Chemotherapy and nail health - new information on BCNA's website
Hi everyone, This is Annie from BCNA's Policy Team. I thought I would let you know that we now have some information up on our website about changes that women sometimes experience to their fingernails and toenails, when being treated with some chemotherapy drugs. The new information on nail health during chemotherapy can be found below: https://bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/nail-changes/#:~:text=During%20chemotherapy%2C%20you%20may%20experience,after%20chemotherapy%20treatment%20is%20finished Our new webpage contains information on the types of chemotherapy drugs that may cause nail issues, a list of changes that women may experience, and practical things that women can do to help to prevent or manage nail changes. We were prompted to put some information together after hearing from a woman at our Hobart forum earlier this year, as well as seeing a number posts on the online network about nail changes that some of you have experienced. I want to say a big thank you to the women who helped us by reviewing this information and providing valuable feedback! I hope you find the information helpful. If you have any feedback, please post a comment on this blog, or email me at policy@bcna.org.au. Cheers, Annie
Help for peeling and splitting finger nails
Hi all, I have been on letrozole for the past 6 years and my finger nails have steadily worsened and now are severely ridged, split and peeling. Even when extremely short. Based in Adelaide I am very keen for any suggestions on what to do and where to go for my unsightly finger nails. There are mixed messages regarding salon treatments and chemnsit products sadly. Many thanks in advance
Lifting nails after taxol
Hi Ladies, After completeing 11 rounds of taxol my fingernails are lifting. Initally I was told to cut them back by my oncologist but a podiatrist (who can't legally cut fingernails) told me to bath them in hydrogen peroxide to dry out the nail beds and keep them dry to avoid bacteria and fungus infections. After 2 weeks I am finding this very hard to do having to wear gloves when preparing food, doing dishes and many other mum tasks. I accidently get them wet daily, cant go to aqua aerobics and the pain is wearing me down. Anyone else had these issues and got any hints. Thanks Kirsty
Onycholysis - lifting of my fingernails from the nail bed
Hello everyone, After congratulating myself for making it through 3 months of AC then all 12 doses of Taxol over another 3 months, I thought I was done with chemo side effects. However, Taxol seems to be the gift that keeps giving. In the days following my last dose (which hit me harder than the others), my fingernails started to lift off the nail bed, and now a week later, they have lifted three-quarters of the way down each one. My fingers are sore and throbbing. I can feel my heart beating in my fingertips! It is painful to straighten my fingers, or when I brush against anything with the backs of my fingers. It is even sore to gently type with the pads of my fingers. My nails are cut as short as they can be, but it doesn't help. Has anyone else experience this, and what did you do for the pain and to prevent infection? How long did it take for your nails to heal? I would welcome all tips!
Paclitaxel and tender finger & toenails
Just wondering if others have had tender nail beds, on Paclitaxel. Is this a warning sign that nails will fall out, or other nail problem? Amongst the list of side effects, some were to nails. Some people say their scalps hurt, before hair fell out. Wondered if this is similar? I have 4 weekly doses to go, including tomorrow. I've been pretty lucky so far with Chemo, and side effects. Nothing too serious, all manageable, so far.Neuropathy feet and fingers
As of tomorrow this will be my last dose of paclitaxel 👏👏 although I have had neuropathy in my feet and fingers, has anyone experience swelling with theirs? My fingers ankles and toes swell up usually by the end of the day you they are worse and one of my finger nails is really sore I bump it and holy cow its like when you have squashed it in a door.Toe nail has detached from one side and bottom - should I get it removed or leave it.
i am scheduled to have bilateral mastectomy on 13th February. I finished with my taxol chemo on 16th January. I hit my toe while walking and it has detached from two sides with bleeding. I have been to see my GP who says I can either leave or remove, both have chances of infection. She does not think antibiotics are necessary as I am three weeks post chemo. As I will be having surgery next week, I am inclined to remove it to prevent any future issues. I know many ladies have had nail issues with taxol, any suggestions/thoughts would be welcome?
Nails detached after chemo
Hi everyone I was wondering if people could share their stories on the impact chemo had to their nails and how long it took to recover. After Paclitaxel the nailbeds on my thumbs and first 2 fingers on both hands swelled, pushing my nails off the nailbeds. Then after the swelling subsided these nails became detached from the nailbed. I decided in order to hide the state of my nails (because I was sick of painting them to disguise the green and black colouring) that I'd get SNS. After having it on for probably 1.5-2 months I think the nails are even more detached than they were after chemo! I think that because the SNS is so hard it's stopping my nails from growing along the nailbed. Has anyone else successfully done anything to make their nails 'pretty' whilst trying to get them back to health? I need to get the SNS taken off but the other night I smacked my thumbnail on one hand on the bench and the entire nail virtually came off. It is now 'stuck' down but is incredibly painful and will likely fall off entirely. I need to get the SNS off but you do it by soaking the nail in acetone which just isn't an option right now with all the trauma to my thumb :(
Blood nose and Silica Tabs
Hi, I’m not sure if this query is under the right heading, but my question relates to taking QSilica tabs for my hair and nails. Has anyone else had a blood nose while taking these tabs? I’m also taking Arimidex (Anastrozole), Gabapentin (for the hot flushes) and Caltrate Bone & Muscle tabs. Thanks JasiB
