I was advised by onc and onc nurses to paint my nails the darkest I could whilst on Taxotere. Now how long do I keep this pukey dark purple on? The whole time I’m on Tax - 9 weeks or just the week after chemo? Please give me some idea ladies as I’m just not a hand nail varnish girl I’m far too practical so it’s getting chipped easily. Maybe if it’s going to be a long time I can invest in some nice chocolate colours, or just go and have a look for something better in boots. I usually do my toes with this purple in the summer.
Awaiting your advise now. Keep up the good work girls xxx
love Vanessa xxx
Vanessa i kept mine on the whole duration and for a few weeks after. nails were tender and thinned but I didn’t loose any.
I treated myself to a lovely red Dior nail varnish and it didn’t chip. There are loads of offers on at the moment at the good make up counters, some are giving away lovely little goody bags with any 2 purchases and this time of year you can get away with some lovely colours.
Debbie
The same advice is given when you are on Taxol (another taxane). The idea is to block UV light. I expect you can get a similar level of UV block from pale opaque polishes (not pearl)
As it is winter, I take it you won’t be wearing sandals or open toed shoes much in daytime? So toenails can be any colour you like or none at all As for your hands, I expect you will be wearing gloves quite a lot and there isn’t much UV about anyway.
I stuck to wearing pale colours while on Taxol in the summer and had no real problems. My nails were more prone to splitting but never was in danger of losing them. I just kept them short, rubbed in plenty of nail oil and occasionally painted them in an opaque pink or beige.
Hi Vanessa
I was never given any information about losing your nails hence I only heard about it through reading this website - after I had had chemo. I didn’t lose my nails nor saw any evidence of them going and I don’t wear nail varnish. I think everybody is different so you may or may not lose them. I do remember them being slightly sensitive though and feeling a bit sore and bruised.
Rebz xx
How funny… nobody gave me this advice.
I didn’t have any loose nail nor discolored on my hand, and didn’t wear any varnish. now - three weeks after end of last Taxol - I notice that some are a bit weaker (normally I have very strong nails).
On my feet, I have a couple a bit painful and darkened in color - yet, no sandals in -5 degrees…