My guess is that it is a few things.

First, if you've had lymph nodes out (which most of us have) it is a lymphedema risk. Even if you just get a plain old manicure, they are cutting cuticles and buffing your nails pretty hard, which opens up tiny wounds on your fintertips. Since our hands come in contact with alot of surfaces and germs, there is the fear that they could get infected... which could lead to lymphedema.

Every time I got fake nails before I had my lymph nodes out (just 4 or 5 times) they can tend to weaken your actual fingernail and make it softer. So getting acrylic nails will not improve your existing fingernail issues and could make it worse.

I had the same issues with my fingernails for about a year after treatment. It eventually cleared up. Some ladies say to use tea tree oil on your cuticle as it makes your nails grow faster (and could hopefully make them healthier).

Here is an article on some ways to help make a healthier nail:
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/mo...

Good luck!

my fingernails never fell off, they just got really soft and will break so easily, sometimes they break off so short and till i get all the rough edge filed and clipped, there is nothing left, it is down to the skin. But I will keep plugging away at this, just not use any acrylic nails. I dont go to a salon at all, never have. But I appreciate so much all the input I have received on this. Ive learned things I didnt know before.

My friend got a lymphodema after she got her nails done. Be careful!

I have very short nails and wanted to get an acrylic set put on..you know to make me feel pretty thru my chemo and bald head but Doc said no.. always the chance of fungal infection between the nail and fake nail. oh well. I heard alot of women complain of nail getting lose in the beds. I can just imagine hitting the fake nail and losing both. ouch!

Yes but wait for all the striated nail to grow out and healthy nail to grow in. During treatment keep nails as short as possible and don't go to any salon as this may introduce unwanted bacteria to a lowered immune system. This is what MD Anderson recommends.