Long-term drug side effects? Taxotere, cytoxin

Long-term side effects?
I concluded chemotherapy (cytoxin and taxotere), double mastectomy, bilateral ooph and hysterectomy and breast reconstruction in 2007 at age 46. I had a 1 centimeter lump with no spread to nodes, but am BRCA1 with estrogen sensitive tumor.
Question: I have had mild edema since that period, but 6 months ago, it suddenly became severe, particularly in my legs and ankles. Nobody seems to know where it comes from or why. Lasix seems to help somewhat but only temporarily.
I am currently on tamoxifen, calcium, potassium, as well as Pristique, clonazapam, simvastatin and trazadone - quite a cocktail. All kidney, liver, lung and cardiac (also thyroid) tests are normal. Cancer has not returned as far as we can tell.
I am very limited by this and also very uncomfortable. On bad days my entire body swells and can gain 5 pounds. I have cut salt.
Is there anywhere I can go for assistance with this?

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

Sorry to hear what you're going through!

I don't have any answers, just some possible lines of investigation:

One step might be to make sure someone carefully evaluates the "drug cocktail" you are on, for both side effects and interactions. For example, three of them, tamoxifen, Simvastin, and trazadone, list among their potential side effects "swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs." (I'm not sure if that would only be in acute reaction, or if it could be chronic in the lower extremities--that's where a consultation with a pharmacist or physician with special expertise, such as instructors at a med school, would come in handy.)

Another thought would be to arrange an evaluation regarding the possibility of lymphedema. This can occur in the lower extremites and can be idiopathic, not just in the arm related to BC surgery, with which  many here would be more familiar. (Lasix has little effect on the swelling in the lower extremities when it's due to lymphedema, but special massage therapy techniques and compression can reduce or control it.)

Best wishes...