I think the main problem with a lot of people is the use of cisplatin -- my husband Barry is getting the newer platinoid drug (carboplatin) which acts in about the same way as a cancer radiosensitizer and is FAR less toxic, as well as being easier to administer. When people ask him how he's handling the chemo, he says "it's been a non-issue." There is less data on efficacy, which is why a lot of doctors still use cisplatin. Barry was willing to take the chance...

An aside. Last spring we gave (palliative) chemotherapy to one of our dogs who had breast cancer. In discussing which drugs to use with the veterinary oncologist, she strongly recommended using carboplatin over cisplatin (although it was more expensive) because of cis' s toxicity and reaction issues. In other words, don't use this on a dog. The dog got carbo and had no problems either. So we were already alerted to the issues with cisplatin when Barry's cancer was diagnosed.

His problems with treatment have primarily been with the radiation, such as mouth and throat soreness, thrush, etc. as well as fatigue although that's not been too severe yet (he's only finishing 4th week).

Gail