[Lori R]

Suzanne,
I was on taxotere and had the "nail issues".

I don't recall the specifics as to exactly why, but the nails begin to lift a little off the nail bed and can get infected.

So, keep your nails short. This became difficult as my nails became tender and difficult to clip.

I've "heard" (so someone else chime in here), that the nurses have been encouraging patients to keep their hands in ice water to restrict the amount of chemo getting to the finger tips. I didn't do this as they were't recommending it a couple of years ago. I figure, why not?

Another item the nurses gave me which didn't seem to work for me was to soak your nails in a mild solution of bleach and water. I did get a finger nail infection after my LAST chemo and found that peroxide was more effective than the bleach. Just dab a little on a q-tip and swab it under the nail and around the sides. But....as with everything please check with your onc. I think it is ok to do this.

My nails were ugly as they appeared bruised. I painted them with nail polish and that made me feel mentally better.

Finally.....my nails returned, nothing wrong with them now. So....don't fret, even if they look strange it won't be forever, they will return.

Hang in there!!!! PLEASE.....post any questions, no matter how small. There is so much experience on this board.