UKC

I'm undergoing Chemo and about to have a PICC line fitted. Oncology dept advised to do almost nothing involving the upper body (risk of pulling it out) for the duration. Has anyone been through a similar experience and care to comment? I'll expect to loose all upper body conditioning, but wondered whether becoming a specialist in slabs might fit the bill? Trying to think outside the box to keep myself going through this period..

Possibly look at how diabetics do it? They tend to have an insulin line connected to a cannula from their pump. My girlfriend has the line under a shirt and the pump just below her chest to protect from accidental pulls.

Thanks Spencer, I'll look into that

I assume you've looked at what a PICC line insertion involves?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/picc-line/about/pac-20468748 

There's no way I'd consider climbing even slabs if there was a small risk of pulling a long tube out of the veins of my heart through a limb. 

I admire the tenacity and intention! For what it's worth, during both mine and my partner's cancer treatment, going up stairs was a big enough ask, and sometimes that wasn't achievable. We both shelved all plans of climbing for the duration, and have enjoyed getting back to it when the time was right. Good luck, hope it all goes smoothly.

Interesting, I had a port installed in my chest and went back to motocross riding after two weeks, the things been there two years now and stay till I snuff it I guess.

I had a PICC line installed temporarily, five years ago, to administer liquid nutrition.  It was only in place for four days while in hospital, so i can't comment on the practicalities of doing stuff (like climbing).  The two doctors who inserted it were keen to emphasize the seriousness of infection though - it has a direct route to your heart!

However, they did say that some patients live with a PICC line permanently, if their gastro-intestinal system has gone pear-shaped.  Presumably, those people are engaged in some level of activity....

I can see some slab climbing being possible, either seconding or on a top-rope.

Best wishes

Dave

Good luck with your treatment. I can't offer any insights on the specifics, and of course you'll want to take the advice of the medical professionals, but there's growing evidence that maintaining physical activity can lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients.

https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/supervised-exercise-sessions-increase-phy...

https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/22/19/4766/249217/Physical-A...

You might also find it helpful to read some of the "Your Stories" on the Climbers Against Cancer website, where people have shared their experiences to let others know they’re not alone in the climb against cancer.

https://www.climbersagainstcancer.org/your-stories/

Very best wishes for a good outcome.