I just finished my 4 cycles of AC and had my first of cycle of Paclitaxel in Sept 3. During AC, I noticed my nails started to turn black (slowly from the root) , but only yesterday that I felt pain. All my finger nails are sore , like they are going to come off. I have the common side effects; fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, even brain fog, and I am managing them the best I can. However, I am not sure what to do about the nails. I am worried not to be able to use my hands if they get too painful or when my nails come off. For those who experienced or going through the same, any suggestions about the nails? Will they eventually all turn black and come off? If so, are there ways to prevent it? Please, any tips will be helpful. Thank you

Thank you @kezmusc. I will give it a go x

@BC_47 great advice from others posting. I found keeping the nails short relieves some of the pressure and I used a nail and cuticle oil from the Chemist Warehouse painting my nails before each chemo session. Still doing it 3 weeks post chemo now.

Hi @BC_47, I had issues with my nails on paclitaxel, although mine did not turn black, they turned brown and several of them lifted from the nail bed for about half the nail, I did not loose any, but had to be very careful with them. Also got a pain/pressure feeling under the nail, and changed sensation in my fingertips. Paclitaxel can cause peripheral neuropathy, and nail changes, and your oncologist will want to monitor that, and decide if your dose might need adjustment. You should let your oncologist know about the pain at your next visit.I just tried to be kind to my nails, wear gloves for any cleaning and dish washing. I rubbed sweet almond oil into the cuticle, and used nail strengthener.I am over 3 months post chemo now and my nails are almost back to normal, and the peripheral neuropathy has almost disappeared.

Hi @BC_47 I had the exact same experiences with my nails like yours. They didn’t lift or fall off. I did use polybalm. My fingers were extremely sensitive to heat, so I couldn’t cook as my fingers couldn’t tolerate being near any heat. The black roots grew out once I stopped chemo. See my nails now , the last photo at the bottom (so I suspect yours would become normal once chemo finished). Just remember to let your oncologist know. Apparently, this is not uncommon with AC chemo. All the best with the rest of your chemo treatments.🌸Gin

Thank you @Katie46 and @GinGin (for sending photos too) my nails look the same with the dark colour. There is a sensation under my nails that I can’t explain, painful at times. I will let my oncologist know on Monday for my next treatment.I will try not to put pressure on my fingertips and best to protect when doing chores. I will try polybalm too.I am relieved that they do not fall out even they turn black, and that they grow back normal after chemo. :)Greatly appreciated, thank you again.

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12 Replies

GinGin
Member
8 months ago
Hi @BC_47
I had the exact same experiences with my nails like yours. They didn’t lift or fall off. I did use polybalm. My fingers were extremely sensitive to heat, so I couldn’t cook as my fingers couldn’t tolerate being near any heat. The black roots grew out once I stopped chemo. See my nails now , the last photo at the bottom (so I suspect yours would become normal once chemo finished). Just remember to let your oncologist know. Apparently, this is not uncommon with AC chemo. All the best with the rest of your chemo treatments.
🌸Gin
Katie46
Member
8 months ago
Hi @BC_47, I had issues with my nails on paclitaxel, although mine did not turn black, they turned brown and several of them lifted from the nail bed for about half the nail, I did not loose any, but had to be very careful with them. Also got a pain/pressure feeling under the nail, and changed sensation in my fingertips. Paclitaxel can cause peripheral neuropathy, and nail changes, and your oncologist will want to monitor that, and decide if your dose might need adjustment. You should let your oncologist know about the pain at your next visit.

I just tried to be kind to my nails, wear gloves for any cleaning and dish washing. I rubbed sweet almond oil into the cuticle, and used nail strengthener.

I am over 3 months post chemo now and my nails are almost back to normal, and the peripheral neuropathy has almost disappeared.

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