Sore toenails from Taxol

I had taxol for my four final infusions.  It was then that I had a bit of neuropathy in two of my little toes on one foot.  I did have discoloration on my toenails as well as a rough area that went from my left foot up to my ankle bone.  I had a bit of peely feet on the edges and around the toes.  I did what I could to keep my feet from developing cracks, as I had seen that with one of my friends.  I used lotion (and wore socks) to keep that from happening.

Eventually, the toenails got back to normal as they grew out after I finished chemo.  I wasn't sure what to expect, as they were really weird-looking.

jessiesmom1 said:

Loss of Toenails and Fingernails

The taxane class of drugs includes both Taxol and Taxotere. I had 12 rounds of Taxotere (plus 4 rounds of A/C). I was told that problems with the nails are pretty common with those drugs. In my case I completely lost 8 of 10 fingernails and the toenails on both my big toes. First they became somewhat discolored and ridged. Then they seemed to separate from the nail beds. At that point I very carefully cut them off. They were likely to get caught on things and rip off. I felt it was safer to just remove them. It was not painful. It did look strange. All the nails eventually grew back. Especially as a diabetic you are right to be especially careful of infections to the extremities. I would suggest that make your oncologist as well as the doctor who manages your diabetes aware of any issues you have with your nails. If you do have issues you can get treatment earlier rather than later. Good luck.

 

IRENE

Talk with your Oncologist about this .....be proactive.    We lose our hair and our nails because they are made of Protein and chemo halts all growth for a day or so....that is why we get the white lines across our finger nails and look like we are Raccoons....and sometimes we totally lose the nail........but it will grow back.   Take good care and sending Prayers for Strength and Courage....  xxoo  Glo