After 4 rounds of EC chemo each 4 weeks apart I opted out of 12 sessions of Paclitaxol due to heightened risk of peripheral neuropathy as a diabetic type 1 patient.
I then had an elective mastectomy which enabled me to avoid radiotherapy.
I was offered Paclitaxol again after surgery but again refused for the same reason. This was in 2023. My risk of recurrence is recorded as high so I attend my annual screenings, check myself every month, and keep my body and mind as healthy as possible.
N.B. the EC chemo did not shrink my tumour but the 6 months delay before surgery resulted in LVI setting in.
I should emphasise that it was a very personal decision as indeed it must be for each of us.