Stage 2a rectal cancer start Chemo: Does the PICC line hurt?

Hi Colleen, thank you for good wishes! I get picc on same day in morning then chemo in afternoon. More nervous about picc weirdly! Lou

I had what was called a "chemo port" put in through an incision on my right lower throat with a tube/catheter to a large vein entering the heart and the port (dome shaped 1 in. round x 3/8 in. high) placed under the skin on my right chest. Is this a kind PICC - is the throat/chest a rare location? Will the numbness above the incision go away?

Mine did, but the port always felt unusual/unnatural. Mine was placed about 5 inches above the right nipple maybe 2-3 inches below the front of the collarbone. Mine had 3 little bumps which enabled the nurse to find the entry spot easily.

Once starting chemo, the issues I had were mainly irritation from the bandages that are applied to protect/secured the inserted line and the removal/adhesive residue.

Just had picc inserted yesterday and had lots of freezing so last night hard hurt feeling better today. I got chemo yesterday too and have the bottle of chemo hanging around my neck until tomorrow. Yes I agree the bandages feel awful but necessary I guess lol. The nurses who inserted picc were awesome and I told them I was anxious and please just get it over with and talk about travel lol . Thank you for sharing.

I had 12 FOLFOX infusions for stage 3 rectal cancer. My side effects were:
1) extreme sensitivity to cold. Don’t eat cold food, only drink things that are room temperature, avoid touching cold things, protect your skin in cold weather. I experienced unpleasant strong tingling sensations if I interacted with cold things (even pulling stuff out t,if,the fridge)

2) diarrhea, usually occurring 3-4 days post-infusion

3) fatigue

4) neuropathy in my feet, lower legs, and hands. Unfortunately this numbness is still with me more than a year after completing chemo. But i always say, it’s better than having cancer.

Best wishes to you as you go through treatment.

Thanks so very much!!

I had a port put in above inside elbow up into near heart on my right arm. I just had chemo first time yesterday so really didn’t look directly at everything because I’m anxious about stuff like that, eventually I’ll look more clearly once it’s more healed . Not as soar today. I hope I answered your questions lol

Hi. I had my first infusion on Friday for anal cancer. It went well and was done through a port. I’ll only need one more in a month (as far as we know) as I take two chemo pills in the AM and two PM, plus radiation M-F. On the second day after infusion, extreme fatigue, chills, no appetite, constipation, slight nausea, and then the diarrhea hit this morning. Argh! While that’s unpleasant, I hate nausea more. I now have an anti nausea med from the doctor and it’s helping a lot. I feel better. Still quite weak. Just thought I’d share so you know you’re not alone in this. Best wishes!

Thank you for sharing so sorry to hear about all the side effects. I’ve just been tired but only had one infusion and went home for two days with infusion from a bottle that is hung around my neck . Hopefully you’ll feel better. I’m glad you shared and yes I feel better knowing I’m not the only one too. Lou

Thank you and best wishes for good outcome.