As previously mentioned, a PICC line is a long, thin, flexible tube known as a catheter. It is inserted into one of the large veins of the arm near the bend of the elbow. It is then slid into the vein until the tip sits in a large vein just above the heart. At the end of the tube outside the body there is a special cap, to which a drip line or syringe can be attached. Sometimes there is a clamp to keep the tube closed when it is not in use.
The tube is threaded through the vein, up around the shoulder until the end is near to the heart.
The end of the tube usually comes out just below the bend of the elbow , but in E.'s case, higher up on the bicep.
The PICC line can be used to give treatments such as chemotherapy, antibiotics and intravenous fluids and feeding. It can also be used to take samples of blood for testing. You can go home with the PICC in and it can be left in for weeks or months. This makes it possible for you to have your treatment without having to have needles frequently inserted into your veins. (PICC info from www.macmillan.org)
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Tattoos? Check.
PICC? Check.
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Time to kick some ass.
S.
Here's to E. and all of you kicking cancer's ass! Many thoughts and prayers flooding your way!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kelly Smith Johnson
Earl and Family... We all behind you all the way.. EARL GO KICK SOME BUTT !!!. I'm thinking of you today and sending you lots of prayers. Sandy thanks so much for keeping us all updated, your the best. Earl we are all your little angels sitting on your shoulders and watching over you. I'm really hoping that it's not too rough on you today, I know how it can be and I know that your a very strong person, YOU CAN DO THIS. If you ever need to talk to someone who has been there(with Justin), please fell free to call or just call anytime for anything at all.
ReplyDeleteHugs and God Bless,
Sherry
The picc line is so very helpful for all those chemicals that get pumped into your body. Causes much less pain.
ReplyDeletePrayers coming your way!
Tanja