Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Why Was The PICC Line Removed Without Starting Chemotherapy?
Hello,
my mum found out she has cancer of the food pipe, 3 months ago. She has had a PICC line inserted for around 6-8weeks now. Today she went to the hospital to have a course of chemotheraphy, and they sent her away and removed the PICC line.
I was just wondering if this was normal procedure? As they have sent her away another time before. Before she got diagnosed, she was a heavy drinker and smoker. And I believe she is still drinking and smoking at present.
Could you give me any answers regarding this please, and any help.
Thank you
Sarah
my mum found out she has cancer of the food pipe, 3 months ago. She has had a PICC line inserted for around 6-8weeks now. Today she went to the hospital to have a course of chemotheraphy, and they sent her away and removed the PICC line.
I was just wondering if this was normal procedure? As they have sent her away another time before. Before she got diagnosed, she was a heavy drinker and smoker. And I believe she is still drinking and smoking at present.
Could you give me any answers regarding this please, and any help.
Thank you
Sarah
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Answered on
Fri, 28 Aug 2015
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
The PICC is short form for peripherally inserted central catheter. This is a narrow luminal catheter introduced through the arms to reach the superior vena cava to help in drug delivery close to the hear to enable quick and equal distribution of the chemotherapy medicine.
The PICC lines are watched regularly and if there is an indication of the line not functioning adequately then it is removed and another PICC line might be inserted in few days or during the next cycle of chemotherapy.
Replacing the PICC line is a normal procedure and does not have anything to do with the lifestyle of the patient and if she is smoking or drinking at the moment. Please have a detailed discussion with her doctor and know the treatment pan and the chemotherapy cycle details. Please do not worry.
Thanks for writing in.
The PICC is short form for peripherally inserted central catheter. This is a narrow luminal catheter introduced through the arms to reach the superior vena cava to help in drug delivery close to the hear to enable quick and equal distribution of the chemotherapy medicine.
The PICC lines are watched regularly and if there is an indication of the line not functioning adequately then it is removed and another PICC line might be inserted in few days or during the next cycle of chemotherapy.
Replacing the PICC line is a normal procedure and does not have anything to do with the lifestyle of the patient and if she is smoking or drinking at the moment. Please have a detailed discussion with her doctor and know the treatment pan and the chemotherapy cycle details. Please do not worry.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....