Soft Nails

Hopeful · 03-20-2007, 11:39 AM

Let me apologize in advance for this petty complaint. I have been on Herceptin for 6 months, and Arimidex for 5, and have been experiencing something I have never had to deal with before - soft fingernails. I am so used to naturally strong, long nails, this is driving me crazy. I keep them trimmed short, but they are continually getting rips in the sides that start below the cuticle line. It becomes very difficult to work around getting the rip caught on things until it grows out enough to cut off. Does anyone have any suggestions for things that have worked for them to keep their nails from ripping? When I was a kid, I remember ads for some yucky tasting substance that was touted as promoting stronger nails. Has anyone used such a product? Should I apply a few coats of clear nail polish? Anything else? I do take Vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Hopeful

Margerie · 03-20-2007, 12:32 PM

Hopeful,

I am right there with you! I used to have the strongest nails. I have tried strengthening polishes- nothing really works. I just give up! Am on Arimidex and herceptin also. Maybe the combination? I was on taxol and herceptin for 12 weeks and my nails were fine. I hope someone has some suggestions. It is really a pain not using your nails as tools. I took them for granted.

tricia keegan · 03-20-2007, 04:39 PM

Although I finished herceptin last November but am taking Arimidex now.
I have the same problem having kept really strong manicured nails right through chemo etc.
Sorry I can't help much but before I began chemo someone gave me some Christian Dior base coat for nails which I used right through treatments so I've just bought some more in case it was that which kept them intact despite the drugs!
Not sure if it'll work but I'll let you know if it does.

Andi · 03-20-2007, 05:35 PM

I have had the same problem. It started when I was doing the Taxol and Herceptin. I finished my herceptin in September but had to start again in January due to a recurrence. My nails never improved during that time (I realize it takes time for nails to grow out). Now that I am back on the herceptin, I figure it is just something I will have to live with. I do use rubber gloves when putting my hands in water for cleaning or doing dishes and that has helped the splitting somewhat.

tousled1 · 03-20-2007, 05:42 PM

I have the same problem since Herceptin. I have found that Sally Hansen Natural Nail Growth Activator helps tremendously.

Jackie · 03-20-2007, 06:55 PM

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.