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Old 04-14-2013, 12:32 PM   #1
GrammaJ
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Splitting nails

Have been on Herceptin every three weeks since 2010. Also get XGeva shots every six weeks. Dry and seriously splitting nails have gotten worse over time. Any suggestions on nail care? Thanks.
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:46 PM   #2
Jackie07
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Re: Splitting nails

Wondered if europa has been able to take care of her nails and has something to share: http://her2support.org/vbulletin/sho...ighlight=nails
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Old 04-14-2013, 04:10 PM   #3
europa
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Re: Splitting nails

Hey GrammaJ
I had very bad nails and still have some issues due to Metformin. I found using a cream called Skin Food by Welela worked really well. I applied and massaged my fingers with that evy night. I now use gelatins to strengthen them a bit. Let me get the product info and I'll post it.
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DX 10/2011
PET Scan + MRI 10/2011
Lumpectomy 11/11/11
Stage 2B +++ ER+(10%), PR+(5%), HER2+++(1 positive node, 1 micromets to second node)
AC started 12/2011 ended 1/2012
Taxol + Herceptin weekly for 12 weeks ended 4/2012
30 zaps of radiation done 6/2012
Tamoxifen 6/2012
every 3 weeks of Herceptin for another year.
Metformin Trial 8/12
10/12 MRI- CLEAR
01/13 BRAIN MRI- CLEAR!
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FINISHED HERCEPTIN 1/9/2013...Woot Woot
Starting Walter Reed Vaccine Trial 2/13
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02/2015 through 11/2015 emergency D&Cs for Tamoxifen induced uterine polyps which caused uncontrollable hemorrhaging
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Old 04-14-2013, 04:21 PM   #4
GrammaJ
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Re: Splitting nails

Thank you so much. I'll look for your next post with the information. GrammaJ
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Old 04-14-2013, 08:57 PM   #5
carlatte7
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Re: Splitting nails

My nails are a hot mess and the only thing that helps is tons of cream and sleeping with socks on my hands. Bluh.
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Age 54, married farm wife/school nurse/mom of 5 adult children...March 2012- found 2.5cm hard, non-painful mass on bse. It was not there, and then it was. Yikes.
Biopsy- DCIS, IDC, er-/pr-/her2+++, grade3. 1 node suspicious on us. Biopsy +.
Plan was for Neoadjuvant TCH x6, Herceptin q3w x a year.
May1- first chemo.
May 5- I could no longer feel the mass. Really. Neither could my oncologist.
July 2- 4th TCH- Oncologist cancels last 2 tx due to "complete response"
August6- lumpectomy with axillary node dissection. No disease present in breast. 1 out of 14 nodes + (4mm)
MUGA #2- 72%
Finished 30 rads Oct '12. Mild lymphedema noticed when I had 2 rads left.
Continue Herceptin q3w until next May
April '13- first mammo since surgery- calcium deposits that are " not concerning." Well, they are concerning to ME! Turned loose from surgeon for 6 months! One more Vit H, will make plans then for port removal.
Oct '13- no change in calcium deposits. "See ya in 6 months!" Keeping port for now.
March '14- oncologist says return in 6 mo.
April '14- mammo unchanged. Surgeon will see me in 6 months but no mammo for a year unless something changes. Its getting easier, but oh, boydo i hate that scanxiety! Keeping port until 2 year anniversary of last Herceptin.
Sept'14- bloodwork good, return to onco in 8 months.
Oct'14- surgeon will see me in April '15. Moving on.
May '15- mammo unchanged, keeping same schedule. Tumor markers soon and if all is well port comes out.
July '15-tumor markers normal. See onco in a year. Appt. for port end of month. First grandchild born July 1st- for today, life is good.
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Old 04-15-2013, 03:57 AM   #6
sarah
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Re: Splitting nails

I used a nail polish called evonail that is specifically made for people undergoing chemo. it dries as if you haven't used anything.
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Old 04-15-2013, 07:26 AM   #7
GrammaJ
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Re: Splitting nails

Thank you. I'll check to see if that's available in the US. GrammaJ
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Old 04-16-2013, 07:11 PM   #8
CoolBreeze
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Re: Splitting nails

Mine are horrible. Right now, I have one split and ripped down almost to the quick. I put that home gel stuff on to try and keep it from coming off but it hasn't helped. I guess it's a permanent band-aid for me.
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08/17/09 Dx'd.
Multifocal/multicentric IDC, largest 3.4 cm, associated ADH, LCIS, DCIS
HER2+ ER+/PR- Grade 3, Node Negative

