Finger nails and chemo

Hi I am on weekly Paclitaxel and have lost all my hair eyebrows and eyelashes had a skin burn and just had enough.Now my fingernails turned purple.I am so upset I don't want to loose them.Can somebody please advice me what to do or if there is any hand cream with vitamins or vitamins I can have to protect my nails?I really don't care if the vitamin supplements are not good with chemo.I am so depressed I want to keep my nails to look like human beeing.

I cant ask my nurse or oncologists because they are a most uncaring people I have ever met they didn't help me with my skin issues.I am so jealous of people they have doctors they look after them I just must be in a worst hospital in London I wish I could be transferred somewhere else.

I am sorry for the cry but any advice would help me.

Thank you

  • I didn't lose fingernails, but ALL hair including eyelashes.  My hair is back, thicker than ever.  I'm not a detail person, I had chemo called "red death" four months, five years ago, cancer free.  Take aloe, drink it.  My fingernails are very thin, but I'm 73 now, they did not fall off.  My vaginal itching continues, I am using a prescribed ointment for that.  Thinking of you

  • Hi Denise 

    I am sorry you are feeling so down. I am half way through my chemotherapy and have also lost my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. I know it's hard but try to stay positive. I think of the treatment side effects as a sign that I am fighting back against the cancer. 

    There are quite a few charities around that help people with hair loss to look and feel normal. They are usualy run by people who have experienced hair loss themselves so they understand what you are going through and can give more practical advice than the doctors. Cancer Hair Care UK (www.cancerhaircare.co.uk) based in London and Hertfordshire are good and if you look online you will probably find others near to where you live. 

    Also, if you don't feel you are getting support where you are currently being treated you can ask to be referred to another hospital. If you can't speak to your oncologist then you can ask your GP to refer you. 

    Take care and keep smiling 

    Georgina