DVT in Picc line vein

I had 2 PICcs placed in the outpatient OR w/o complications.  A MD did 1 & a PA did the other w/o complications.

Nic

Bjc57 said:

Just "lucky" I guess!

Thanks for your kind words. I'm just part of that low percentage, I guess. It worked fine through my first round of chemo but I noticed my arm starting to feel a little uncomfortable about 5 days after my 5FU pump was disconnected. I know this can be a complication of Picc lines (not so much with ports) but, as my oncologist said, it's not usually seen except in cases where the line has been in longer than a couple weeks. I was concerned about the clot breaking loose but an anesthesiologist friend and a vascular surgeon both said the chances are remote. That makes me feel a lot better! Thankfully the next Picc will only be in less than a week and since I will be on Lovenox (will be on it for 6 months!), no clot should form around that one!

Becky

Hi, sorry you had to add this to your "worry" list. Hopefully all will go smoothly with the next line. My husband has had a pick line several times for treatment related to a bone marrow transplant, as long as it was flushed on schedule (which I was taught to do at home) he never had a problem. I had a port for my initial treatment and kept it for 3 yrs, with never a problem. It too had to be flushed every month if not used. While I was out, with anesthesia for port placement, it was easily and painlessly removed in the in a procedure room at my surgeons office with no anesthesia. I now have a new port in the same spot for my current treatment with so far no problems.

I'm hoping your clot was a rare occurance and you will not have any more pick line concerns!

katheryn

Glad I saw ur post. I also developed a blood clot from my port. The port was removed on my left side and a power port installed on the right. Putting the port on my right is very risky due to the fact I have no lymph nodes from breast cancer 13 yrs ago. The breast cancer and rectal cancer not related. Also on loveinox shots 2 times a day. Saw my Onc and was decided to remove the port and do the second round of chemo in pill form. Already finished radiation, chemo, surgery. Will be on pill chemo for 6 mos. 2 wks on one off. When I clotted my head and neck swoll up like a Mellon along with my left arm and neck. Did an angioplasty. Not a big difference with pill form and should be able to come off the shots and go back on eliquis. Just too risky with the ports. Didn't have any problems with them when I went thru breast cancer 13 yes ago. Hope this helps someone.

Love and Light

eves0411 said:

Hello!

Hello!

I am also a breast cancer survivor (14 3/4 years). Thank you so much for your post!  A PICC line was put in my right arm on a Thursday, began 5FU chemo treatment on Monday and had developed blood clots in vein PICC was in, in addition to veins surrounding On Wednesday morning. Admitted me to hospital to continue treatment via IV, putting me on Eloquis after PICC removed. Doctor now told me not sure what to do because they cannot use left arm from lymph node dissection and right arm veins are tiny. Told me my two options for next go around are:  port or five day hospital stay. I'm very scared of both and would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks so much!

Hi, 

And as we say "unfortunately" welcome, but glad you're here.

I too have been treated for breast cancer / anal cancer. Anal cancer dx was 9 years ago and breast cancer 8 years!! Theres been some bumps in the road but as for today, I'm doing great!

I never had a pick line, but my husband who is also in cancer treatment has and he had no issues, though I think its one of those things that is likely listed in the "possible" complications. Ive had my port in, out, and in again, with absolutely zero issues at all. Its so convienient even for blood draws. The surgery to put it in is pretty simple and taking it out is a breeze. Again, I suppose there are some who have discomfort or other issues with a port, but overall I say "go for the port" My husband is currently in cancer care and this time around also has a port with so far no negative effects. (He is on Eloquis for a heart related concern and I too am on Warfarin for a previous blood clot in my lung...these do not affect the use of the port btw and maybe even help to reduce any risk of further clot issues)

Good luck to you, and keep in touch to let us know how you are doing please.

katheryn 

I have had picc lines before and its not anything to worry about being removed you will not feel a thing. I am wonding my self now is about my port line and if it can develop clots. I need to get it removed either way. I am not looking forward to that. They probaly will diagnose it as artery tumor or breast cancer but at least it will be gone.

eves0411 said:

Hello!

Hello!

I am also a breast cancer survivor (14 3/4 years). Thank you so much for your post!  A PICC line was put in my right arm on a Thursday, began 5FU chemo treatment on Monday and had developed blood clots in vein PICC was in, in addition to veins surrounding On Wednesday morning. Admitted me to hospital to continue treatment via IV, putting me on Eloquis after PICC removed. Doctor now told me not sure what to do because they cannot use left arm from lymph node dissection and right arm veins are tiny. Told me my two options for next go around are:  port or five day hospital stay. I'm very scared of both and would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks so much!

I assume that the the treatment on Monday was Mitomycin C and 5FU.  As clouse mentioned, she is receiving the rest of the 5FU in pill form (capecitabine/Xeloda)

I am a bit phobic about needles and lines,etc.  On the first day of week 1, I had one infusion which was the mitomycin C; I then continued with 5FU in pill form for the rest of the 51/2 weeks.

For some reason, I did not have Mitomycin C in the last week. There were several pills a day and were not a problem.  In fact, some research has found that the pill form of 5FU (capecitabine/Xeloda) is less toxic and as effective as the infusion.

You might ask your doctor if that could be an option.