Blood under fingernails

Hi Samsara  and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but I am so sorry to hear about the issues you are having.

I know from experience having been on my cancer journey for over 26 years with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable), Asbestosis and recently Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time….. I have not experienced this but I was always told to contact my clinical team when I had questions as they are best placed to give you advice.

But you may find it helpful to talk with and get support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot.

This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.

The Community is actually divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms)………… but you don’t say what type of cancer you have but if you tell me your type of cancer I can direct you to the best groups…….. but you can have a look through this link Cancer Specific Groups where you will find all our dedicated cancer support groups listed.

These groups are safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support from members who are navigating the exact same journey.

Have a look through the LIST above and once you find the support group for your cancer type....... click on the link and when the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.

When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.

You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

As always the Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits and financial guidance or just a listening ear.

Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.

Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

Hi Samsara 

I had this on some of my toe nails when I was treated with paclitaxel, which is a drug in the same family as docetaxel. Whilst you were undergoing chemo, you would have had a 24 hour contact number for the acute oncology assessment team. You could try giving them, or your breast care nurse a call for advice. I just made sure my nails were always short. Cleaning your scissors before use would also make sense - hot soapy water would probably be fine. I used a product called Polybalm on my nail beds during chemo and for a while afterwards - until I seemed to have normal regrowth. It seemed to help. 

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the message! I've been advised to go to the Ask a nurse section but I can't see how to start a new post,probably doing something wrong. Any advice?

S

Click here Ask a Nurse to access the section for our nurses. I must admit I also can’t see how you create a new post there at the moment. I have queried it with our permanenr staff team. 

Hi Coddfish,

Tried the link in your post but I still can't see how to create a new post unfortunately. Not to worry,I'll call them instead but thanks for all your help

S

The staff are looking into it - it’s a problem on the site, I think. I have emailed them the view I have which also doesn’t allow the creation of a new post. 

Thanks! Really appreciate your help with this.

S

The issue on ask a nurse has been resolved now, so you should be able to post a question if you wish.