10/20/2009: Right mastectomy, reconstruction with TE
12/02/2009: Six rounds TCH, switched to Taxol halfway through due to neuropathy
03/31/2010: Finished chemo
05/01/2010: Began tamoxifen, the worst drug ever
11/18/2010: Reconstruction completed
12/02/2010: Finished herceptin
05/21/2011: Liver Mets. Quit Tamoxifen
06/22/2011: Navelbine/Zometa/Herceptin
10/03/2011: Liver Resection, left lobe. Microwave ablation, right lobe - going for cure!
11/26/2011: C-Diff Superbug Infection, "worst case doctor had seen in 20 years"
03/28/2012: Progression in ablated section of the liver - no more cure. Started Abraxane, continue herceptin/zometa
10/10/2012: Progression continues, started Halaven, along with herceptin and zometa.
01/15/2013: Progression continues, started Gemzar and Perjeta, an unusual combo, continuing with herceptin and zometa
03/13/2013: Quit Gemzar, body just won't handle it. Staying on herceptin, zometa and perjeta.
04/03/2013: CT shows 50% regression in tumor, so am starting back on Gemzar with dose reduction, staying with perjeta/herceptin/zometa. Can't argue with success!
05/09/2013: Discussing SBRT with Radiology due to inability of bone marrow to recover from chemo.
06/07/2013: Fiducial placement for SBRT
07/03/2013: Chemo discontinued, on Perjeta, Herceptin and Zometa alone
07/25/2013: SBRT (gamma knife) begins
08/01/2013: SBRT completed
08/15/2013: STABLE! continuing with Perjeta, Herceptin, Zometa
06/18/2014: ***** NED!!!!***** continuing with Perjeta, Herceptin, Zometa
01/29/2014: Still NED. continuing with Perjeta, Herceptin. Zometa lowered to every 3 months instead of monthly.
11/08/2015: Progression throughout abdomen and lungs. Started TDM-1, aka Kadcyla. Other meds discontinued. Remission was nice while it lasted.

5/27/18: Stable. Kadcyla put me right back in the barn. I have two teeny spots on my lungs that are metabolically inactive, and liver is clean.

I’m beating this MFer. I was 51 when this started and had two kids, 22 and 12. Now I’m 60. My oldest got married and trying to start s family. My youngesg graduates from Caltech this June. My stepdaughter gave me grandkids. Life is fantastic.
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Old 04-16-2013, 07:37 PM   #9
GrammaJ
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Re: Splitting nails

What "home gel stuff" are you referring to? Thanks.
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Old 04-16-2013, 07:48 PM   #10
CoolBreeze
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Re: Splitting nails

You know what gel nails are? It's a coating you put on your nails and set with an LED light. Sensationail is the brand I use. It makes your (normal) nails stronger and look beautiful and salon done and it's easy to do.

I thought the strength might help with the split in this one nail but it didn't. Most of my nails are soft and a bit ridged but okay and I've used this gel before with no problems. This one nail though has such a big ridge in it that is mismatched and so no matter how short it is or how much I file it, I can't make it even.

I thought the gel might even it out (it does that) but it still ripped down to the quick.

Still, I do recommend this product if your nails aren't really horrible. You take it off with polish remover but it takes a while. I don't soak them, I use cotton balls and glove tips and there is a new remover product by a different company that works really well - just wipes off.

But I don't think it's going to work for this one weak nail. So if you have a cracked nail, don't try it. But if they are soft and not too ridged, it might be okay.
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http://butdoctorihatepink.com

08/17/09 Dx'd.
Multifocal/multicentric IDC, largest 3.4 cm, associated ADH, LCIS, DCIS
HER2+ ER+/PR- Grade 3, Node Negative

