yup, generally it IS better long-term.  PICC = Periphally Inserted Central
Cathter.   Assuming it stays a good line, you'll be glad you had it put in
over the ong run.

((((((((((((((((((((((((deetee)))))))))))))))))))  i'm thinking that,
understandably, the medical methods being employed to treat your situation
must be starting to feel like they are a bit more than what you were
prepared to allow.  it is hard to genuinely welcome things like picc lines
into your body, even though it will make things go a little easier and
faster for you.  (butch had a picc line and later, a port in his arm, under
the skin, and wound up grateful for it giving him so much less time having
to endure multiple i.v. insertion proceedures.)  hang in there, sweetie.  we
are all hanging in there with you.

kate

Yesterday I had a PICC line inserted into my left arm. It is a catheter that
enters at the arm and goes up through the shoulder and over and down to just
above the heart. This will allow them to remove blood and give me my chemo
without sticking me every time. Every Friday I will have to go up to the
hospital and have the dressing changed. I would almost rather have the
weekly sticks for tests than this, but for the long term I guess this is
better.

Warning: this (http://www.geocities.com/deetee48/arm.jpg) is a picture of
the PICC. If you're squeamish, do not click to see it.

DeeTee