Would like to hear some of you weigh in on a tough decision we have to make regarding chemo. Husband has significant hearing loss in his right ear from what was finally characterized as some sort of "vascular incident" in the auditory artery. In other words a small stroke that cut off blood supply. Gave him terrible vertigo temporarily and loss of hearing permanently. This occurred 6 years ago. No other health problems since. Till now.

With his recent DX, we are looking at rad and chemo....cisplatin being the top choice but the docs are leary because its well known side effects. Carboplatin w/ taxol is what is being touted by the local MO but RO at our CCC (went there for 2nd opinion--only saw an RO and surgeon) concerned that he needs more "aggressive" treatment. It is a hard call.

Can anyone direct me to studies comparing the two and the outcomes. At our first consult with the local MO, carboplatin was presented as a great alternative but I am worried now that it is not as effective and that we are choosing hearing over life expectancy. We talk to both docs next week to begin the tx's but I would like to hear what you guys have to say.

Thanks, Deb