Pedicures still okay for chemo?

Mimi8

I'm sorry, this is such a light weight issue when so many of us are going through tough times. I just wanted to know if pedicures (and manicures) are still okay while taking chemo. We live in Florida and my feet are always exposed so I usually get pedicures every six weeks. Is that still okay? My MO doesn't use cosmetics, etc.



I have heard that the toenails fall off sometimes during chemo. Does that happen a lot? Anybody have that happen? Let me know.

Mimi8

kltb04

This is my opinion only - I would think they weren't a good idea simply because of the chance of infection due to tools not being properly disinfected, etc...I am a makeup girl but never have been a nail girl, lol.  If/when your white counts plummet, you don't want to take any chances on doing ANYTHING that will pose a risk of infection.

I think it is the Taxol or Taxatore (again, correct me if I am wrong) that cause nail issues.  I am on A/C first and told that nail problems weren't a big concern right now.  

MiniMacsMom

I was told no mani-pedis... Mainly because of the foot baths.  You can always bring your own set of sanitized tools, but the drains at the facilities are notoriously dirty.  That being said, I was told if you bring your own sterile tools and found a place that uses a bowl or one of those cheapy no drains, easy to clean all of it foot baths it "should" be ok.  I have elected not to do it, just because I eneded up in the hospital for three days after going shopping in some kids clothing stores   Even though I was careful and my CBC numbers were still great

Could you just go in for a polish change and not the whole pedi....

I had weekly taxol with no issues (I used L-glut and Acetyl L carn) and I am on FAC now with no issues and no supplements.  If you do taxol first FAC or AC can still exagerate the nail issues. 

Shrek4

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SpecialK

mimi - I wouldn't for the reasons kltb04 states, plus your toenails may start to lift and you may be unaware and soaking then in hot water and having them filed would most likely make it worse.  I am also a pedicure girl, and a Florida girl, but I just took care of my own during chemo.  I did lose my pinky toenail on the right foot even though I iced, but the new one grew in very fast. It is very tiny so I don't think it had much to hold on to!  I would have a pedicure right before chemo starts and then maybe just do polish yourself after that, until you are done and can assess your toenails.

kltb04

BTW, my pedicures consist of halfheartedly slapping a coat of red polish on my toenails so I could break out the flip flops last week, lol (I am in Ark). 

Marple

I also was told no mani/pedi during chemo.  (ACT)  Another thing to consider even post chemo is having a manicure on the affected side(s).  Some people purchase their own tools however, you also need to keep lymphedema risk in the back of your mind.

Moderators

Hi Mimi,

As the ladies here have pointed out, according to the main Breastcancer.org site, your risk of infection is much higher during chemo, due to low white blood cell count. Having a manicure or pedicure can risk infection. You can read more here on the Infection side effect page.

Hope this helps!

--The Mods

Mimi8

Hi Everybody,

Thank you all for the great info on mani-pedicures. Its good advice. I had one last week before my first chemo. This is the best site for finding out so many real issues facing all of us. I am thinking of all of you and pray we will all beat this cancer!



My oncologist and chemo nurses acted like I was an idiot for icing my fingers and toes, so I caved. They said not to leave any place where cells could hide. Otherwise I like my MO. My neighbor had bc and lost her nails but said they came back very fast. Taking the Neulasta shot tomorrow. I'm taking Claratin for allergies anyway so I hope it helps with the bone pain.



Just one more question.... Is having sex ok while taking chemo? No SE's for DH?

Mimi8

Shrek4

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financegirl

Other things may also have to be suspended.  I had a dentist appt the week after my first chemo and happened to mention it.  Chemo nurses said that unless I had a toothache to cancel it.  Again, bacteria could be released during a cleaning.  I read an interesting brochure from one of my doctors' offices that basically said that during chemo we have to be very careful - try to balance being careful vs living our lives in a bubble during chemo. 

jenlee

I'm sure some MO's /centers are more organized, but I do find myself wishing that I had been given a booklet/brocure of all the do's & don'ts of chemo...There is just SO much info that I've learned here or through the grapevine. I read to get my teeth cleaned before chemo.  I would have had also had a troublesome wisdom tooth out, but there wasn't enough time.  I would have bought a new water pik sooner as I was told to avoid flossing during chemo.  While I did get several vaccine boosters, I would have gotten the shingles vaccine.  I did get my last pedi a week before chemo   One of the women in the chemo room told me that the MO told her that no matter what, take a long brisk walk on the afternoon of chemo, to make sure it spreads completely throughout the body.  While I was aware of the importance of exercise, I wish I had learned this tidbit before my 7th treatment, since I normally feel lousy and often go home and rest after chemo.

