Chapter 5 - PICC line

After the first round of chemotherapy ended, the doctor advised us to get  a PICC line, it will be good for papa. I wondered how? Anways we had to get it done. But what was supposed to do good to papa, brought so many problems. Anyways, when the doctor said abut picc line, I wanted to know more about it. Since it was anew domain, i decided to do a research.

What is PICC line?

If i were to put it into  simple words - PICC (or peripherally inserted central catheter ) line is basically a very sleek tube made of biocompatible (silicon) material, is inserted in to the vein and is advanced till it reaches the chest. This helps the doctors in avoiding daily pricking and finding the vein(s) for tests, infusing chemotherapy medicines. And I was told it will help papa.

Hep Lock

A part of the tube is left outside. This opening on the outside is closed with a lid (or cover).  It is through this opening that the blood is taken for test(s) or chemotherapy medicines are induced. But in CANCER nothing comes without side effects. So did the picc line insertion. The whole process turned out to be very difficult and painful. Both before and after the chemotherapy session,  HEP lock ( flushing medicine) was used to flush (clean out) the intravenous (IV) catheter, in order to prevent any kind of blockage ( blood clots)  in the tube after the IV infusion(s). While  FLUSH (ing), it is important to care that no air bubble(s) is present in the vaccine (which may  further complicate the matters). 

Side effects

After every 7 days, it was mandatory to do the picc line "dressing" ( cleaning, flushing, and finally bandaging) in order to prevent any type of infection(s). Precautions were needed to be  taken so that no water enters in the picc line “area”.  As a result papa couldn’t  move his hand freely, wear his favorite full sleeved shirts or sweaters, or bath as frequently as he wanted.

Opening of the picc line tube

Since the “picc” line was inserted in papa’s right hand, which made things more difficult for him. The pain actually never subsided. But under the influence of some drugs, he would sleep for few hours, picc line only made it worse. He had to be alert  even while in his sleep- the picc line doesn’t get pulled out or pressed. He never slept literally. Usually the picc line is inserted in the left arm, heart being on the left side . That ways the tube inserted in smaller in length, therefore less chances of breaking. And since left hand is not used much so it becomes easier( unless you are a lefty).

Insertion of the tube

PICC line in india is usually inserted by a trained staff ( in papa's case-  by a  junior doctor). Although,  the picc line can be removed by anyone ( even by a family member) as long as the necessary precautions are taken care off. For papa, it was removed by the palliative staff who would visit papa at home after he became bedridden.

The picc line can stay upto 1 year with proper care before it is discarded . In papa’s case it was for 7 months. I got it removed only after the doctor’s declared “ nothing can be done”. After the picc line was removed, i noticed a black circular ring around the hole created by the insertion of the picc line. I told the doctors, they prescribed an ointment. The ointment did lessen the itching and but pain remained as it is.

By Side effects

Other side effects of picc line papa suffered were rashes, itching and swelling (in the throat), dizziness, and difficulty in breathing.

Having lived cancer (with papa), now for almost 2 years, i can say that cancer is not just one disease but a combination of many disease(s). And this is what killed papa. Though papa’s ordeal ended but mine’s is still continuing. I cannot forget the moments when papa would endure all the pain without a single complaint just to be with us.

Love you papa!