Has anyone out there had to make a decision about whether to get a PICC line or port for IV chemo?
What was the outcome?
Do you think one is better (less risk) than the other?
Forums
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
About three cycles into treatment, my arms were getting so bruised and chewed up (it typically took up to 3 attempts to get an IV started) that I opted for the port. I talked to several others with piccs and ports and the port made a lot more sense for me. I wanted to remain active (i.e., getting sweaty and dirty) and the picc, because it remains exposed and bandaged seemed to carry more risk of infection. Also, since I'll be in treatment for 24 cycles, I wanted a longer term solution and the picc is not typically intended to remain that long.
The surgery went relatively well, and the recovery was about two weeks to where I didn't feel much discomfort anymore. I've been happy with it, and it sure beats the IVs in the arms - which is consistent with what everyone told me when I was deciding
Since it is directly under the skin, I have to be careful not to bump it too hard (more due to the pain then the risk of damage - it's like pinching your skin between two rocks). I was recently even given the go ahead to play hockey again, the only caveat being that I have decent protection over the port. For all practical purposes though, it doesn't impact my activities, whereas I think the picc would.
I still don't like the idea of having this device under my skin connected to a catheter that runs into my jugular, and don't expect I'll ever get fully use to it. It also looks somewhat grotesque, but at 53 years old I'm not really trying to impress the ladies at the beach anymore. If you’re familiar with Star Trek Deep Space Nine, it kind of reminds me of the tube the Jem'Hadar had that fed them ketracel white (if you're not a trekkie, search google images for Jem'Hadar).
The surgery went relatively well, and the recovery was about two weeks to where I didn't feel much discomfort anymore. I've been happy with it, and it sure beats the IVs in the arms - which is consistent with what everyone told me when I was deciding
Since it is directly under the skin, I have to be careful not to bump it too hard (more due to the pain then the risk of damage - it's like pinching your skin between two rocks). I was recently even given the go ahead to play hockey again, the only caveat being that I have decent protection over the port. For all practical purposes though, it doesn't impact my activities, whereas I think the picc would.
I still don't like the idea of having this device under my skin connected to a catheter that runs into my jugular, and don't expect I'll ever get fully use to it. It also looks somewhat grotesque, but at 53 years old I'm not really trying to impress the ladies at the beach anymore. If you’re familiar with Star Trek Deep Space Nine, it kind of reminds me of the tube the Jem'Hadar had that fed them ketracel white (if you're not a trekkie, search google images for Jem'Hadar).
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Kevin J - Name: Kevin J
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
Hi Suzierose,
I didn't have a port, but others who have pretty steady chemo treatments over time have said that they like them. I had a central line for a few months at the time of the stem cell transplant, but have had many many needles for IV infusions both before and after the time of the line. I am lucky I have any 'decent' veins left! Veins do seem to bounce back after awhile, if left alone, but mine are not as prominent as they once were. For a person who was once really squeamish over just getting a 'flu' shot, I have changed a lot, and hardly feel the needles anymore!
I didn't have a port, but others who have pretty steady chemo treatments over time have said that they like them. I had a central line for a few months at the time of the stem cell transplant, but have had many many needles for IV infusions both before and after the time of the line. I am lucky I have any 'decent' veins left! Veins do seem to bounce back after awhile, if left alone, but mine are not as prominent as they once were. For a person who was once really squeamish over just getting a 'flu' shot, I have changed a lot, and hardly feel the needles anymore!
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Nancy Shamanna - Name: Nancy Shamanna
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self and others too
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
Kevin,
That is kinda funny, being a Trekkie, my thoughts of the chemo room and when I had a main line was Borg Borg Borg! Kinda weird but in my bedroom right where I can see it is the poster, All I need to know about life I learned from Star Trek.
Also, since my veins are getting pretty messed up at IV attempts, I am seriously thinking about asking for a port.
That is kinda funny, being a Trekkie, my thoughts of the chemo room and when I had a main line was Borg Borg Borg! Kinda weird but in my bedroom right where I can see it is the poster, All I need to know about life I learned from Star Trek.
Also, since my veins are getting pretty messed up at IV attempts, I am seriously thinking about asking for a port.
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Christina - Name: Christina
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June2005
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
I love my port. 2 1/2 years now. The only time it bothers me is a day or two after accessing it, the seat belt in the car makes it a little sensitive.
I was thinking of having it tattooed. Maybe the target symbol so the nurses know where to stick the needle? Or a baseball? Just kidding ... probably a bad idea to inject ink into that skin - ha.
But like Kevin pointed out, you don't have to care for it all.
