PICC line yes no

ColleenN
ColleenN Member Posts: 73
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi eveyone,

I had a nasty day of chemo today. Put it this way, I'm typing with just one hand, and it's not the one I write with! Anyway, I'll survive - it helps that my husband says that I type faster with my left hand than he does with both! What I was wondering about is now they're really suggesting a picc line for my last two treatments. Does anyeone have experience with one of these? I looked them up on the internet tonight and the risks really scare me. I get to go back tomorrow for a shot in the stomach to boost my neutrophiles, and I have a feeling they may ask if I've decided anything even though I have 3 weeks before the next treatment.

Thanks, take care, and (((((hugs)))) to all.

Colleen

Comments

  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #2
    Colleen
    I haven't heard anything bad regarding PICC lines thus far. As a person who has a difficult time with veins I went and had a port put in..which I have never regretted yet. The PICC line shouldn't give you any problems you will just have to practice keeping your site clean and dry.Good luck~~~~Joanne
  • tdb1985
    tdb1985 Member Posts: 35
    #3
    picc line
    Colleen,
    I have a port, I have had it since around July 2005. If you are not having chemo, you have to go back to the hospital to have it "flushed" once a month. I also had a picc line for a while in the beginning. The only problem I had with it was when you take a shower or bath you have to be careful not to get it wet. Keep it covered with saran wrap and tape, if I remember right. I had trouble with my veins, thats why they put the port in. I still have the port, its just so much more simple. But with you having 2 more treatments, the picc seems more logical.
    Debbie
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #4
    I'd go for it
    Hi Colleen,

    From what I know of picc lines, I'd get one in a flash if I needed it. I have veins that are not so good, and really resent when the suggestion of using the back of my hand is made. Out of the many people who I've talked to about theirs, I can only remember one having to have it relocated for some reason. It sure seems it would take a lot of anxiety out of treatments.

    Sue
  • ColleenN
    ColleenN Member Posts: 73
    #5
    Thanks
    Thanks Everyone,

    I'm still not sure if I'm going to go PICC or not, but I'm less stressed after reading your responses. There are several chemo nurses where I go, and the one that's "suggesting" the PICC has been strong on having a port since the beginning. I've had her twice, and she had trouble both times. The other two times went OK with different nurses. My veins are starting to get cruddy though. It didn't help yesterday when I tipped my kitchen chair over on my good hand! Klutz day or bad balance! : ) Oh well, that's life!

    Thanks again.

    Colleen
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #6
    Port
    I love my port....sure glad I did it...
    I still have blood drawn from the arm though. Saundra
  • JanQ
    JanQ Member Posts: 236
    #7
    saundra said:

    Port
    I love my port....sure glad I did it...
    I still have blood drawn from the arm though. Saundra

    port
    Same here. Jan
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #8
    I too have a port, but get
    I too have a port, but get blood drawn monthly (or more) through one of my arms. Haven't had chemo since August and have forgotten all about the port. Not been flushed at all. Opps, looks like the doctor forgot too!! I have chemo brain but ................. :0)

    Love,
    Libby
  • ColleenN
    ColleenN Member Posts: 73
    #9
    Thanks again
    Hi everyone,

    Just to let you know, I did go with the PICC today. It went in with absolutely no problems. Both the onc. and the nurses thought it was a good idea for me. Thanks to all of you for the advice!

    Colleen
  • umaof6
    umaof6 Member Posts: 25
    #10
    ColleenN said:

    Thanks again
    Hi everyone,

    Just to let you know, I did go with the PICC today. It went in with absolutely no problems. Both the onc. and the nurses thought it was a good idea for me. Thanks to all of you for the advice!

    Colleen

    thanks again
    Colleen, this is the first time I have written to you. I hadn't been on line for a while. Too busy with Grandkids to check in. I didn't "vote" but I am glad that you opted for the PICC. I had a port put in. When the nurse went to hook me up for the surgery, the first vein she put the IV in "blew out" so she had to put it in the other hand. I told my husband that was a sign from God. I haven't had any more trouble. One time when I went to have blood drawn, the nurse had to use a different vein because I had some scar tissue that she couldn't penetrate. I pray that you do well with your treatment. ((hugs)) and prayers.

    Carol
  • ColleenN
    ColleenN Member Posts: 73
    #11
    Chemo with PICC
    Hi everyone,

    I had chemo # 5 today with the PICC line and it went great. My blood pressure didn't jump, I actually dozed off a few times, and I don't feel so drawn out. Amazing what a lack of pain can do. If I ever have to go through this again (hopefully not - thinking positively!) I will go with a port right away. I received some wonderful news today too. My onc checked my CA-125 for the first time since starting chemo. After surgery and before chemo started in August it was still at 75. Today it was 4.8!!!!

    Take care,

    Colleen
  • umaof6
    umaof6 Member Posts: 25
    #12
    great news
    Colleen,

    What great news!! I used to sleep through most of my treatments. I'm glad that you are feeling more relaxed. I am so excited about your CA125. Mine is down to eight. It was at 1876 before my surgery and Chemo. We are truly blessed that the doctors have the knowledge to help us through all this.
    ((hugs)) and prayers.

    Carol
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #13
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

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