10/20/2009: Right mastectomy, reconstruction with TE
12/02/2009: Six rounds TCH, switched to Taxol halfway through due to neuropathy
03/31/2010: Finished chemo
05/01/2010: Began tamoxifen, the worst drug ever
11/18/2010: Reconstruction completed
12/02/2010: Finished herceptin
05/21/2011: Liver Mets. Quit Tamoxifen
06/22/2011: Navelbine/Zometa/Herceptin
10/03/2011: Liver Resection, left lobe. Microwave ablation, right lobe - going for cure!
11/26/2011: C-Diff Superbug Infection, "worst case doctor had seen in 20 years"
03/28/2012: Progression in ablated section of the liver - no more cure. Started Abraxane, continue herceptin/zometa
10/10/2012: Progression continues, started Halaven, along with herceptin and zometa.
01/15/2013: Progression continues, started Gemzar and Perjeta, an unusual combo, continuing with herceptin and zometa
03/13/2013: Quit Gemzar, body just won't handle it. Staying on herceptin, zometa and perjeta.
04/03/2013: CT shows 50% regression in tumor, so am starting back on Gemzar with dose reduction, staying with perjeta/herceptin/zometa. Can't argue with success!
05/09/2013: Discussing SBRT with Radiology due to inability of bone marrow to recover from chemo.
06/07/2013: Fiducial placement for SBRT
07/03/2013: Chemo discontinued, on Perjeta, Herceptin and Zometa alone
07/25/2013: SBRT (gamma knife) begins
08/01/2013: SBRT completed
08/15/2013: STABLE! continuing with Perjeta, Herceptin, Zometa
06/18/2014: ***** NED!!!!***** continuing with Perjeta, Herceptin, Zometa
01/29/2014: Still NED. continuing with Perjeta, Herceptin. Zometa lowered to every 3 months instead of monthly.
11/08/2015: Progression throughout abdomen and lungs. Started TDM-1, aka Kadcyla. Other meds discontinued. Remission was nice while it lasted.

5/27/18: Stable. Kadcyla put me right back in the barn. I have two teeny spots on my lungs that are metabolically inactive, and liver is clean.

I’m beating this MFer. I was 51 when this started and had two kids, 22 and 12. Now I’m 60. My oldest got married and trying to start s family. My youngesg graduates from Caltech this June. My stepdaughter gave me grandkids. Life is fantastic.
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Old 04-16-2013, 08:01 PM   #11
GrammaJ
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Re: Splitting nails

Thanks so much for all that information. I'll look into it. GrammaJ
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Old 04-25-2015, 08:54 AM   #12
vqtilley
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Re: Splitting nails

Here's one unusual experience: My nails on Herceptin/Arimidex had become very thin, flaky and ridiculously fragile, always splitting and shredding, with pale dry ridgy surfaces and in some spots actually separating between nail & nail bed. They often split painfully up into the quick and I couldn't use them for anything. One day the look suddenly reminded me of a tropical nail fungus I had ages ago. As an experiment I tried tea tree oil, which after 2 weeks did nothing, but then I tried an over-the counter nail fungus paint "Anti-Fungal Liquid/Undecylenic Acid" (Walgreens) and after 2 weeks they improved modestly but noticeably! I then asked my GP for Jublia (prescription anti-fungal) and after six weeks my nails have smoothed, strengthened, with color improved, holding their shape & not shredding at all! I do keep them very short and quickly smooth any rough edges but I can actually use them again for light things in the kitchen, etc. and they look and feel FAR better. I'm wondering if maybe our meds in some cases make us vulnerable to nail fungus? It's the kind of thing our med oncs wouldn't be thinking about or testing for, no? Anyway, the Undecylenic Acid isn't expensive and might be worth a shot. If you try it, I'd suggest using it every evening after you're in bed and have done your last stuff with water, and include toenails. Be patient, give it a couple of weeks and share results? Might be a fluke in my case, but would be great if we find wider benefits.
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Feb 2012: diagnosed with 1 cm lesion rt breast, DCIS left breast, Stage IV ER+/HER2+
Apr 2012: bilateral partial excisions; confirmed met to left proximal femur, long gamma nail inserted to stabilize femur:
May 2012: radiation to femur: chemo with Trastuzumab + taxane.
July 2012 thru Mar 2015: started maintenance regime Herceptin+Arimidex+Denosumab, NED
May 2014: recurrence in right acetabulum: 15 fractions radiation
Jan 2015: lesion in left cerebellum: resection & gamma knife treatment
Mar 2015: major general progression; small mets confirmed in rt axilla, rt breast, T7 vertebra, possible met as isolated spiculated pulmonary nodule left lung[LIST][*]27 Mar 2015: start Kadcyla, discontinue aromotase inhibitors; within two weeks axilla/rt breast lesions are shrinking noticeably[*]18 April: resume letrozole [*]May: all lesions disappeared or dormant[*]June - discontinue Kadcyla due to low platelets[*]Aug & Nov 2015 MRI brain/spinal scans all negative for CNS disease: no recurrence to date
Fall 2015 - stereotactic radiation to lingering T3 lesion to relieve pain; 90% effective within weeks
July 2019 - discontinued Letrozole due to side effects
April 2020 - short course steretactic radiation to 2 cm lesion in upper left lung; subsequent scan finds it reduced
Mar 2021 - 6.5 cm mass found in left lung; FISH finds it is PR-, ER- and strongly HER2+.
16 April 2021 - Resume Kadcyla.
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Old 04-25-2015, 09:59 AM   #13
thinkpositive
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Posts: 411
Re: Splitting nails

