Physical Functional Side Effects of Taxane Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women 21-70 years old (Women over 70 are offered chemotherapy less frequently because of their risk benefit ratio. Including them would be a selection bias because of their differential underexposure).
• Initiated taxane-based chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or previously untreated metastatic setting.
• The range of exposure to taxane-based chemotherapy will include women on active treatment having received two cycles, to women who are within three months of their last infusion.
• Documented symptoms of CIPN per CTCAE grading criteria (half of sample) or NO symptoms (half of sample) Grade 0 = no CIPN symptoms Grade 1 = mild symptoms Grade 2 = moderate symptoms - prescribed Gabapentin (Neurontin) Grade 3&4= severe symptoms - treated with Gabapentin (Neurontin), treatment plan altered

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physical disabilities - defined by use of assistive devices to complete functional tasks (wheelchair, crutches, prosthetic limbs) prior to starting chemotherapy.
• Current exposure to neurotoxic agents (Navelbine, platinums or other taxanes)
• Pregnancy during chemotherapy treatment
• Diabetes - diagnosed 3 or more years , or insulin dependent, or with clinically established neuropathy
• Previous exposure to chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• HIV positive (high risk for neuropathy)
• Other neurological diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis
• Other pre-existing neuropathy