PICC line for Chemo?

Carmenintoronto

Scheduled to start FEC-T next week, 3 + 3 rounds, was wondering about a PICC line. Onc says they routinely don't put in Picc for shorter cycles unless veins are bad already, too much risk of infection ect... I Am worried about long term vein damage from chemo. Should I insist on a picc line?

ElaineD

As your onc says, unless your veins are very bad, it's not really worth it. I've had both a PICC and a Hickman line (as my veins are really bad, and the left arm can't be used due to lymphoedema). Both have ended up with me having infections, despite rigorous maintenance of the lines. Both times I needed 5 days stay in hospital on iv antibiotics to clear it! So unless your onc has concerns about your veins, for 6 cycles I wouldn't be too concerned, and simply go along with cannulation.

Duffymom

I had a PICC line back in 06 the first time I had cancer.  It worked well but was a hassle to go in every week to get it flushed out.  Also harder to keep it covered during warm weather.  I teach pre-school and didn't want the kids to notice it so always wore long sleeves.  With my reoccurance I asked for a port and I LOVE it.  I never had any problems with it.  I have lousy veins and can't have IV's for my scans in the arm of the PICC line anymore.  One of the best things about the PICC line is that it took away my extreme nervousness at having to have an IV put it as it always took many times to find a vein.  Do what feels best for you!

Luah

If your veins are good, I don't think I'd insist on a PICC line - it is a bit of a hassle, and some risk of infection. I have one now, but I am on 4 rounds of AC followed by 12 rounds of Taxol.  I'd go with your doc's advice following a vein assessment. 

crazy4carrots

Carmen:  I had the same chemo as you and I had a PICC.  No trouble with it at all, and a visiting nurse came once a week to flush it.  As this is winter, you'll be wearing long sleeves anyhow, so keeping it covered shouldn't be a problem.

As for showering or bathing -- go to your nearest medical devices store and pick up a plastic sleeve -- it has elastics at both ends and does an excellent job of keeping the PICC dry.  Costs about $15.

Another advantage of the PICC is that blood draws can be taken from it.

Good luck, whatever you decide.  And remember to visit here and ask questions once you've started your tx.  

Hugs, Linda

HairSprayMom

I had small rolly veins and I had a port place...and I loved my port! But I will add that I had 5 months of chemo 4 Taxoteer evry 3 wks and 4 AC evry 2 weeks both dense dose. When drawing blood the lab folks had to use pediatric needle sets to hit my veins, so my port was great. Implanted under the skin at my collar bone so it was no work and a very minor outpatient surgery. I also had it removed in the office when I was done, so no facility deductible. Just another option, but if you have good veins you may not need it. Love to you!

HairSprayMom

Karen09

I had a PICC line put in the morning of my first chemo back in Aug.  I finished 4 treatments of FEC and 3 of 4 of Taxotere.  Only one left to go.    My oncologist seems to prefer them to ports for some reason.  I'm 32 and as far as I know my veins should be great.  The only problem I had with my PICC is that my skin is really sensitive and it took a couple tries to get the right dressing.  Good luck!

flash

There's advantages and disadvantages of each.  One thing to consider, picc lines higher infection, need for flushing, higher chance of long term scar tissue in that particular vein.

Hickman- serious surgery to place, any infection is directly into the heart. Lower chance of scar tissue

Port- lowest chance of infection, less usable for casual blood draws, very slight pinprick pain, still requires surgery for placement.

It really depends on your particular situation.  Most of the chemos really don't do that much damage to the veins in comparison to the actual ports or lines.  However there are exceptions.  The best person to asess you is a phlebotomist or an oncologist.

good luck