changing chemos

Hi,
Actually I think your oncologist did his/her homework for your husband’ CCA.
The Gem/Cis is not an universal treatment of choice for ICCA but it is easier to prescribe since that is appear to be the easiest and most prescribed regimen in CCA.

But other regimens work as well as Gem/cis and cause much less side effects.
1.Xeloda( 5FU in oral form) provides patient compliance by the oral route;
2,Oxaliplatin is much less toxic than cisplatin;unlike cisplatin, oxaliplatin is not associated with significant renal(kidney) or auditory toxicity(tinnitus) and hematological toxicity (blood cells) is usually mild .
3.Both platium agents will cause nausea and vomiting but usually it will be taking care by the pre-chemotherapy antinausea medications, such as Aloxi,Zofran and Decadron .
4. Both platium agents will elevate the hepatic enzymes and bilirubin and the same apply to both capecitabine and gemcitabine.

If the the tumor is “stable”,and nothing else changes significantly, I guess your oncologist wants a consistent (5FU) level from you by asking you to take the Xyloda twice daily after meals.And he/she wants to start use one of the agent from the platium family-oxaliplatin to see whether the result will be better than gemcitabine.
It is a cautious decision and I like your oncologist. In short, every body can recommend the use of GEM/Cis first,but I think your oncologist does more than just that. May I ask what is his/her name and where he/she works?
This is just my opinion, the rest is up to you. remember I am just a patient as your husband havine the same ICCA and I am not a doctor.
God bless.