Ed, if it were me, I would NOT allow that doctor to give me any more cisplatin, not even a half dose. If you have already suffered hearing loss it could make it worse. How can that doctor tell you it wont? That does NOT sound correct at all. If he insists you do the half dose I would ask him if he would be willing to stake his reputation on this and put it in writing that he is 100% certain by you taking the half dose of cisplatin it will not further your hearing loss. I would bet anything he wont step up and back his opinion with a letter. Carboplatin has been shown to work as well as cisplatin so I dont understand this doctors insistence on you continuing with cisplatin when it has already caused you problems.

Get your hearing checked to see how much of a loss you already have and then get it checked about a week after the 3rd dose. That is IF you really want to risk any more hearing by this guys promises. If he can guarantee you wont suffer any more loss only then should you allow any more cisplatin. remember, he works for YOU!

Be very careful!!!!!

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile