Taxotere and toenails?

DianaT

I completed 4 rounds of cytoxen and epirubicen, 4 rounds of taxotere on May 22 and am now having issues with my toe nail (started about a month ago).  My nurse put me on an antibiotic, but the nail is still oozing and tender.  Is this normal?

peeps1111

Hi;

Yes, nail issues are common.  The Boston oncologist that I went to for a 2nd opinion actually said, "your nails will get ratty".  I thought that was an odd word for her to use as I had read that they can turn black. There is a recommendation to use a nail hardener during treatment.  I've been brushing tea tree oil on mine, so far, so good but I've only had one round of TC.

Peeps

Wendysmom

Hi!

Yes it is normal.

I completed my taxotere at the end of March 08 and had the same thing happen to me.  My big toes got oozy under the nail and the nail started to lift slightly.  I rubbed tea tree oil on them every day and then put socks on.  The socks helped cover up the tea tree oil's smell which was pretty strong.  The ooziness lasted for a month or so and then went away.

I never lost any toe nails but the nails are growing in thick and a bit misshappened.  They also are still discolored (blackish-brown splotches) but I cover them up with polish and they look pretty good in open toed shoes.

You might want to give the tea tree oil a try.  I bought mine at GNC.

Take care!

Ann 

       

bluewillow

Hi Diana,

I finished Taxol Jan 28 '08, and I had toenail issues also.  I also had some very minor problems also with a couple of fingernails, but that was short-lived.  Only both my big toenails were affected-- the rest of my toenails were fine.  They both turned black, oozed a bit and developed ridges, but I wore a bandaid on them to protect them and that seemed to help.  I went through a lot of bandaids!  Changed them twice a day until I felt both toenails weren't quite so sensitive. They never did fall off and I think the band aids prevented that, maybe?  I kept the nails trimmed (carefully) and covered with polish and that helped a lot too. The last part of August, I had my first salon pedicure since finishing chemo and it really helped the health of my toenails tremendously-- they started growing very fast.  So, there IS hope, don't worry!!  You will make it through fine, I promise!!    I hope this helps you and I wish you the best for the rest of your treatment!

Hugs,

Mary Jo

dreamwriter

I soaked my nails and toenails with hydrogen peroxide... this takes care of the ooze and the smell.  The antibiotics will help too.  A nurse told me this trick and I appreciated it, my nails never turned black, they lifted a little and I used surgical tape to keep them from being pulled.  My toenails look pretty normal and my fingernails could pass for normal with polish.  I had 18 rounds of Taxotere.