Hi Girls I have recently heard of girls using dark (black?) nail polish for chemo. Could someone tell me what that does or prevent? Also, if anyone has experience with the cooling cap, can you please tell me how long does one wear it before the actual chemo starts? I would like to know because I am hoping to get my timing right with the numbing cream Thank you in advance, you ladies are always so helpful Hugs to all xox

Hi One of the side effects of docetaxel is dark nails and nail falling off especially when expose to ultraviolet light (ie normal sun rays). Painting with dark polish will reduce this effect. Also, during the treatment, I was given iced glove. I am 2 months post chemo and did not suffer from nails problem. This side effect does not apply to all chemo drugs. I was also given FEC but did not have to paint my nails for that. Did not use cool caps. Hope this helps. All the best for your treatment.

I just started chemotherapy last week and went with the cold cap option. So much to tell you about it so I hope it makes sense. You need to wear the cap for at least 30 minutes before commencing chemotherapy and then continue wearing it throughout the treatment AND at least 1.5 hours after treatment is complete. I've attached a photo of what it looks like. I'm hooked up to a machine but I'm aware of other cold caps which aren't hooked up to a machine. Instead, the other version of the cold caps requires you to replace your cold cap every 20-30 mins before they warm up. I've heard that some nurses won't do this for you because it's too much of a burden so if you have access to cold caps hooked up to a machine like mine is then take it. I heard that they are sometimes painful but it wasn't for me and I'm the type that hates the cold conditions. I would suggest that you try it without the numbing cream at first. I couldn't feel it on my head after the first 20 minutes and I had to wear the cap for between 4-4.5 hours in total. Are you aware of all the conditions associated with the cap? That is, you can't wash your hair in hot water, no blow drying, no hot irons, no colouring, no washing more than twice a week. I use Nioxin shampoo, treatment and conditioner because it was recommended to use when having the cold caps. I would definitely recommend trying it. Good luck and take care, Teresa xxx PS I haven't heard anything about painting your nails black but I might give it a go myself and see what happens.

I start TC chemo on the next week and my oncologist recommended the black nail polish as well. She explained that it may reduce the risk of severe nail damage although there will probably still be some damage such as the ridges, colour change, etc. I had the option to try the cooling cap but have decided to not use it due to the fact I suffer from migraines and don't like tight things on my head. I know a colleague who is using the cap and has had some success with her hair thining but not total loss and she said if you can tolerate the first 15-20mins then you will be able to get through the time. Good luck with your treatment. Michelle

Nail polish | BCNA Online Network

13 Replies

saphire
Member
11 years ago
Hi

Good luck with your chemo I am starting soon so all the information is so helpful now I have learned about black nail polish and how it helps
sallyw
Member
11 years ago
You are welcome. This site is so good for advice. I would be lost without it.

I am recovering from chemo slowly. I expected to bounce back quickly but that didn't happen. Good luck with your chemo. Some of it is not as bad as it sounds. It is more the after effects and everyone is different. I hope it goes well for you.

Sally
Silks
Member
11 years ago
Hi Sally, Thanks for your advice. I shall keep up the nail polish and/ or gel throughout my treatment. I am starting on 4xAC on Wednesday, followed by 4x Taxol and Herceptin. Not looking forward to the next few months, but the girls on this site givens courage :) I hope you are recovering well post chemo xoxo
Robyn_W
Member
11 years ago
The nail photos are just how mine were.Cheers Robyn
Silks
Member
11 years ago
You have given me much information. I think I am reasonably prepared for my first AC now. I have not received any information from my oncology team about preparing for chemo. The bcna is invaluable. Thanks to all of the replies and a particular xoxo for the pics.
mgndam1603
Member
11 years ago
I likened the ridges on my nails like rings in a tree, there was one ridge for every chemo.

Donna
mgndam1603
Member
11 years ago
I likened the ridges on my nails like rings in a tree, there was one ridge for every chemo.

Donna
yetbeung
Member
11 years ago
I was told about the black nail polish, but then heard somewhere else that nail hardener also works, or any opaque nail polish. I experimented a bit with mine. My favourite was an opaque pastel blue - put a few coats on and no light gets through.

My nails grew really quickly whilst on chemo, they were actually in better shape than before - lovely and long. I kept them painted at all times, changing the colour every 5 days or so, and having a day in between with just clear nail hardener on them to give them a bit of a rest.

I had a bit of darkening and some ridges, but not too bad. No nail lifting, peeling, breaking or nails coming off. I actually had to trim mine every few days they were growing that fast! I put a couple of photos in to show the nail polish, and also my nails at the "worst" point.
Michelle70
Member
11 years ago
I start TC chemo on the next week and my oncologist recommended the black nail polish as well. She explained that it may reduce the risk of severe nail damage although there will probably still be some damage such as the ridges, colour change, etc. I had the option to try the cooling cap but have decided to not use it due to the fact I suffer from migraines and don't like tight things on my head. I know a colleague who is using the cap and has had some success with her hair thining but not total loss and she said if you can tolerate the first 15-20mins then you will be able to get through the time.

Good luck with your treatment.

Michelle
Michelle70
Member
11 years ago
I start TC chemo on the next week and my oncologist recommended the black nail polish as well. She explained that it may reduce the risk of severe nail damage although there will probably still be some damage such as the ridges, colour change, etc. I had the option to try the cooling cap but have decided to not use it due to the fact I suffer from migraines and don't like tight things on my head. I know a colleague who is using the cap and has had some success with her hair thining but not total loss and she said if you can tolerate the first 15-20mins then you will be able to get through the time.

Good luck with your treatment.

Michelle