PICC Line vs POrt in Chest

[Lifes2short]

I would absolutely recommend a port. I had a PICC line for five weeks when I was first diagnosed and treated - it was miserable. I had a lot of pain, it was always in the way, it was difficult to shower, I couldn't swim or use the hot tub... the list goes on. I would never consider a PICC line for long-term treatment.

I've had the port for 18 months now - I don't even think about it. Mine does show - I'm skinny. But I'd rather have a lump in my chest than a constant bandage on my arm.

[Hollywood]

I'm taking a preventative 5 month chemotherapy treatment, and my doctor told me that since I was a young lady who wouldn't have any trouble staying clean who only weighed 110 pounds, he would advise the port. He said 5 months is relatively short term, and that the port would constantly hurt in someone as thin as me. So, I got a PICC line (which can be used the same day) and I love and hate it. I have very sensitive skin and the dressings they used on it gave me terrible rashes. One of the stitches came out twice. But there is no stick, and they can draw blood, give chemo, fluids, and anything else from it. I don't know what it's like to have a port, but if you're not excessively skinny I would not recommend a PICC line. The placement is done when you are wide awake with no drugs given to calm you down, and it's very painful if they bust the vein, (which they did on me), or hit a nerve (which they also did on me). Hope I've helped.

[Lifes2short]

Hollywood, I think your doc steered you wrong! I'm skinny too, was only about 100 pounds when the put the port in. It shows, but it certainly doesn't hurt. I remember the pain of getting the PICC placed. It was horrible. I'm sorry you have had to deal with it.

[strongme]

I was 82 lbs when I got a port -a -cath. I wasn't even suggested to have a PICC line and I was very skinny. I 've had my port for almost 3 years and it never hurt. I still don't weigh more than 100 lbs and don't have any problems with a port.

[KellyBelle]

I had a great experience with my medi-port... actually had my first chemo the day after it was installed (if that's the right word). Also never had a bit of pain, even right after it was put in. I don't think I could deal with the PICC line --too much of a visible reminder that one has cancer. My port was visible under thin clothes or if I wore a v-neck or low top, but no tubes! On chemo days, the nurses sprayed a numbing agent on the area, and putting the line in was no more painful than getting a shot.

[Littlefish]

I was supposed to have my port put in this morning, but the machine was broken so back Friday.... I was quite apprehensive, but this morning the nurse showed me one and how it sits under the skin I'm feeling much more comfortable. If you haven't seen them maybe google chemo port and find some pictures. I'm stage IV so figure it's going to be a bit of a journey and may as well go straight with the port. Also you only have to have it flushed once a month? vs going in once a week to the hospital with the pic- I'm thinking that on my recovery times I don't need to be going back to hospital. Good luck with the choice.

[hannahw]

I think one of the important questions to ask is how long do you need access? PICC lines can, under optimal circumstances, stay in for a year, but generally I don't think it's advised to leave it in for than a few weeks.

Among the drawbacks of a PICC...

- greater risk of infection (for a variety of reasons including the fact the catheter is much longer than with a port)
- more frequent maintenance needed (PICC should be flushed at least once a day and the dressing changed once a week, port can be flushed once a month and after the initial wound heals, doesn't need to be dressed)
- external

On the plus side, when you're done with the PICC it can just be pulled out, no hassle. With a port it has to be surgically removed. Then again, you can leave your port when you're done with it and always have it "just in case." There's also no pain with the PICC. It's easy access, no needle stick once the line is in. Some people really can't stand having the port accessed. The needle is big and it can hurt although there are topical meds that numb the skin and most people don't seem to have a problem.

Both the PICC and the port can be "power" accessed for high speed dye injection, that sort of thing. And both can be used multi-purpose.

If you're not sure which to choose, talk to your oncologist and/or interventional radiologist. They can go over the pros and cons with you.

[Mariaaa]

i personally prefer a picc line.

a port is TOTALLY NOTICABLE.

andd i picc line isnt that hard to manage.
i havent had any problems with it.

also, whats wrong with saline and heprin everyday?
its not that bad...

[AJS]

I had a port as well. Given the choice, I wanted the port because I have contrary veins and this made infusions and blood work sooooo easy on me as well as my nurses. When I broke my ankle back in August 08 the nurse in the emergency room even hooked up my IV through my port. Had it removed in Dec., but I have to do another round of chemo again so I'm getting another one put in this coming Monday and start my tx's the following Mon. My onc's office called and set up the appt. and never had the first problem getting me in when I needed to have it done. They don't have to put you under either. I was numbed and talked to the tech the whole time before.

The advantages for me were:

1. Below the skin.....not noticeable
2. Waterproof...bathe, swim (no worries)
3. Ease of blood work, infusions
4. In my case....in emergencies--comes in real handy
5. I "run" hot and didn't have to worry about long sleeves, etc.

This again comes down to personal choice and all we can do is tell you what works or what has worked for us. Good luch with which one you choose.

[Ivona]

Here in Canada we tend to get PICC's because they are easier , faster (and cheaper!) to install. IF you're on a short cycle of chemo, it may not be such a big deal...but if you are going to be on chemo for an extended period, I would push for the port. I had a PICC for a few months,and it didn't bother me much and because I had an excellent home nurse, I didn't run into any of the infection problems that are so common.

[Beach Queen]

I wasn't given a choice but had my port installed on a thursday and started chemo
on monday. It was tender for a few days but as far as accessing it there was
never any pain. Sometimes it was difficult to get the blood to come out but they
had me raise my arms and leaned me back in the chair and it worked.
I am glad that I have it since I have 6 mo. chemo every other week after surgery.
I am not skinny and you can see my scar and a slight bump but who cares?
I am a needle whimp and with everything I have been showing over the last 2+
months any vanity I did have went away. Sometimes when I go into an appointment
I start to pull down my pants when I don't need to.