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Pam,
I had gemzar and cisplatin and for me it was a very, very easy regime. But then I am only 35 with no other health problems. You could ask the doctor to start your father on both and if it is too much, he can drop one. Cisplatin is very hard on the kidneys so perhaps that is the reason they are holding off. The chemo combo also takes about 6 hours to administer so that also might be a factor.

I am determined to take the most aggressive approach, but  I am young and relatively healthy. There is always the decision between quanitity and quality. Perhaps you and your dad need to have this discussion before talking to the doctor.

I am sure your dad and doctor will make the right decision.

Kris

Thanks for the posts....to answer a few questions....my dad is 75 with multiple health problems.  The oncologist he is seeing is well recommended.  She has viewed all operating notes from my dads attempted surgery.  I believe she has chosen gemzar only because she believes it will give him quality time.  I guess I wanted to know if there is anyone out there who has had gemzar only and what has been the result?  Ex: how was it tolerated?did it keep biliruben levels down?  Did it manage pain well?  Extend life?  Etc....

Dear Pam, Teddy is going to be 78 and I tell you "to chemo or not to chemo" even Palliative was the most agonizing decision he has had to make. He decided he didn't want any chemo and opted for quality of life. No one could promise no side effects from the chemo and he felt he had, had enough. We were told by 2 doctors it would only MAYBE give him an extra month or 2 and that was not good enough to him. I will tell you this, once the decision is made there is a relief either way because the unknown is over. And once the decision was made  the doctors and the family let him know they understood and agreed. I can fully understand your what you are going through right now but stay strong and soon you have to make the decision and then get on with the living for dad.  Either way. It is such a personal decision. I have always told my kids when in a quandry, to make a list of pros and cons and see which side is longer.
Much luck in the decision.

This must have been a nasty blow to you all.  I'm sending loads of best wishes for a swift recovery from the infection & for the rest of his treatment.

Julia

Hello Pam,

        I completed nine rounds of Gemzar (gemcitibine) in March,2010.  Fatigue,evening fevers,some nausea and lack of appetite were my primary complaints. My wife made smoothies daily, papaya and pineapple were my favorites. Gemzar was chosen as a conservative, palliative measure.  I believe Gemzar afforded me the best opportunity to live the life I choose.

Best wishes,
 
  John Thomas