Hi Nick,

Sorry to hear about the recurrence. Given distant mets and the chemo options offered, it seems like the MO is treating this as palliative rather than curative treatment.

Your mother's current health and strength would be factors and it sounds like the recommended option is less toxic.

I had taxotere, 5-FU and cisplatin together on a three week cycle. It is a very rough treatment as others can testify. I had carboplatin weekly during radiation and that was a breeze, really felt no chemo side effects.

You did not mention how many cycles of chemo for her treatment. If it is longer term, then that tilts the decision to the lower toxic option.

The question I would be asking is the difference in effectiveness of the two treatments in reducing the cancer. If they both reduce the cancer but at different rates, then the less toxic option seems acceptable.

Ultimately, your doctor has all the data and expertise and if you trust him/her, then accept his recommendation. If you feel like having another opinion then get one as it certainly can not hurt; although, it might offer other options and make your decision more difficult.

Good luck