Nail damage and chemo

I feel compelled to share my story . I was diagnosis with breast cancer and was told I needed EC-taxotere chemotherapy. I was determined to help my self as much as possible so started exercising most days, despite the fatigue and cut out processed sugar. Someone in this chat forum mentioned polybalm to protect nails so I bought some and used religiously - fortunately I had no damage at all. I was saddened and surprized to see that most women on the same drug (taxoere) had very painful nails - some actually falling off! I can see this was tested in a medical study - why is this not prescribed on the NHS and given to everyone?

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  • Hi Lady-on-chemo, 

    Unfortunately nail damage or loss of nails is a common side effect of this treatment but I'm really glad to hear the polybalm another member mentioned elsewhere on the forum helped to protect your nails during your chemo. 

    Unfortunately I can't answer the question you've asked at the end of your post but our team of cancer nurses may be able to help, so if you'd like to try and find out more, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Reply
  • Hi Lady-on-chemo, 

    Unfortunately nail damage or loss of nails is a common side effect of this treatment but I'm really glad to hear the polybalm another member mentioned elsewhere on the forum helped to protect your nails during your chemo. 

    Unfortunately I can't answer the question you've asked at the end of your post but our team of cancer nurses may be able to help, so if you'd like to try and find out more, you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Children