After radiation : Hello, I just... - SHARE Breast Canc...

SHARE Breast Cancer Support

2,435 members871 posts

After radiation

shanikab1 profile image
20 Replies

Hello,

I just finished 20 rounds of radiation and after my 15th round I got an infection in my nail. They did a culture and it turned out to be ecoli in my nail. But now I am noticing all of my nails are getting infected and is pretty much going to fall off. Just weird. Has this happened to anyone? As far as the nails falling off?

Written by
shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
20 Replies
VicReg profile image
VicRegPartner

I'm sorry to hear that, by any chance were you on Taxol? What is your radiation oncologist saying?

shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1 in reply toVicReg

Hello! Thank you for responding. Yes, I finished in March. My radiation nurse states she has seen it with chemo but not radiation. I thought it was just an isolated incident because I did originally jam my nail but now it’s literally 4 nails with the same issue.

VicReg profile image
VicRegPartner in reply toshanikab1

I've heard of it happening later on with Taxol, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist.

shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1 in reply toVicReg

Thannk you so much! I was just told to do that! Thanks a bunch!

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15

Hi! I have 30 rounds of radiation and one high dose of radiation in my spine. Are you taking anything to keep your immune system strong? Its important to keep your immune system strong and your white cell? Are they went down? My went down when I start taking ibrance and i am getting cold sore every week in my mouth but not big infections. But I do take colostrum plus to help me with my immune system and other supplements. You get infections when your white cells and immune are weak due to radiation or meds, so you need your system get strong again so your body can fight back!

shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1 in reply toNmartinez15

Hello! I’m currently not taking anything as I am so nervous to take anything outside of treatment. Everything has been such a scare. My cell count has still been low since chemo. I am currently taking Tamoxifen, herceptin and perjeta. I do get minor sores in my mouth. I’m nervous about my nails falling off. Not so much the appearance, it just hurts. I’m not sure what’s going on.

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15 in reply toshanikab1

Do you have chemo or radiation? Because I hear from another lady that she lost her nails after chemo. I dont think radiation could cause that, but I could be wrong. You need to keep your immune system strong! I took transfer factor plus all the way thru my treatments bc I wanted to reduce the side effect. At least a little bit!!! I didnt get sick at all during all my treatments. I do have side effect but it could have been worse without the transfer factor plus (aka colostrum). I asked my radiation doctor and the nurse too and they were okay with me to take. They actually knew about this supplement.

shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1 in reply toNmartinez15

I had both and I’m finished now. I am going to look into that supplement. Thank you so much!

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15 in reply toshanikab1

It could be side effects of chemo then....

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15 in reply toshanikab1

My white cell count is low but what really affect my count was ibrance more than radiation. It went down to 1.4 and the doctor told me to stop them. They are getting up again but slowly. I suggest you to work in your immune system to help u fight any infection. Also, ask the doctor what u can do to avoid further infection in your nails. Can you cover it? Ask them.

shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1 in reply toNmartinez15

I’ve been wearing gloves :(

Nmartinez15 profile image
Nmartinez15 in reply toshanikab1

Have you try CBD? I have been using for the cold sore. And other things! Like help me to sleep and headaches.

shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1 in reply toNmartinez15

I have not but will look into it. Thank you so much!

anrean profile image
anrean in reply toshanikab1

Losing your nails after chemo makes sense. How long ago was the chemo, and when did you start losing your nails? I would talk to your oncologist and perhaps get a 2nd opinion from someone else. We lose our hair and nails because those are fast-growing. I lost hair and nails from chemo - lost hair right away and it took awhile for the nails to die. I had radiation, then chemo - it sounds like you had chemo and then radiation; it is possible that the radiation was too much for your body to handle, and if you had not had radiation after chemo you would have been able to keep your nails. Praying things get straightened out for you

VStrong profile image
VStrong

I'm sorry you are going through this. I lost a few nails from CT chemotherapy for breast cancer but not from the radiation. My fingers and toes did hurt at times too but I promise you it will get better! I did crystal sound healing and acupuncture to help me get through it all and it seemed to help. I also kept my fluids up to help flush the toxins. If you do try CBP or other supplements I recommend running it by your pharmacologist just to be sure it is safe with any other meds or your particular type of cancer. Everyone is different. Wishing you quick healing!

shanikab1 profile image
shanikab1 in reply toVStrong

Thank you so much! How are you doing?

VStrong profile image
VStrong

I'm doing great. Just celebrated one year since my radiation ended. Taking Tamoxifen now.

Carmenmari2 profile image
Carmenmari2

Plz keep me infrom dont know. Just had my 3rd chemo will have after 20 to 35 raditation treatment .and i get my nails done and just notice on discored alittle

sharon1014 profile image
sharon1014

I lost some nails after chemo

dyevooshka profile image
dyevooshka

My nails began to get ridges and started peeling and shredding but are better now. Keep them as short as possible. Moisturize heavily at night and wear cotton gloves. They are recovering. Make sure to do dishes with gloves on. Good luck.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Decision: Should I Do Radiation?

I had my first visit with the radiation oncologist yesterday and he’s leaving it up to me to decide...
Tinydancer1 profile image

Radiation

Hi - just finished radiation and my skin is so sore. Any tips?
sharon1014 profile image

Radiation??

I go tomorrow for a CT/planning meeting with my Radiation Oncologist. Don't really know what to...
Mabethea profile image

Radiation

I am starting whole breast radiation a week from today on the left side. The worse potential side...
Sagebud profile image

Radiation Sessions

I am considering proton therapy radiation for my DICS cancer found in the left breast. Six months...
AVOCADOtastes profile image

Moderation team

See all
Jslanovich profile image
JslanovichAdministrator
Well1501 profile image
Well1501Moderator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.