month or so sleeping on that side made my arm ache (it's fine now). It is hard on the skin (my skin is a little sensitive though) and mine does get itchy on the skin around where the picc line goes on under the dressing.
Probably the biggest annoyance is showering (you can't get it wet) but I ended up buying one of these, a bit expensive but totally worth it:

http://www.statina.com.au/limbo-adult-elbow-injury-protector.html

I have been really grateful for my picc though, and the benefits have outweighed the annoyances! Just be conscious that it will be uncomfortable for a few days after insertion, but know that it does go away - I found Panadol was enough to take the discomfort away in those first few days.
Good luck!xx

@"Soldier Crab" thanks for your reply Alice. hugs, Liana xx

@Liana_anna
hi  I had no problems with mine slept on that arm at times, it didnt pull it is normally taped onto your arm... They normally have a cleaned regularly at chemo place for me.... just commonsense things re everyday things ... I wouldnt play tag footy or the likes but basically could do most things. 
it is not wrong to ask questions Liana it is a stressful time and knowing some of the answers can help. 
hugs and energy 
Soldier Crab aka alice