Does anyone have a problem with losing your big toe nail after chemo

I also lost my toenails when I took TAC; taxol, Adriamycin, Cytoxin. They did grow back and get toenail fungus. I have tried the mentholated ointment, and assorted topicals to no avail. I just try to keep them as clean as possible and trimmed as neatly as possible. I keep trying different things and I am always putting something on them. I just hope it keeps them from getting worse.
My doctor advised against me taking orals, due to possible liver damage.
Are your nails painful? Ingrown?

Mine seem to have stop growing. I am about 18 months out after chemotherapy. Still on targeted therapy for nsc
lung cancer.

My two big toenails have almost returned to normal about 15 months after they fell off.

Yes dealing with both big toe nails one worse than other for three years after chemo both clearing up now just trim and keep clean I found,
also have on again off again hiccups , no improvement no matter what I do
Just be thankful for four extra years had lymphoma b cancer and then melanoma, lost half of one ear and minor surgery in four locations
Just had my first great grand daughter this week
At 86 I am just happy to be alive , keep busy or take at least 45 minute walks five days a week or weed my 300 feet of garden with my two grand children
Smile and be happy
Bob allen

Hello. I have the same problem, just on my right toe. Did the podiatrist say how one might help it along. My toe is so ugly. I wear a colorful bandaid when I wear toe-revealing footwear. Thank you.

Hi @happyabby Welcome to the ugly toe club. 😁 Chemo did a number on all my nails too. I have photos of how I’d use super glue to hold my fingernails down as they grew out. The gap between old growth was annoying as the nails tended to flip up from the bottom and get caught on everything!
At least in my case, nature finally prevailed and around 18 months or so, most were looking fairly normal. Though my toes always look like God put them on as an afterthought! LOL. The colorful bandaid is a great idea! Own it!

By the way, officially, Welcome to Connect. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with the aftermath of chemo but hope you’re recovering wonderfully and the issue is behind you!!

We have many wonderful cancer support groups in Connect. I’d love to help direct you to a relevant group with members who are sharing a similar diagnosis. If you wouldn’t mind sharing more of your story, what brought you to needing chemotherapy?

Hi, my name Julie and my husband is a podiatrist for over 25 years so he has seen everything. I did ask him your question regarding big toe nail. He says toenails and hair are the same thing, keratin. When chemo causes you to lose your hair the same effect happens to your toenails and fingernails. Regarding loose toenails he suggested you have your nail removed, preferably by a podiatrist who knows how to do it properly. We do this procedure many times a week due to ingrown nails or loose nails, and fungal toenails. He numbs the skin around your big toe so you do not feel the injection of numbing medication. He places a tourniquet around base of toe to control bleeding, usually hardly any, and then removes nail. He is able to remove the complete nail. This takes all of a few seconds. If you try to hold nail on with bandaid it will usually get caught on something and rip off. When this happens some of the nail bed might be left and cause pain and infection. Also when nail grows without be completely removed it will cause pain, usually infection and more trouble than it’s worth. Especially if you have diabetes of poor circulation. Almost all insurance plans pay for this procedure. At our office for those who do not have insurance we have always worked something out. Doc says it takes about 6 months to completely grow out. ( this is the time for the colored bandaid!) same with fingernails only less time to grow out depending on health status. The toe is sore for few days. Everyone is able to wear shoes, sandals might be more comfortable but we have many people who go back to work next day in steel toe boots. The healing process takes longer and more painful if you let toe get infected, or torn off. NO lose nail will ever grow out normally by being left alone. The blood supply has been compromised so better and cheaper to take care of it sooner than later. I have had toenails removed due to fungus, it is truly not that bad. (Thinking about it is worse than getting it done) Everyone remember, just the same as your hair falling out and growing back, toenails work same way. We all have that period of “strange things that happen after chemo and radiation “ things will get better! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to message me. I have a very good source of information sitting on my couch!
Take Care… Julie Hart

Hi Julie! Thank you for great information about nail loss or the danglers…LOL. And what we can do about them. I’m sure your husband could write a book on what he’s seen. My daughter has had to have her big toe nails (each) removed several times due to Roller Derby injuries…of all things! Each time the nails grew back nicely.

I hope this helps members like @happyabby @ bobgallen @dianemb, and countless others who may see some nail damage due to chemo or other medications.

I like that your source is right next to you on the couch! 😁 Thank your husband for his professional input.