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Does Chemo For Breast Cancer Cause Issues With Toenails. I've Had 2 Start To Fall Off In The Past 2 Months.

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
St. Louis, MO
December 1, 2024
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A MyBCTeam Member

Yes, it affected my fingernails first, and then hit the toes. I did lose the nails on both big toes, and one I lost twice! They started growing back, but still looked super damaged. I am almost 5 years post treatment and the left one is still discolored on the top half, and the right (which I lost twice) is still discolored top to bottom. But they are not painful, and who knows they may both eventually look better.. My toenails have always been super slow growing, though!

December 1, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks everyone for the information!

December 1, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Unfortunately yes, but they will grow out/back after treatment

December 1, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Yes, chemotherapy for breast cancer can cause issues with toenails. According to my knowledge base:

- Chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin, ixabepilone, and docetaxel can cause nail changes
- These changes include thinning of the nails, drying out of the nail bed, and bruising around the nails.
- Nails may stop growing Show Full Answer

Yes, chemotherapy for breast cancer can cause issues with toenails. According to my knowledge base:

- Chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin, ixabepilone, and docetaxel can cause nail changes.
- These changes include thinning of the nails, drying out of the nail bed, and bruising around the nails.
- Nails may stop growing during treatment, develop ridges, or even fall off.
- It can take about six months to regrow a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail after treatment.

If you notice any concerning changes, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider.

December 1, 2024

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