The above picture is obviously what I aspire to but reality is displayed below! It is around a month since I posted Nail envy.. caring for nails after chemotherapy . This time I am going to review my efforts at caring for my nails and see If there is any improvement in their condition. I took the calcium tablets as planned and my nails do seem a bit stronger but they still continue to flake at the tips. A month ago I certainly wouldn’t have been able to keep them at the length shown below but I know an hour in the garden will still have them in flitters! Ho hum. I’m not ready to go to the beautician for a shellac treatment yet as I know from previous experience it will only weaken my nails further. It is over a year since I last had a shellac treatment but I hope by the Summer my nails will be much improved.
Below is a picture demonstration of how I apply nail polish to enhance the appearance of my hands and nails.
Bare nails
Above is the current state of my nails without any product on them. Below I have inserted a picture with the cuticle remover, nail strengthen and nail polish that I used on the next few pictures.
The next picture was taken after applying cuticle remover and nail strengthener. I applied the cuticle remover first and then waited a couple of minutes. Once softened I gently pushed back the cuticles. If you are still on chemo be careful here and be extra gentle. There is no point in creating unnecessary cuts which may become a pathway for infection! I then filed my nails and applied nail strengthener to them. Nail strengthener, for me anyway, acts similar to “Polyfilla” by filling in any ridges and smoothing the surface of my nails thus creating a base for the nail polish. It is not entirely smooth but as you can see, it is a big improvement on my bare nails!
And finally after three coats of nail polish
I know, not perfect but infinitely better than leaving them bare! The reason I went for the pale shade was simply because I find when the condition of my nails isn’t great, the paler colours are more forgiving and any indentations seem to disappear. An added bonus, of course, I’m sure you are aware of is that it allows for shaky hands when applying!.
I am still striving for perfectly manicured nails. Hopefully I am a step closer!
mytriplenegativelife 
Hello. I enjoyed reading your experience with your nails. I was also diagnosed as having triple negative breast cancer. I’m about 9 months out of treatment except for taking the 5 years of letrazol pills. My nails are still a mess. I will try the steps you used to help getting your nails back. I too miss the nails I had before my chemo began. I would like to ask if you know anything about (I believe it’s called) organic nail polish. Thank you for your experience with your nails.
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Hi there! I am pleased that you found my post useful. Patience is key when it comes to nails after chemo! They will improve with time but I have found that they do need more care now than prior to treatment. Nail strengthener really helps when used continuously and recently I am using cuticle oil on both hand and feet nails. I haven’t come across any organic nail polish and just use regular brands. If you know any chemical-free brands I would be interested to try them out. I try to avoid acetone in nail polish remover as it tends to weaken my nails further! Best wishes for your recovery, take care
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