Forum Discussion

Liana_anna's avatar
Liana_anna
Member
9 years ago

Picc line & chemo on affected arm

Hi,
Just wondering if anyone can share their experiences with picc line and receiving chemo on affected arm.

I still have 2 cycles to go and running out of good veins. My 2nd, 3rd and 4th chemo were painful during and afterwards. I still have a very dark long noticeable bruise from my 2nd chemo (6 wks ago). 

Am thinking should I just tough it out and endure the pain or take risks to have picc line put in or use my affected arm? 

Obviously  I'm afraid of the risks getting lymphedema  if i use my affected arm but my mo and chemo nurse said it should b OK. 

Still have 1 week to decide if I want the picc line. 

Anxious but grateful, Liana xx
chemotherapy
pain

17 Replies

Show More
  • Liana_anna's avatar
    Liana_anna
    Member
    9 years ago
    @naomi.v @Karenhappyquilter @"Soldier Crab"  I'm gonna have my picc line put in on thursday and wanted to ask you ladies how was it going about your daily business with something strapped on our arm...did it bother you? how about sleeping position? how did you look after it and did you feel a pull every time you movee your arm? Sorry... lots of questions. 
  • Karenhappyquilt's avatar
    Karenhappyquilt
    Member
    9 years ago
    I had a picc line half way through chemo and found it marvelous and would recommend it.  I had no problems with it.  It's easily installed with a small local anesthetic. Lovely when it came out after the last treatment, the nurse just gently pulled it out.  
  • ScorpionQueen's avatar
    ScorpionQueen
    Member
    9 years ago
    I didn't have a picc line but my veins in my left arm absolutely copped a battering! Towards the end of my chemo the nurses just knew to use the vein in my hand as it was pointless trying for any other...... I strongly advise, and so should your team,  that you don't use your affected arm at all......I actually wear a bracelet to warn not to use my right arm for bloods, blood pressure or needles. I don't have lymphodema and have never really had any trouble, other than cording,  with my affected arm and i would like to keep it that way! Best wishes with the rest of your treatment...you're almost there! <3
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    My last dose they had trouble finding a vein and wanted to use the lymphless arm but I refused. Instead they brought out a portable ultrasound machine and went hunting in the usual arm. In the end they used the blood donor vein which they had to monitor very carefully for complications but it took it well with no outbreaks so we got away with it for the once only usage. 
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    9 years ago
    I had picc line in unaffected arm like naomi it was so much easier to deal with. Go with you gut instinct  you know your body.... I developed lymphodema while going through radatation
  • NaomiV's avatar
    NaomiV
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Liana! I have a picc line, and I've found it's been fantastic. It's a bit uncomfortable for a couple of days after getting it put in but the benefits have been worth it. Chemo has been easy - you walk in and they just plug you in and off you go.
    I'd be really cautious about having anything done to my affected arm - so far I've been lucky enough not to have lymphodema but one of my BC buddies has and it's so incredibly painful and uncomfortable for her. I think for me it wouldn't be worth the risk.