PICC vs port

Options
MicheleS
MicheleS Member Posts: 937
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Help me choose!  I have 3 kids (youngest is 3) so a port *might* be better.  However, the idea of a port gives me the willies.  So... I'm thinking PICC... However, does the skin on your arm get irritated?  Is it hard to keep clear and dry?

Please vote!  (and also share your experiences!)

Michele

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • LauraCA
    LauraCA Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2009

    The idea of getting a port creeped me out, also.  But after it was put in and I got past the first 7-10 days of being aware of it all the time, I didn't notice it at all.  I grew to love my port, because every treatment they gave me a tiny shot of lidocaine and then "plugged me in" and that was it.  It never got irritated, never had a single problem with it.  I appreciated that as opposed to getting a new IV every time (my only other choice at the time). 

    I don't know anything about getting a PICC line though, sorry...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amanda54
    amanda54 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2009

    Hi, I guess I'm lucky as i have both, PICC lines are good in the respect no needles at all when having treatment, however a lot more maintenance. The port is under the skin so you can shower, swim and although it needs to be flushed once a month one tends to forget it's there. The PICC on the other hand is place outside the body, normally on the upper arm, has to be dressed and flushed weekly, and can look unsightly when wearing short sleeves. One also has to cover it when showering and so swimming is out of the question. I unfortunately have had issues with my port hence the PICC was put in. The port is being removed after my next chemo.Majority of people have no problems with the Port. Hope this helps.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mason204
    mason204 Member Posts: 570
    edited January 2009

    I've had 2 PICC lines and a Port.  I held off on getting a port for about 4 years for the same reason as yourself.  Now, I love the convenience of it and I'd never get a PICC again.

    What helped me decide:

    Are you just starting chemo and plan to have chemo for 6 months or so?  If you're at the beginning of treatment, a PICC may be a good choice.  Installing a PICC is usually an easy-in, easy-out procedure.

    Or, would your treatment be long-term?  If so, perhaps a Port is a better choice.  My cancer is now metastatic so a port was my better choice.

    Will you be needing it over the summer?  I like to swim with my kids and you can't swim with a PICC line.  Hence, consider a port.

    I had no problems with my youngest daughter accessing my PICC lines by accident.  I wore a "sleeve" over the PICC so it wasn't easy for my kids to "get to".  Also, during wintertime, I wore long sleeves so no one even knew I had it.

    Food for thought....I've had no incidents with my Port and I've had it for 2 years now.  When I had my PICC lines, I discovered I was allergic to the tegaderm tape (the protected covering over the PICC line) and constantly battled with blisters.  I had to have a nurse visit me every 2 days just to change the dressing to keep the irritation down.  I also had an infection (cellulitis) at one point that required antibiotics and, finally, a blood clot formed.  That's when I decided to get my PICC removed.  Keep in mind that everyone's different and most people don't have allergy problems with the dressings.

    Best wishes.

    Cheryl.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kerry1000
    Kerry1000 Member Posts: 103
    edited January 2009

    I've never had a PICC, but agree that the port was great (well, you know what I mean).  The idea of it really bothered me also at first, then I just got over it.  What won me over is that the needles are totally painless if you use lidocane and a Tegaderm patch to keep it covered for about 45 minutes prior to being stuck (the patches - a type of large bandaid - are available in drugstores, you might have to ask where they are).  You don't notice the port after the first few days, and it makes life much easier.  IMHO - go for the port.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2009

    Thanks for all of your advice!

    I'm getting a port on Friday.  "Willies" be damned!!

    Michele

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories