As you know, I've opted for a very aggressive tx which so far has been successful. I am now researching and planning the next step,chemo/radiation therapy. I been trying to find info on two very important options for me, but haven't been successful.
Here are my questions:
1. Induction therapy has been very successful. I asked the doctor about doing 4 cycles instead of 3. He said that 3 was sufficient. Has anyone read any info about 3 vs 4 cycles?

2. My chemo doctor wants to use Carboplatin to sensitize the cancer cells to radiation. I have used Cisplatin as part of my induction therapy with little little problems, but he does not want to use it. Are the side effects of the combination of Cisplatin and IRMT compounded. My doctor obviously wants to lessen side effects. My concern is Carboplatin just as effective?????

I still intend to research this more, but with the wealth of experience and knowledge on this list, someone may be able to assist me.

Thanks
Sandy

As far as I know both the platinum based chemos work the same way and that is to make the cancer cells more killable, if you will, by the radiation. It increases the kill rate by an estimated 20+-% depending upon who gives the answer and certainly the patient. Carbo has shown to be less toxic but has not been studied, evaluated and used as much as Cis so that's why Cis is still the platinum chemo of choice. I ended up with permanent high frequency hearing loss and they stuck with Cis.

In research I've discovered that another combination is Carboplatin and Taxol, which is also very much like Cisplatin and Texatere (but maybe not as toxic with radiation). I have to ask.

Maybe it's me, but sometimes I feel that doctors get on a certain treatment regimen, and really don't look at the various options. I know that happened to me with induction therapy. My doctor was going to put me automatically on Cisplain and radiation until I questioned more aggressive options. So, to be honest, I'm don't trust doctors 100%.

My doctor is very good, but I don't really click with him. He seems sparse with information.

Sandy

I know a person who just had a bilateral neck disection and a sponge was left inside his neck.............so, we are all human---the doctor, the attorney, the secretary, the stay at home mom, and the professor, etc...............you are right not to trust 100%...........................Claudia

Claudia, from what I read in your posts, you are really into this research and are ready for your MD test soon. Good job there gal. J/JK about the test.

I had one of the top Dr at OSU CCC and I would say maybe safe saying closer to 90%. But what would we do without them??

LOL. You make me laugh and god only knows how I need to laugh. Part 2, Why are you doing this again to me??? What is J/JK ? Don't you know that I cannot think anymore. I am all consumed with Peg Tubes, mouthwashes, chemo,Drs appointments, Pet Scans, full time job, a dog, a cat, a motherinlaw that lives with me, and I'm trying to DIET !!! Claudia

Jim. I can't stop laughing for some reason.......Clod

J/K means just kidding. Heck, I don't know all of the initials either or even any of them , Gald I could make you smile tho

Sandy,

I don't think we should use the term trust by itself. Perhaps blind trust is a better way to describe what you are fearing. Many patients, even some that come here put the blinding trust in just the first doctor they see; some, like me, get 5 different opinions before they think the're ready to decide. I firmly believe that we must be our patient advocate or at least have one that is willing to help us and of course we must trust them, sometimes blindly.

I do think that the majority of doctors do care about us and outside of the CCC's I believe they stick to the Tx plans called for by their profession. That's why we encourage multiple opinions especially for those that come to this site not under the care of a CCC.