Painful nails

Unfortunately this is a known side effect. I had nail issues too during chemo and at some point I was certain some of them were coming off. They didn't, even though they seemed to be separating from the nail bed. It all started to settle down once chemo was finished. Like you, I was cautious about how I used my hands during that period of time. 

I hope you manage to get to the end of chemo without further issues.

Mine are the same after 3 docetaxel 

 They are discoloured and look like they are lifting but haven't come off. I've put rosemary oil on them every day don't know if its made and difference. Probably and sort of oil or hand cream might help

Xxx

Yes I'm like you very tender sore nails, hate and dreading the fact that they may lift off.  Can't do much with them, it's amazing how the simplest of tasks like opening painkillers is the hardest thing to do. I just protecting my nails as much as possible, trying to avoid them getting wet using gloves for little housework I can do. I've just finished the same  chemo so I'm hoping they don't lift off , dreading the thought that they do.

Much love, hope you try and cope with rest of treatments xx

Hi

Just be really careful , mine became infected , I didn’t lose any but they had all lifted , completely gross , and I worn latex type gloves whilst the infection went - I don’t think you realise how much you catch your fingers until they hurt.

How did I know I had an infection- they smelt and squeaked when I pressed them …

My big toenails fell off months after I finished treatment too , but they weren’t sore or anything , just fell off.

You have my utmost sympathy, just keep an eye on them

Jo xx

Thanks 

Thanks yes I’m the same gloves for everything the soles of my feet are starting to hurt now as well !!

My neighbour had her nails gelled and says she didn’t suffer from pain or lifting..may just try that!

Check the gelling first. I'm sure I read this is definitely not reccommended. Some people use dark varnish. My clinic recommended evonail but I think that has been discontinued. It was a nail protection product and I built up a coat of daily applications for 7 days, then removed it and oiled nails before starting again. I'm sure a chemist could suggest another protective product which would have a similar effect. I started on Day 1 and used for about 7 months with no problems.

Hello Rehead1, I had 4 x AC and 4x Docetaxel cycles and wore dark, water based nail varnish throughout. It doesn't need to be black, I wore a variety of dark reds/purples with a clear top coat over the top and my didn't lose any nails. It's worth keeping them a reasonably short length and I found that wearing gloves when washing up helped too. Hope you manage to keep your nails and you might find this Macmillan fact sheet useful as there are some nail tips at the bottom of the page (gels nails are not recommended during chemo as they may increase the risk of infection):

 www.macmillan.org.uk/.../skin-and-nail-changes-from-cancer-treatment

I’ve been advised not to use polish or anything by oncologist