Finger Nails Stronger after Carbo/Taxel chemo?

• By CountryGirl46
• Posted September 16, 2009 at 6:58 pm
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My nails got alot stronger after chemo as well. While I was on chemo they quit growing, which I expected, but they also got hard as a rock. They are close to being back to normal now, I have been off chemo since Jan. 09. I didn't see it as unusual, I just figured chemo changes alot of our normal chemistry. One real nice benefit I got from chemo was that mosquitoes and fleas don't like me anymore. LOL

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• By Patricia123
• Posted September 16, 2009 at 7:34 pm
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My nails are liike a horse's hoof now,,hard to clip them.

But is anyone else growing fine hair on her face? It is light but heavy and hubby makes gorilla noises at me. I never had it.

The Nurse practioner told me I could wax it but is there anything better,,In the sun, I look really weird and full of hair.

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• By tex2step
• Posted September 16, 2009 at 8:13 pm
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I also grew fuzz on my face after the completion of chemo. I used my husband electric razor a few times and then it quit on it's own. I believe that it is the change in hormones from chemo to returning to our own hormone level.
My nails were nice for a few months after chemo and now both my finger nails and toenails are splitting and are very thin. I am just in a wait and see mode as it has been seven months of remission at this point and the changes continue.

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• By lovemnms
• Posted September 16, 2009 at 9:10 pm
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My fingernails ached, turned orange/purple(blood blisters), loosened from the nailbeds and bled. Let's not forget I had terrible neuropathy.

Now almost 10 months past the last chemo., my nails are very strong and difficult to cut.

I had 8 treatments of carbo/taxotere. The fingernail "issues" started after treatment #5.

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• By TealOak
• Posted September 17, 2009 at 11:47 am
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I had 9 cycles Carbo/Taxol and then directly onto Doxil/Avastin/Torisel. I was commenting to my NP the other day about the irony that my finger nails have never been so long and strong in my life, but have lost 4 toe nails! Weird but at least toe nails are easy to hide.

Re: facial hair. YES. I got long fuzz as my hair starting coming back in. I was finally bothered enough that I took my electric clippers and shortened the area around my jaw and it looks more normal now.

Off to my breakfast of Barium and CT...

Teri

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• By Shamrock2009
• Posted September 17, 2009 at 8:09 pm
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Kennbec,
My nails were always brittle prior to the chemotherapy and now are remarkably strong.
I am enrolled on the same clinical trial as you. Had CAT scan today (Ca 125 has been 6 during the last two cycles) and if OK I receive #5 treatment of part 2 of the study on Monday.

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• By momanderson920
• Posted September 18, 2009 at 9:55 am
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The strength of the nails may not be such a good thing. I now have ridges on my fingernails which is not a positive thing and they are tough. If you look at older people as they age and of diabetics, their toenails become very thick and tough. I used to work for a podiatrist who cut the nails of many of these people since it had to be very carefully done. Thickening is not necessarily a sign of health.

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• By kennebec
• Posted September 18, 2009 at 10:08 am
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MomAnderson, I agree. I'm watching mine and hope my toenails, especially, do not become xtra thick.

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• By GEPI
• Posted September 18, 2009 at 10:53 am
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Hi
I have been wondering too about nails. My have Always being weak and now they are strong and long. Good or bad I am enjoying it.
Regarding hair I also had some growing even just under my eyes and I used facial hair remover cream twice. Since it has not grown back.

GEPI

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• By BarbP
• Posted September 19, 2009 at 9:45 pm
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I don't think my nails are stronger post chemo AND I had toenails fall off???

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