[Jackie]

Hopeful,

I too had a lot of difficulty with my nails & I had had strong nails, before I started Taxotere & Herceptin. I lost all of my nails towards the end and shortly after finishing the Taxotere. In fact some of my nails came off twice. My chemo nurse told me to use Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails to help as I had nails. I also took Hair, Nail, & Skin vitamins (got those at WalMart). I am 16 months out from chemo and finished Herceptin in Aug. '06. My nails have slowly grown out and strengthend. I have seen more improvement since I have been off Herceptin. I do protect my hands with gloves when washing dishes and cleaning. It has been a very slow process that I get very impatient with. I still have two nails that are reg. length, but are not fully attached as they should be. I have to keep them short to keep from catching them on something. Just keep them moisturized with a good lotion and be patient. I know that is easier said than done.