Did Chemotherapy with "Red Devil" Affect Your Nails?

Hi Karen . Yea . My fingernail got super dark in color but I will start to disappear after you complete treatment

Same my toe nails darkened, also subsided after a couple of months of finishing treatment

I am loosing two toenails and possibly two fingers nails - the are dark in color

Karen, On 3 months of Adriamycin, every 2 weeks, my finger nails became a bit hard, thick, and darkened. I was very weak, low blood counts, headaches, nauseous, and rashes but I was prescribed medications that really helped me tolerate the chemo. Overall, no big deal. My problem was when I was placed on oral chemo, Xeloda, and had sore nose, lips as blisters, and the loss of my toe nails, developing severe foot and toe blisters that needed debrided by podiatrist and a surgical boot. I got through the annoying chemo, as side effects are “temporary” as this chemo made the tumor disappear. Best wishes and prayers to you. 🙏

Yes, my two big toenails turned black. Very slowly a little less black as all done with that Adriamycin. My toenails and fingernails grew at lighting speed during treatment, and had to keep Clipping every 10 days. Very low blood counts, which put me in the hospital for a five day stay at one point. Continuous fever that would not go away, while in hospital. Had to monitor my temp daily for months. Glad I am all done with the A/C treatment, . My cancer is “ gone” but going in for a lumpectomy in 9 days to be sure. You do have to be a “ warrior” thru all of this. And never stop advocating for yourself.

Irene r issues with xeluda. Terrible diarrhea did you have any of that

No, was not on that med, had one violent episode of diarrhea only. I was lucky. Keep on going. It was a challenging journey. I had my lumpectomy a week ago. NO cancer found. Nothing in lymph nodes. I am so blessed, do please never give up hope!

Many people in the community have experienced nail changes during chemotherapy treatment, and it's helpful to connect with others who understand what you're going through. Nail effects can vary from person to person, so hearing about different experiences might give you a better sense of what to expect or discuss with your care team.