Hi dear Fryer -- I'm 63, also female, and also had breast cancer - had a lumpectomy and radiation for 6 weeks.
I also have neuropathy, and I'm NOT on Gabapentin cause it didn't work worth a darn for me, plus it made me retain water ALOT and it also made me feel loopy!
I'm on Topamax 400mg. per day, and I have NO PAIN. It took away ALL the burning, zapping, everything! I've been on it quite awhile, and I haven't needed a dose increase! It works great for me! And I don't retain water, and I don't feel loopy like I did on Gabapentin! Topamax works MUCH better for me than Gabapentin did.
Maybe you need to try something else! Ask your doctor. Tell him the Gabapentin isn't working very well, and you still have pain. I sure would. I wouldn't suffer like that. No way.
I wish you the very best. If you have any questions about Topamax or anything else, or just want to talk, please feel free to message me, ok? God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee