Toenail

kya911
kya911 Member Posts: 157
in Breast Cancer #1
I am losing my toenail.
Should I see my foot Dr or just let nature take its course. Dr taking it off
It is painful to walk on, but I can,t stand the thought of the Dr taking it off.
Has this happened to anyone else. What did you do about it?

You would think going though chemo & now doing rads I could handle Dr taking nail off.

Comments

  • BioAdoptMom
    BioAdoptMom Member Posts: 358
    #2
    It's just my opinion, but if
    It's just my opinion, but if you are not in pain or especially uncomfortable with it, I would let nature take its course. If it is bothering you, see a podiatrist to see if it needs to come off. They do this stuff everyday and I would much rather have one of them do it than a regular doctor. Good luck to you! I have had two removed and it wasn't fun, though those were not coming off, just ingrown and infected.

    Nancy
  • linpsu
    linpsu Member Posts: 747
    #3
    BioAdoptMom said:

    It's just my opinion, but if
    It's just my opinion, but if you are not in pain or especially uncomfortable with it, I would let nature take its course. If it is bothering you, see a podiatrist to see if it needs to come off. They do this stuff everyday and I would much rather have one of them do it than a regular doctor. Good luck to you! I have had two removed and it wasn't fun, though those were not coming off, just ingrown and infected.

    Nancy

    toenails
    Nine of mine came off by themselves without any help from me, except maybe a little bit of pulling when they were just hanging on by a corner - didn't hurt at all. However, my big toenail did get an infection underneath as it was loosening and had to be removed by a podiatrist. So if you see anything odd, like pus or blood, or have lots of pain, you should get to a dr. Good luck, Linda
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #4
    linpsu said:

    toenails
    Nine of mine came off by themselves without any help from me, except maybe a little bit of pulling when they were just hanging on by a corner - didn't hurt at all. However, my big toenail did get an infection underneath as it was loosening and had to be removed by a podiatrist. So if you see anything odd, like pus or blood, or have lots of pain, you should get to a dr. Good luck, Linda

    Lost 3 toe nails --
    My opinion .. leave toe nail alone, until it falls off naturally .. or lifts enoughs that you can snapped it off.

    Keep feet clean and dry, wearing 100% cotton socks to protect newly nail-less toe (s). I also used daily .. Iodine wash after showering to avoid infections, and protect newly exposed tissue.

    You may want to call your Oncologist and see what he/she suggests.

    Best of Luck ..

    Vicki Sam
  • tricianl
    tricianl Member Posts: 3
    #5
    Toenail
    I experienced the same problem after I started my chemo. I soak my feet in warm Epson salt water daily. Its important to keep the nail moistened and it eases the pain. Then just let nature take her course my friend.
  • Double Whammy
    Double Whammy Member Posts: 2,832 Member
    #6
    tricianl said:

    Toenail
    I experienced the same problem after I started my chemo. I soak my feet in warm Epson salt water daily. Its important to keep the nail moistened and it eases the pain. Then just let nature take her course my friend.

    Where are you in your treatment?
    It's almost 8 months since my last chemo and my fingernails are no longer peeling and completely normal, but just yesterday I lost a toenail. Only my big toenails seem to have been effected. Finally lost the left one, waiting on the right one. I'm hoping the slow growing/falling off of my toenails means there's still a chance all my hair will return!

    Suzanne
  • kya911
    kya911 Member Posts: 157
    #7
    Double Whammy said:

    Where are you in your treatment?
    It's almost 8 months since my last chemo and my fingernails are no longer peeling and completely normal, but just yesterday I lost a toenail. Only my big toenails seem to have been effected. Finally lost the left one, waiting on the right one. I'm hoping the slow growing/falling off of my toenails means there's still a chance all my hair will return!

    Suzanne

    I finished
    chemo March 16 2010
    Doing last 1/2 of rads.
    Hair is coming back in.
    It is about @ the 5 O'clock shadow stage.
  • poplolly
    poplolly Member Posts: 346
    #8
    Kya-
    My toenail didn't come
    Kya-

    My toenail didn't come completely off, but if I'd had one more treatment I think it would have. It was my big toenail. I'm now trying to "save" since my treatment is over. A foot doctor might be able to give you some relief.
  • wndringmnd
    wndringmnd Member Posts: 44
    #9
    my fingernails began falling off when I started chemo. first
    they turned dark brown and black and as they grew out they started to fall out. I heard that might happen. I can't wait til they grow back in naturally so I can get a manacure.
    love
    marilyn

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