I have the same problem with my nails. I'll try Undecylenic Acid and let you know if it works. Its worth a shot! Thanks.
__________________
8/2013 Diagnosed IDC Left Breast ER-/PR-/HER2+ Stage 3C, DCIS ER+/PR+/HER2- Right Breast (54 yr)
8/2013 PET/CT scan shows mass in uterues and suprclavicular nodes
8/20/13 Begin 6 rounds TCH chemo, Perjeta added for rounds 4-6
9/2013 After 1st round of chemo, mass in neck and breast no longer able to feel
11/2013 Hysterectomy, mass from PET/CT scan not cancer (adenomylosis)
12/2013 Finished chemo
1/2014 Double mastectomy with chest expanders
1/2014 Pathology report from surgery and SNB show complete pathological response!
3/2014 Finish IMRT radiation
8/2014 Fat transfer to radiated breast
8/2014 Completed 1 yr of Herceptin
10/2014 exchange surgery expanders removed implants placed
6/2015 3D nipple and areola tattoos
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Old 04-28-2015, 12:58 PM   #14
Mtngrl
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Posts: 1,427
Re: Splitting nails

I have the same problem. So far the only thing that seems to be helpful is to carry clippers and relentlessly trim any nail that cracks or splits. That means my nails are very short all the time, but at least they cover the nail bed. I haven't had a problem with separation.
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_____________________________
4/19/11 Diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma in left breast; 2.3 cm tumor, 1 axillary lymph node, weakly ER+, HER2+++
4/29/11 CT scan shows suspicious lesions on liver and lungs
5/17/11 liver biopsy
5/24/11 liver met confirmed--Stage IV at diagnosis
5/27/11 Begin weekly Taxol & Herceptin for 3 months (standard of care at the time of my DX)
7/18/11 Switch to weekly Abraxane & Herceptin due to Taxol allergy
8/29/11 CT scan shows no new lesions & old lesions shrinking
9/27/11 Finish Abraxane. Start Herceptin every 3 weeks. Begin taking Arimidex
10/17/11--Brain MRI--No Brain mets
12/5/11 PET scan--Almost NED
5/15/12 PET scan shows progression-breast/chest/spine (one vertebra)
5/22/12 Stop taking Arimidex; stay on Herceptin
6/11/12 Started Tykerb and Herceptin on clinical trial (w/no chemo)
9/24/12 CT scan--No new mets. Everything stable.
3/11/13 CT Scan--two small new possible mets and odd looking area in left lung getting larger.
4/2/13--Biopsy of suspicious area in lower left lung. Mets to lung confirmed.
4/30/13 Begin Kadcyla/TDM-1
8/16/13 PET scan "mixed," with some areas of increased uptake, but also some definite improvement, so I'll stay on TDM-1/Kadcyla.
11/11/13 Finally get hormone receptor results from lung biopsy of 4/2/13. My cancer is no longer ER positive.
11/13/13 PET scan mixed results again. We're calling it "stable." Problems breathing on exertion.
2/18/14 PET scan shows a new lesion and newly active lymph node in chest, other progression. Bye bye TDM-1.
2/28/14 Begin Herceptin/Perjeta every 3 weeks.
6/8/14 PET "mixed," with no new lesions, and everything but lower lungs improving. My breathing is better.
8/18/14 PET "mixed" again. Upper lungs & one spine met stable, lower lungs less FDG avid, original tumor more avid, one lymph node in mediastinum more avid.
9/1/14 Begin taking Xeloda one week on, one week off. Will also stay on Herceptin and Perjeta every three weeks.
12/11/14 PET Scan--no new lesions, and everything looks better than it did.
3/20/15 PET Scan--no new lesions, but lower lung lesions larger and a bit more avid.
4/13/15 Increasing Xeloda dose to 10 days on, one week off.
7/1/15 Scan "mixed" again, but suggests continuing progression. Stop Xeloda. Substitute Abraxane every 3 weeks starting 7/13.
10/28/15 PET scan shows dramatic improvement everywhere. All lesions except lower lungs have resolved; lower lungs noticeably improved.
12/18/15 Last Abraxane. Continue on Herceptin and Perjeta alone beginning 1/8/16.
1/27/16 PET scan shows cancer is stable.
5/11/16 PET scan shows uptake in some areas that were resolved on the last two scans.
6/3/16 Begin Kadcyla and Tykerb combination
6/5 - 6/23 Horrible diarrhea from K&T together. Got pneumonia.
7/15/16 Begin Kadcyla only every 3 weeks.
9/6/16 Begin radiation therapy on right lung lesion that caused the pneumonia.
10/3/16 Last of 12 radiation treatments to right lung.
11/4/16 Huffing and puffing, low O2, high heart rate, on tiniest bit of exertion. Diagnosed as radiation pneumonitis. Treated with Prednisone.
11/11/16 PET scan shows significant improvement to radiated part of right lung BUT a bunch of new lung lesions, and the bone met is getting worse.
11/22/16 Begin Eribulin and Herceptin. H every 3 weeks. E two weeks on, one week off.
3/6/17 Scan shows progression in lungs. Bone met a little better.
3/23/17 Lung biopsy. Tumor sampled is ER-, PR+ (5%), HER2+++. Getting Herceptin and Perjeta as a maintenance treatment.
5/31/17 Port placement
6/1/17 Start Navelbine & Tykerb
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Old 04-28-2015, 02:37 PM   #15
vqtilley
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Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 13
Re: Splitting nails

