Tamoxifen side effects

[HazelLynn]

Hi, I am now two months into taking Tamoxifen and for the past five days experienced the strangest sensation in my left calf muscle, it has been pulsating non stop.  Last night the same thing happened below my armpit on the side of my mastectomy - all the muscles seem to be trembling - is this a side effect of Tamoxifen ??  now I am starting to worry if it could be the onset of blood clots etc.  Also today the numbness in my mastectomy side seemed much more, is it normal to have sensation changes.???

Thank you
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi thank you for your reply -its pretty worrying. Is Thrombosis life threatening?  My appointment to see the doctor is on the 11th June - is this too far away?  If it is due to the Tamoxifen, will they take it off me, and if so, what can they give me to stop recurrences? I am 48 pre menopausal.  Was very early stage 1 bc with lumpectomy and then clean mastectomy and 13 lymph nodes taken away - there had been 1mm of microinvasion - but it was grade 3 - what can they do for me?

Sorry, in a bit of a panic.
Hazel

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

These symptoms that you are experiencing may indeed be  due to the tamoxifen but the best course of action for now, is to ensure that this is not due to thrombotic phenomenon or blood clots which is the more serious etiology.  I suggest that you inform your doctor about this to have it evaluated.  He may request venous doppler scans if he would have a high index of suspicion for thrombosis.  For now, have adequate rest and avoid trauma to the area.

Regards and God bless.