Past with Leukemia: dark strips on nail

[thaisnbo04]

Hi there!!

I have a past with Leukemia. It all started in 2002 and in 2004 I was told I was well and all treatments receded. Then I was hit with early menopause and had to try for a baby with fertility drugs for almost a year. Nothing. I'm on Vivelle Patch now for hormone replacement therapy. I'm 26. Recently I've noticed some dark vertical strips on both my toe nails as well as in my hand. I did go to a primary care was told it's not fungus. He suggested that I'd see a dermatologist. He asked for a basic blood test, which came back ok. Nothing unusual. I have no insurance and cannot afford to keep going to doctors if this is not anything serious. I took it that it's nothing very serious, for he didn't sound very alarmed at all. The internet is not being very helpful, for the only thing that comes up is that this is a symptom of Melanoma. But I'm fine otherwise, and I feel wonderful. What other causes are there for these dark vertical strips on the nail? Could this be side effect from all the drugs I've taken? Or a hormone imbalance? What could these strips be other then Melanoma? I would love to take care of it!! Attached is a picture. I have 5 other nails like that. Thank you very much!!!!

[kmil1999]

If you watch the newspaper, during the summer someplaces have free skin cancer screenings.  You may be able to get a dermatologist to at least look at it and tell you if you need to get it checked out further.  If it would be melanoma, the sooner the better to find out.  ~K

[thaisnbo04]

Dear Lifesholder,

Thank you so much for the answer!! I apologize it has taken me so long to answer. I tried not to worry about everything for a while, but as new strips appear, I'm back to worrying.
Yes. They all appeared after the HRT started. I believe I started the HRT in March and I noticed the first dark nail in October, 08. At first it appeared as a faint straight line on my pink toe. Then I noticed one on my index finger--this one very close to the nail fold--which looks almost like dirt in a vertical line. Then that cosmetic doctor noticed the other one on my big toe. Just last week I found another very fain line on my middle finger.
I hope it's fungus. Or something else, for that matter, as I cannot possibly afford treatment for anything else.
Why did you ask about the timing of the HRT? Do you have a theory of your own?

Once again, thank you so so very much for your help!!

[lifeshoulder]

the dark vertical strips on the nail only came out after you received the hormone replacement therapy? Where else can you find dark strips or something?
because the strips aren't in a single place, the likelihood of melanoma i think is small.