• From: New Orleans
  • Registered: Sat, 15 Sep 2012
  • Posts: 14

Topic: PICC line for Nutrition; does it work?

Hello,

We are at a low point today. My sweet Dad was going to have a feeding tube placed in his lower intestine since his stomach isn't working anymore, but the surgeons this morning said that the risks outweigh the benefits. Our last resort is a PICC line for TPN - nutrition. Had anyone been in this situation? We were really hoping to have the feeding tube so he could get stonger and perhaps continue chemo.

The news really hit him. He keeps crying while in his hospital bed. Its all so sad. The pallative care group is coming by today.


Barbara

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,213

Re: PICC line for Nutrition; does it work?

Barbara, I am so terribly sorry but Palliative Care is probably the best avenue to take. How old is Dad? I think he will feel a tad better mentally after they talk to him.  This is a terribly sad time but it is still time enough to make some more loving and happy memories. Our Alla's Husband had TPN so I hope she checks in here with us. Best of luck and please let us know how Dad is doing.  Be Strong!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Gavin
  • Gavin
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Scotland - Dundee
  • Registered: Tue, 23 Sep 2008
  • Posts: 4,831

Re: PICC line for Nutrition; does it work?

Dear Barbara,

I am sorry to hear this news about your dad and I can so understand why you say that you are at a low point today. I have no personal experiences to share with you about a PICC line as my dad never had one, but I know that many of our members here loved ones have had one and I know that they will be along soon to share their experiences and thoughts about this with you.

I know that there are lots of posts on the site about this issue and the search forum function will throw them up for you. In the meantime, I did a quick search for you and came up with these, I hope some of this is useful to you.

http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb … d=84267014

http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb … 1362935740

Please keep coming back here and let us know how things go for your dad. We are here for you.

Hugs,

Gavin

  • From: New Orleans
  • Registered: Sat, 15 Sep 2012
  • Posts: 14

Re: PICC line for Nutrition; does it work?

Lainy - He is 75.  Prior to all of this he was super healthy and strong. He has been so brave through all of this.

Thank you Gavin.

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,213

Re: PICC line for Nutrition; does it work?

Close in age to my Teddy. He was DX at 73 and made it to 78. Teddy also was never sick a day in his life. Curious, was your Dad in the Service? Did P. Care come and if so how did it go? I know how difficult this is but once they take over, it will release you mentally as well as physically and to just spend good time together.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 15 Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1,735

Re: PICC line for Nutrition; does it work?

Hi,
TPN is not uncommon for patients of cholangiocinoma.
PICC line is one of the method to administer TPN.
Most TPN administration are done in hospital until situation improved.
It can also be compounded by outside pharmacy for use at home.
PICC line infection is one of the concern when patients are on TPN .
God bless.

Please know that my personal opinion is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If  provided, information are for educational purposes.Consult doctor is a MUST for changing of treatment plans.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,165

Re: PICC line for Nutrition; does it work?

Barbara....I am so sorry to hear the latest.  Not many of our members have used TPN in fact, I can only think of three, Allah, Kris (Sweden) and my husband. 
It is a slippery road, dear Barbara and one that needs to be thought through very carefully and discussed with the physician.  Know that most doctors will hesitate to order TPN, as it doesn’t cure, but rather can prolong suffering. 
My heart is with you in this difficult time.
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER