I am a healthcare provider and a breast cancer survivor. As a patient - you have the right to choose. Some providers are uncomfortable with that, but its your choice, not theirs. I would recommend that you talk it through with your oncologist and make sure that YOU understand the risks and benefits. Be open about your concerns and questions.

I finished my cheno on Aug 1st (a-c, then taxol). Overall taxol was easier to cope with. I've had some neuropathy in my fingers & toes, but it's fairly mild & it comes & goes. I've been taking glutamine as well as Vit. B6 & B12. My nurses have recommended staying on the glutamine for about 6 mo. post chemo. It is one thing that has shown to be helpful in preventing neuropathy. It's in a powder form & can be mixed in w/ yogurt, pudding as well as juice etc. Tasteless but kind of gritty. Maybe ask your healthcare providers about it. :)

And, oh yes, I do have neuropathy on my feet and very mildly on my finger tips. I finished my treatments six years ago. I am just happy to be alive, I don't mind the neuropathy because the rest of me is cancer free!

When I finished the original series of treatments outlined at the beginning of my cancer journey, I was given the option of receiving additional chemo drugs. There was no consensus at the time among health professionals as to whether the additional meds actually reduced chances of a recurrence. I spoke with my primary care physician and a nurse with whom I had become fairly close. Both of them told me that I should take advantage of every possible treatment. Their reasoning was that IF I didn't do the additional chemotherapy AND there were to be a recurrence, I would blame myself for not having done EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to avoid a recurrence. So, I opted for additional chemo treatments. To date, I still choose to take advantage of every possible treatment. (My Stage 2B ILC was diagnosed in 2005.)

I would say be very sure to get a second and even third opinion. I am also a healthcare provider and realize they know their profession better then I do! By the way, AC is really rough and Taxol is better. It makes you tired mostly.