PICC line/Port for chemo - experiences please

[FridaLady82]

My mum had stage 1C serous ovarian cancer 13 years ago and had surgery and platinum chemo. Unfortunately a recent CT is highly suspicious that it may have returned. We’re waiting for a biopsy and chest CT.

Mum’s biggest fear about chemo again is that last time her veins became incredibly painful – even the fluids going in really hurt – and she says she couldn’t go through that again.

Has anyone had a PICC line or Portacath for chemo instead? Did it stop the pain from the drugs/fluids going through your arm veins? Can you ask for one from the start?

Just trying to reassure Mum that if she does need chemo, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same experience as 13 years ago.
Thank you

Thank you, she may have to have surgery for the mass, we don’t know yet, so that’s when we will ask. I’m glad things have changed because she found it so painful last time and the feeling of the chemo going in she hated. This is all so hard. Thank you everyone for so kindly contributing and taking your time for us.

I think it's standard ti have a port or a PICC line. Mine got a blood clot so the last few were done via iv and my veins were knackered so it was awful. Definitely Ask for a picc if it's not offered they are there to protect your veins

I had a Hickman line put in my chest. I won’t say it was a pleasant experience having it in, the worst part was all the numbing injections. A lovely nurse held my hand throughout. I’m so glad I had it. It made everything so much easier and gave me no trouble. District nurses came to flush it every few days. My chemo went ahead without incident and taking it out afterwards was very easy and pain free.
Hope that helps and good luck to your Mum!

Thank you again for the info, mum has CT scan today and then biopsies on Thursday, hope I have that in the right order!

if she needs to have surgery then perhaps it’s something they can do under anaesthetic … we shall see.

There is a solid family around mum. I’m just a bit far away make it’s hard.

I had a picc line. Easy to install, needs weekly maintenance, which happened in the chemo unit when getting pre-treatment bloods done, removed pain free after last chemo.

protected my veins, no vein damage at all even on really vicious Red Devil chemo.

Wishing your Mum all the best @FridaLady82

Thanks everyone and wishing you all the best too.

If there is an option between not having a PICC or Port and having one, I would definitely recommend having one - I was advised to try having chemo through a vein initially and it was a mistake as I ended up with clots and collapsed veins.

When I had the PICC put in they had trouble finding a vein and the final placement was very awkward and uncomfortable. I also ended up with an allergy to the plasters/dressings they used, but that was just bad luck.

The actual delivery of the chemo and maintenance were simple, much quicker and easier for everyone. Removal was also remarkably easy - they just pulled it out after my last session 😳.

Hope it all goes ok.