Hi, Mtngrl -- I'd be very interested to know if the anti-fungal over-the-counter treatment improves the splitting. Might you be willing to give it a try? We might be on to something.

And yes, I do keep them very short!
__________________
Feb 2012: diagnosed with 1 cm lesion rt breast, DCIS left breast, Stage IV ER+/HER2+
Apr 2012: bilateral partial excisions; confirmed met to left proximal femur, long gamma nail inserted to stabilize femur:
May 2012: radiation to femur: chemo with Trastuzumab + taxane.
July 2012 thru Mar 2015: started maintenance regime Herceptin+Arimidex+Denosumab, NED
May 2014: recurrence in right acetabulum: 15 fractions radiation
Jan 2015: lesion in left cerebellum: resection & gamma knife treatment
Mar 2015: major general progression; small mets confirmed in rt axilla, rt breast, T7 vertebra, possible met as isolated spiculated pulmonary nodule left lung[LIST][*]27 Mar 2015: start Kadcyla, discontinue aromotase inhibitors; within two weeks axilla/rt breast lesions are shrinking noticeably[*]18 April: resume letrozole [*]May: all lesions disappeared or dormant[*]June - discontinue Kadcyla due to low platelets[*]Aug & Nov 2015 MRI brain/spinal scans all negative for CNS disease: no recurrence to date
Fall 2015 - stereotactic radiation to lingering T3 lesion to relieve pain; 90% effective within weeks
July 2019 - discontinued Letrozole due to side effects
April 2020 - short course steretactic radiation to 2 cm lesion in upper left lung; subsequent scan finds it reduced
Mar 2021 - 6.5 cm mass found in left lung; FISH finds it is PR-, ER- and strongly HER2+.
16 April 2021 - Resume Kadcyla.
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Old 05-02-2015, 06:27 PM   #16
Dakini52
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Posts: 202
Re: Splitting nails

Just wanted to say that I am trying the Evonail and although it is pretty expensive, it seems to be something that will be quite helpful. I have been on Herceptin for almost 5 1/2 years and my nails are very weak and break very easily even though I keep them short. I'm impressed so far with this product since it seems to provide a strong cover to my nails that will likely help with the breaking and splitting. A little goes a long way so the bottle should last for quite awhile.
__________________
Diagnosed June, 2006 HER2+++, ER- PR-, Grade 3, Stage IIB. Modified radical mastectomy, radiation, chemo, Herceptin, Tykerb 1 year. [*]In remission until 2/2010. Small tumor detected on chest wall during routine scan. 2/2010 surgery to remove tumor, started Herceptin/Tykerb, follow up radiation. [*]12/26/2010 - Off Tykerb due to allergic reaction[*]12/16/2014 - Have continued on Herception for almost 5 years now and remain NED. Discussion with onc re adding Perjeta to the Herceptin as another way of preventing recurrence. Still in discussion phase. 12/26/14 Onc applying for approval for Perjeta.
Perjeta approved and I received one infusion. It had an immediate impact to my lungs and I experienced difficulty breathing so.....I'm going to be sticking with just Herceptin. Still looking for a good vaccine program to enroll in.

