Doctors can't do much to prevent neuropathy from developing, but one medication, amifostine (Ethyol), has been shown to protect nerves and tissues from damage when given to patients before chemotherapy begins. If possible, before beginning chemotherapy, talk to the doctor about which chemotherapy agent she plans to use and, if it's one that's likely to cause neuropathy, request amifostine, as well.

A few small recent studies have shown that the minerals calcium and magnesium, given intravenously as part of hydration during chemotherapy, can help prevent neuropathy. This is also worth discussing with the doctor ahead of time.