Breast Cancer

FormerMember over 3 years ago

1 reply
43 subscribers
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I had a lumpectomy to remove 2 cancerous lumps in right breast November 2017 I had 4 chemotherapy sessions at hospital followed with approx a year of Herceptin leg injections every 3 weeks. I also had 4 weeks of Radiotherapy in March 2018. I also have the Zoladex Implant every 4 weeks until 2023 and I take Anastrazole daily until 2028. I noticed approximately 3/4 months ago that all my finger nails have beau lines that have appeared and again another set of beau lines have appeared again so each fingers has 2 beau lines approx 3 months apart. All my nails including toe nails have changed in appearance (all vertical lines) since having chemotherapy which I expected but these horizontal beau lines have started recently, I’m wondering if it could mean the cancer has come back. I had a check up during 2018 but subsequent check ups were cancelled by the hospital then covid appeared. I had a phone consultation during covid and the lady said they don’t need to see me anymore. I have had mammograms since which the last one was end of last year and have come back clear. I’m just worried about these beau marks and when they could potentially mean. Please Advise.

Debbie C - Macmillan over 3 years ago

Hello Sissie

Thank you for contacting us. My name is Debbie and I am one of the cancer information nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to the online community.

I am sorry to read about the changes in your nails. I can understand that this is worrying when you don’t know the cause but there can be many causes of beau lines (horizontal indented areas) on the nails.

The causes can include changes to some hormone levels, such as female hormones like oestrogen or progesterone, or changes in levels of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Women usually have low levels of the hormone testosterone and a change in this level can cause changes in the nails. So the beau lines could be due to hormone changes due to the cancer treatments that you have had and are still having.

It is very unlikely that the beau lines are due to the cancer coming back. But it would be best to get back in touch with your breast cancer treatment team and let them know about the changes in your nails. They can then assess you and check your hormone levels and also check the levels of zinc and magnesium and other chemicals in the blood.

The vertical lines that you mention can often start to happen as we get older and are usually due to natural hormone changes as we age. They can also be due to chemotherapy.

Although you were told that you don’t need to be seen by your hospital treatment team any more, you can still contact them if you have any changes that worry you. If you have a number for your hospital treatment team (your consultant’s secretary or a clinical nurse specialist) it is best to contact them. A member of the team can then assess you and prescribe appropriate treatment if needed.

If it is difficult to contact the hospital team, you can also contact your GP. They can see you and assess what could be causing the nail changes.

Dealing with cancer can be an emotional time and you might find it helpful to read our web pages about getting emotional support. You could also check our webpage to find details of support and information organisations in your area. I hope that you can get an appointment soon with your hospital team or GP because they are in the best position to be able to find out what is causing the changes.

With best wishes

Debbie C

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.

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Breast Cancer