Markus,

I don't feel that anything is getting "out of hand." I think all viewpoints are needed...I would have appreciated a thread like this when we were trying to make our decision. I also don't expect that everyone would make the same decision...I just wanted to clarify our position.

I think we all feel that "it is easier to avoid damage, if possible, than to try to fix or compensate for it later." But in response to a life or death decision, easier isn't always better.

Please note that we did not go against our physicians recommendations to do this course of treatment; it was presented as an option and it was a joint decision. We are prepared to make a change if any noticable hearing problems arise as they did in your case. Hopefully we will have some warning. So far, everything is OK.

Thank you for your viewpoint and good luck in your recovery.

Deb