I was thinking of having it tattooed. Maybe the target symbol so the nurses know where to stick the needle? Or a baseball? Just kidding ... probably a bad idea to inject ink into that skin - ha.
But like Kevin pointed out, you don't have to care for it all.
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Stann - Name: Stann
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 9/11/09
- Age at diagnosis: 46
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
Stann,
A friend of mine who was succesfully treated for a tumor and recently had his port removed suggested we both go in for tatoos over our port scars once I get mine out. He also had a "no mo' chemo party" which was a pretty cool way to celebrate his succesful treatment.
A friend of mine who was succesfully treated for a tumor and recently had his port removed suggested we both go in for tatoos over our port scars once I get mine out. He also had a "no mo' chemo party" which was a pretty cool way to celebrate his succesful treatment.
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Kevin J - Name: Kevin J
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Jan 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 52
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
I only did the PICC for my stem cell transplant. I did not have a port nor PICC for my first 3 rounds of Velcade and dexamethasone.
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greg matthews - Name: Greg Matthews
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 12-28-2010
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
I received a port after about 4 chemo cycles. I only was going to need 2 more cycles before my stem cell transplant. But, it was becoming harder and harder for the staff to access a vein for the IV treatment. The surgery was very simple with almost no discomfort. I've had it for almost a year now and I'm glad its still there. I did 3 cycles after transplant and now a once a month Zometa treatment. It really simplified the IV process, no more warmers or being coached to drink fluids or cut out coffee. Just go in, one pinch, and your good to go.
Stann, I know what you mean about the seat belt strap, its about the only time I notice it. Except for playing catch with my nine year old and missing her throw, bang, right on the port. Stung for a bit but no harm done.
Stann, I know what you mean about the seat belt strap, its about the only time I notice it. Except for playing catch with my nine year old and missing her throw, bang, right on the port. Stung for a bit but no harm done.
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Denis H
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
I’ve had a port for 16 months. I really appreciate it. No more poking in my arms. I’ve had some problems though. After three months my right arm went slightly blue, warm and weak. My husband suspected a venous thrombosis but it was not found at the first attempt with ultrasound so I was sent home with no medication. Two days later they managed to locate the thrombosis near the port with phlebography and I was put on warfarin (Coumadin) for a couple of months. One of my doctors wanted me to remove the port but I wanted to keep it since my veins are very thin. Now I’m on daily heparin.
I’ve had no problems with thrombosis before or after this event. Not even when I was on thalidomide for a month in the beginning of my treatment.
I still have slight problems sleeping on my right side and also have to watch out for the seatbelt and some bras!
I’ve had no problems with thrombosis before or after this event. Not even when I was on thalidomide for a month in the beginning of my treatment.
I still have slight problems sleeping on my right side and also have to watch out for the seatbelt and some bras!
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asaryden - Name: asaryden
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 48
Re: PICC vs. port - looking for feedback
Hey All!!
Thanks so much for the feedback!!!
As several have noted, it's the veins. I wish I could say the same as you NancyS, but I did the reverse. Not very squeamish or much discomfort at first...but now...it's lots of tears and a cringe inducing event. It's like IV insertion has a PTSD effect. I wince as they approach to begin IV insertion before being touched.
My veins simply cannot endure this and the pain has become unbearable. They no longer stick me, it's now stab and thrust to penetrate hard and inflexible veins to get in the line, and that hurts A LOT. Not to mention at least 8 cases of significant phlebitis. My arms are swollen and tender to the touch.
I am really frightened about getting the port, due to complications like assaryden mentioned, but even moreso frightful of the greater incidence of infections with PICC lines.
Both choices are such risks to me...but what is a cancer patient to do but ACCEPT risks?! I tell you that is what makes me realize I have this incurable disease..the risks I now even CONSIDER enduring.
I also, was worried about the cosmetic issues...after all it is an invasive procedure that leaves a scar and I was wondering if I would be able to wear shoulderless sweatheart necklines ever again. Or even sleeveless scoopneck T's in the summer. Hadn't thought that bras, nor seat belts. would be an issue though.
Assaryden, I wonder if demi-cuts alleviate the bra issue?.
Denis, that baseball incidence is truly unnerving...sounds like you were lucky as all get out not to have far more severe consequences.
Stann and Denis what have you guys done to resolve the seat belt irritation? Do you use one of those shearling seat belt covers? Stann, what causes the discomfort when accessing the port? I am hoping the big plus of having it is that all the pain/discomfort of accessing the vein would go away, no? Was the discomfort always there from the beginning or has it come along over time? What is maintenance like? The PICC sounds like lots of maintenance with lots of opportunities for nasty infections.