SpecialK

mimi - My center instructed to use a condom - your DH can contact the chemo drugs through soft tissue, and you are exposed to potential bacteria while potentially having low WBC.  So yes to safe sex, lol!

arenee98

I actually asked my chemo nurse this when I was going through chemo and she said it was okay as long as the technician didn't do a lot of digging, cutting and scraping, that kind of thing.  The lady who did my pedi was extremely careful with my feet and I was fine.  However, that's not to say that it's always safe, so you might want to err on the side of not getting one or maybe at least not getting one that involves the spa bath. 

lbrewer

i am so scared.  I start AC then tax in 2 weeks.  I don't want to die but I don't think I have the strength to go through with this.  I did TC three years ago but nothing like the schedule planned for me.

i would love to hear some positive stories!

kathleen1966

No pedictures or manicures while on chemo due to the possibiltiy of a bacterial infection or a fungal infection that could lead to complications. That's all folks....

lbrewer

i am so scared.  I start AC then tax in 2 weeks.  I don't want to die but I don't think I have the strength to go through with this.  I did TC three years ago but nothing like the schedule planned for me.

i would love to hear some positive stories!

vivirasselena

I think it would be okay if you brought your OWN instruments, but I don't think I'd even risk it.

Gemmie

Jenlee, I start chemo next week. A long, brisk walk on day of chemo? As you say, I am learning a great deal on this site! I also believe every MO assigns importance (or lack of)

to many topics involved with cancer. It all depends on the opinion of one doc. But I will be asking my MO if she recommends this, so thanks.

financegirl

I was told no mani/pedis and I happened to have an old dentist appt I'd forgotten about that had to be cancelled.  I happened to mention one day in chemo that I was having my teeth cleaned and they said no, any scraped bacteria that may be disturbed may contribute to an infection. 

I had AC/T.  Taxotere, on about the 3rd session, had my nails on my fingers and toes pop off.  However, nails grew back fast once chemo was over.

sbelizabeth

I was also told no mani/pedis and no dentistry during chemo.  I had six rounds of TAC.  I always scheduled a "chemo Wednesday" and felt fine on Wednesday and Thursday, and then came "chemo Friday."  It was a day of slouching around the house feeling like I had the flu, without the sore throat/cough/fever.  I missed one or two days of work for every cycle.  By Saturday the chemo-fog was lifting, and I was feeling fine on Sunday.  Monday it was back to work.

With all the anti-nausea drugs they pump in, I wasn't nauseated at all.  Ever.  Constipation was my worst SE, and I learned early on how to deal with that.  Dynamite helped.

A few of my nails developed darkish streaks, but they're almost unnoticable.  I didn't lose any nails.  Around day seven of the cycle, I developed one or two canker sores and the taste in my mouth was like goat sweat.  Unpleasant, but tolerable.

What helped?  KEEPING ACTIVE.  I rode my bicycle almost every day, kept working, walked the dogs, etc. 

Blessings and good luck to all going through this.

kayfh

But after the chemo is over, when you have a pedicure and your lumpy, ugly sick looking,post chemo (taxotere) toe nails are covered with a lovely shade of blue or whatever your heart desires your feet look like you are normal (or what passes for normal anyway) again.  Best Christmas present from my daughter ever!  I just used my gift certificate (6 mos post Christmas).

SimmahDownNow

I start chemo in 5 days so will be having my last manicure/pedicure for a while. Although this is a "lighter" topic, it's still relevant and I appreciate that it's being discussed. Gosh, think of all the money saved on mani/pedis and hair care products. Silver lining? There are a lot of brave women on this forum. I find it very inspirational. Thank you for your response. It was quite helpful.

Moderators

Dear SimmahDownNow,

Welcome to the community. We are so glad that you reached out here. Please keep in touch and let us know how your treatment goes.This particular topic is a bit old with the most recent posting prior to yours to be in 2012. YOU might want to search the active topics and consider posting or starting a new topic so as to gain some additional responses. Best wishes as you begin chemo. The Mods

AmyQ

Funny I would read this thread today as I was just killing time at the Jacksonville airport so decided on a mani/pedi. The technician discovered that my third toenail on my left foot is, yet again, coming off. This happens twice a year since my last chemo of July, 2013. Weird it's always the same nail and just like clockwork, it comes off. She sort of freaked out as if she had something to do with it. I told her to just paint the nail and otherwise just leave it alone.

So back to your question, I would agree no mani/pedi's until chemo is finished and even though I too iced, I must have a chronic, albeit, minor problem.

Amy

Kicks

Talk to your Dr - you may have an infection/fungus issue that can be treated topically or orally.

Beatmon

My onco gave me permission to continue mani/pedi.......had used same lady for years, own equipment, cleanest person in the world. No problems until after 7th Taxotere which is not her fault

Metta

Hi, I want to add that we may want to avoid pedicures even while on targeted therapy like Herceptin. I learned the hard way. I should have known better not to risk it, but I was so looking forward to feeling normal again. I finished chemo in March and had my first pedicure in August. The manicurist, who I've known for years, nicked my big toe during the pedicure. I was too shy to just walk out--but that's exactly what I should have done. Because now, in November, my toe is still not healed ("cellulitis"). I'm very worried because my WBCs never really bounced back after chemo. I just started oral antibiotics this weekend, and I'll see a podiatrist tomorrow. It's so hard to add one more appointment to the list, you know?

But yes, I'm grateful because of all the money I'll save now. No more pedicures for me, ever.