Debbie K
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Old 03-31-2017, 06:15 PM   #17
GrammaJ
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 6
Re: Splitting nails

Haven't posted about my nails in a long time. They have been tolerable but now they seem to be getting worse. Splitting is just one problem which is why I keep them short and often file the tops lightly with an emery board. But now I'm dealing with discoloration. Seeing my dermatologist in about 4 weeks for annual skin check. Plan to ask her for suggestions. If she comes up with anything other than what I've read below, I'll share. Thanks, all. Gramma J
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Old 04-03-2017, 04:38 AM   #18
TiffanyS
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Posts: 459
Re: Splitting nails

Sarah, I’ve been to four pharmacies looking for the nail polish called Evonail, including the hospital pharmacy, and none of them carry it. Where do you buy it? I tried a nail polish called Hard as Nails, and put a new coat on my nails every second day, but it didn’t work, and my nails still kept cracking, even thought I keep them very short. I even get sores beside my nails because they are so short, and I have to put Polysprin on the sores to get rid of them. It’s annoying as I type for a living, and my finger tips are always sore.

¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
12/15 – First mammogram
01/16 – Second mammogram and ultrasound.
01/16 – Meet surgeon and go for third mammogram, second ultrasound and biopsy. Surgeon confirms cancer in left breast and lymph nodes and sets surgery date.
01/16 – Chest scan and bone scan done– all looks good.
02/16 – Surgery - left breast mastectomy and 16 lymph nodes removed (8 had cancer).
02/16 – CT scan done – small nodules on lung but Doctor advises it’s post surgical. They will continue to monitor just in case.
03/16 – Meet radiation oncologist and find out results of Pathology Report. I’m told that I have locally advanced breast cancer, based on the size of my tumour (7 cm!) and the fact that they found cancer cells in eight lymph nodes. I’m also told that I’m HER 2 positive, with high levels of estrogen and progesterone and that my cancer is stage 3, grade 2.
03/16 – Meet oncologist and am told that my cancer is actually grade 3, and that I should have done chemo before surgery. Too late now!
03/16 – Start first of six doses of chemo (Carboplatin and Docetaxal) and Herceptin (for 18 months). I was unable to get a full dose of Docetaxal after my first treatment due to liver enzymes being high.
04/16 – Have port put in.
06/16 – Finished chemo! One month off and then I start radiation.
06/16 – Start Tamoxifen.
07/16 – First radiation treatment – 24 more to go!
08/16 – Went for Genetic Testing to see if I have the BRCA gene. Tested negative for BRCA I and II
08/16 – Radiation oncologist biopsies “scar tissue” on my chest wall. I am told that I have a local recurrence and need to have rush surgery.
09/16 – Meet surgeon who advises that I need to meet with a plastic surgeon, as they will need to do a skin graft to close me up after surgery. Meet plastic surgeon and all looks good. A surgery date is set for October 4.
09/16 – Go for rush ultrasound, bone scan, breast MRI and CT scan.
09/16 – Meet oncologist who advises that the ultrasound and bone scan results look good, and that MRI shows three small masses at surgery site, but lymph nodes are clear. Still awaiting the results of the CT scan, but we are positive it will look good.
09/16 – Get a call from my oncologist, who advises that CT scan shows small spots on my lungs, and a large lymph node in the middle of my chest. This means the cancer has spread! She looks into getting me funded for TDM-1 and cancels my surgery.
10/16 – Meet oncologist, who advises that I have to take Perjeta before I can take TDM1. I start Perjeta/Herceptin every three weeks for an indefinite amount of time, and Taxol, which I will take two weeks in a row with one week off and then two weeks in a row for 8-16 treatments. Stop Tamoxifen.
10/16 – Meet surgeon, who reviews my CT scan and advises that the spots on my lungs may not be cancer, and that he doesn’t see a lymph node in my chest. He thinks it’s a spot on my lung. I’m feeling very confused! He advises that my oncologist doesn’t want me to have surgery to remove the three small masses on my scar line, as she wants to use them as a way to determine if the treatment is working. He advises that if they have not shrunk in 6 months, he will revisit surgery.
10/16 – CEA blood test to determine Tumour markers. Results were normal (2.7). My doctor advises that this could mean two things: (1) that the treatment is working, and the tumours are shrinking, or (2), that I'm one of those people who never get elevated CEA levels. Given that some people never get an elevated CEA level, this test doesn’t seem very accurate to me! Asked for PET scan, but am told I don’t qualify.
10/16 – Brain MRI – NED!
11/16 - CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are normal at 19.
11/16 – Second CEA blood test – Tumours markers are still normal at 1.6 Second CA-15-30 blood test – Tumour markers are still normal at 19
11/16 – Develop lymphedema and have to wear a sleeve
12/16 – CT Scan shows that the tumors on my lungs and the lymph node in the middle of my chest are shrinking, and that some have resolved. Also, the small masses along my scar line are no longer visible. This means the medication is working!
12/16 – Small “pimple” shows up where old tumour on chest wall was located. Doctor is going to monitor it for now.
01/17 – A second “pimple” shows up on chest wall, as well as a small lump under the skin. My doctor thinks it’s scar tissue and will monitor it for now.
03/17 – Third CEA blood test and CA-15-30 blood test – Both normal at 2.5 and 25
03/17 – CT Chest scan to see if there’s improvement to chest and lungs – results are mixed. The good news is, lymph nodes are stable, there is improvement of previous lung changes due to radiation, and the cancer has not spread to my bones, spine or liver, etc. The bad news is that while some lung nodules remained stable, others increased by 1-2 mm and new ones have shown up. All of them were less than 1cm.
03/17 – Received my genetic test results from Foundation One. It found 11 genomic alterations, 3 therapies associated with potential clinical benefit, and 13 clinical trials from which I might benefit.
03/17 – Second brain MRI –awaiting results
03/17 – Ultrasound done to determine size of “pimples” on my chest wall. They will follow up with a second Ultrasound in three months, to see if they are growing
05/17 – Full body CT scan scheduled to see if I’m still “stable”.
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Old 04-03-2017, 03:07 PM   #19
Mtngrl
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Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,427
Re: Splitting nails

Tiffany--I have a love/hate relationship with Amazon.com. You can order Evonail from them. I also have the problem of the skin beside some of my nails (mostly thumbs and forefingers) cracking, and when it first started happening they would get infected. A dermatologist advised me to use petroleum jelly on my finger tips every time I wash my hands. When I actually remember to do that it helps a lot. I think it also cuts down on my nails splitting and cracking. For the really bad fissures in my skin I keep them greased up with petroleum jelly (or zinc oxide cream) and keep them covered with bandaids. It is pretty hard to type with finger tips that hurt.

I'm pretty sure I don't have nail fungus. My nails are a normal color and not ridged or misshapen.

Good luck with your fingernails, everyone.

Amy
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Old 04-04-2017, 12:21 AM   #20
Pamelamary
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 494
Re: Splitting nails

I wonder whether this finger nail issue is just an after effect of chemo, or whether it is related to long term Herceptin as well. I have tried so many different remedies, but they are very ugly and constantly splitting. Oh well..... Worse things happen at sea.
Best wishes.... Pam
__________________
Diagnosed 2004: Lumpectomy - 2 tumours, both grade 1 infiltrating duct carcinoma, about 12mm. ER+,
C-erbB-2 status 3+.
Clear margins, no nodal involvement.
Radiotherapy, i year Tamoxifen, 4 years Arimidex.
Rediagnosed 2012: Multiple bone metastases.
3/12: began on Marianne trial - T-DM1 + Pertuzamab/Placebo.
5/12:Unexpected development of numerous bilateral liver mets. Came off trial.
Started Docetaxol/ Herceptin + Zometa.
8/12:Bones stable +major regression in liver (!)
9/12:Can't take any more Docetaxol! Start on Herceptin and Tamoxifen. Cross fingers!
Changed to Denosumab.
11/12: Scan shows stable - yay!
11/13: Still stable :-) !!!
1/16: All stable, but lowered calcium, so switched to Zometa 3 monthly.
2/19: Happily still stable on Herceptin, Letrozole and 3 monthly Zometa.
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