Hypocalcemia from Chemotherapy

[Irishgal2]

I finished 4 cycles of AC chemo at then end of August this year.  2 weeks ago I finished 6.5 weeks of radiotherapy.  I have been feeling not myself for the past few weeks with pins and needles feeling in my hands and feet on and off and a weakness in my limbs.  My bloods were tested last week and I showed lower than normal levels of calcium and higher levels of phosphate.  This could indicate that I have hypocalcemia.  I am getting my bloods checked again next week.  I also have an underactive thyroid function which is medicated but chemo kind of messed that around a bit.  My thyroid came back fine but did show that it has been overactive in the recent past.  Can hypocalcemia been a side effect of the chemotherapy, I saw something on the internet?  Your help would be appreciated.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
A bone scan is usually done at the beginning of treatment and then on follow up either annually or depending on the symptoms . What could be done is you take calcium and alphacalcidiol in consultation with your physician. Get a repeat blood calcium level done after 2 months, and on the basis of your symptoms and the blood reports discuss about getting a repeat scan with your physician. You also need to have an adequate protein intake and do get your thyroid function tests checked regularly. The Vitamin B 12 and methylcobalamin should also help. Goodluck.

[Irishgal2]

Thank you for your response.  I had a bone scan 6 months ago before I started chemo.  I was Stage 1, node negative, ER/PR positive, Her2neg breast cancer.  My bone scan was clear at the time.  Do you suggest doing another one?

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You need to discuss with the doctor about calcium supplements and alphacalcidiol. Also take methylcobalamin and vit B12 supplements.Ask your doctor if he thinks a bone scan should be done. Keep your thyroid function tests in the normal range and get them checked every 6 months and get the dosage of medication changed accordingly. The exact cause of the hypocalcemia cannot be said with certainty until further investigations are done. Discuss with your doctor about this in detail. Goodluck.