Hi Phil, You definitely sound more positive than in your previous post.  It is interesting that you used the word "poison" as I think most non cancer people confine it to treatment or medicine. They are actually filling us with poison and that's the term I use. When I tell people that is why I suffer all the side effects and why it has such an affect on my body they have more of an understanding as opposed to thinking medicine could only be a good thing. I have had my ostomy bag for 4 years now and if yours is permanent you will get used to it. It is the new "norm" so try to be positive about it rather than thinking it is something hanging off you.   I wish you well. PaulineG ... View more

Hi Phil, When I gave my opinion about my arm port it was a comparison between a pic line and a port. In my previous post I mentioned that I had had a pic line but I want to make it clear that I didn't suffer any complications with the pic. I am concerned that I have scared you. If you asked me the question would I recommend (prefer) a pic line or canula I would choose the pic line.  I used to wear a bandage "sleeve" to protect the pic line,  you can't get it wet but it can stay in for a period of time. Yes, I was concerned about infection but in reality I didn't have any issues.  I have never had a canula outside of hospital but would guess it would need the same protection as the pic but my understanding is that it can't remain in for more than a few days due to the risk of infection? To sum up, depending on the length of treatment and what is recommended, my preference would be a port over a pic line and a pic line over a canula. Consider all the information given to you, ask questions of your doctors/nurses and above all don't be scared just be careful with your management of your canula/pic line and you will be ok. PaulineG ... View more

Hi Albundy21, I currently have bowel cancer which has spread to both lungs. I was diagnosed in 2015, have had many operations and treatments, have an iliostomy and am currently undergoing chemo (cycle 16) and am still battling on so hang in there.  I have had a pic line and currently have an arm port. I would recommend a port. Once it is inserted it is totally covered by your skin and only accessed by a needle. As it is covered and nothing protruding I would say there is less chance of infection. I have had mine since July last year and have not had any issues whatsoever. You can also get some ointment from your oncology unit that numbs it prior to being accessed so you can't feel the needle being inserted at all. Good luck. PaulineG ... View more