Knowing that getting the port is major surgery is also a minor concern. Does anyone have more details about their surgery? How long did it last, were you given the option of local anesthesia vs complete sedation? How long is the incision? How long after surgery before you could use the port for infusion?
Kevin, did you need pain meds for the 2weeks of post-op discomfort? Sorry but I'm not a trekkie & the less than appealing visual image of Jem'Hadar reminded me why, that creature was offensive to the eye..and while I found a visual I couldn't find an image of Jem'Hadar feeding...to truly get your point of what will happen with the port.
I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.
Hearing all the feedback gives me more confidence to proceed and get through this. Knowing that others have successfully done so and found it worthwhile means a lot. And, more importantly, it decreases some of my anxiety. I tend not to be a happy warrior when it comes to new procedures, particularly those which penetrate the skin or are indwelling. I harbor all types of nightmares about microbes attaching themselves, as well as complications like piercing the heart muscle.
I know some of these worries probably sound insignificant in the overall scheme of having multiple myeloma, but scars serve as reminders and it's just a quality of life issue for me. Having the cancer is one thing. The constant reminders and daily living modifications are big mental deal for me. Thinking about clothes shopping and not being able to wear certain looks changes ones perspective on life. Yes, I know it is minor when your life is at stake but still, it is just another small piece of you that cancer claims from you.
multiple myeloma encroaches on your life taking away options and the joy that came with them...in so many ways...just steals your joy
...sigh...
on to the port!
Thanks so much for the feedback!!!
As several have noted, it's the veins. I wish I could say the same as you NancyS, but I did the reverse. Not very squeamish or much discomfort at first...but now...it's lots of tears and a cringe inducing event. It's like IV insertion has a PTSD effect. I wince as they approach to begin IV insertion before being touched.
My veins simply cannot endure this and the pain has become unbearable. They no longer stick me, it's now stab and thrust to penetrate hard and inflexible veins to get in the line, and that hurts A LOT. Not to mention at least 8 cases of significant phlebitis. My arms are swollen and tender to the touch.
I am really frightened about getting the port, due to complications like assaryden mentioned, but even moreso frightful of the greater incidence of infections with PICC lines.
Both choices are such risks to me...but what is a cancer patient to do but ACCEPT risks?! I tell you that is what makes me realize I have this incurable disease..the risks I now even CONSIDER enduring.
I also, was worried about the cosmetic issues...after all it is an invasive procedure that leaves a scar and I was wondering if I would be able to wear shoulderless sweatheart necklines ever again. Or even sleeveless scoopneck T's in the summer. Hadn't thought that bras, nor seat belts. would be an issue though.
Assaryden, I wonder if demi-cuts alleviate the bra issue?.
Denis, that baseball incidence is truly unnerving...sounds like you were lucky as all get out not to have far more severe consequences.
Stann and Denis what have you guys done to resolve the seat belt irritation? Do you use one of those shearling seat belt covers? Stann, what causes the discomfort when accessing the port? I am hoping the big plus of having it is that all the pain/discomfort of accessing the vein would go away, no? Was the discomfort always there from the beginning or has it come along over time? What is maintenance like? The PICC sounds like lots of maintenance with lots of opportunities for nasty infections.
Knowing that getting the port is major surgery is also a minor concern. Does anyone have more details about their surgery? How long did it last, were you given the option of local anesthesia vs complete sedation? How long is the incision? How long after surgery before you could use the port for infusion?
Kevin, did you need pain meds for the 2weeks of post-op discomfort? Sorry but I'm not a trekkie & the less than appealing visual image of Jem'Hadar reminded me why, that creature was offensive to the eye..and while I found a visual I couldn't find an image of Jem'Hadar feeding...to truly get your point of what will happen with the port.
I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.
Hearing all the feedback gives me more confidence to proceed and get through this. Knowing that others have successfully done so and found it worthwhile means a lot. And, more importantly, it decreases some of my anxiety. I tend not to be a happy warrior when it comes to new procedures, particularly those which penetrate the skin or are indwelling. I harbor all types of nightmares about microbes attaching themselves, as well as complications like piercing the heart muscle.
I know some of these worries probably sound insignificant in the overall scheme of having multiple myeloma, but scars serve as reminders and it's just a quality of life issue for me. Having the cancer is one thing. The constant reminders and daily living modifications are big mental deal for me. Thinking about clothes shopping and not being able to wear certain looks changes ones perspective on life. Yes, I know it is minor when your life is at stake but still, it is just another small piece of you that cancer claims from you.
multiple myeloma encroaches on your life taking away options and the joy that came with them...in so many ways...just steals your joy
...sigh...
on to the port!
-
suzierose - Name: suzierose
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2 sept 2011
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