Hi, Doug,
I've read a little of your history. I'm sorry to hear of the unexpected metastases (sp?). My husband was actually doing his presurgery (RC) scans when they discovered his cancer had spread to liver and bones (hip and spine). He took 7 out of 8 cycles of GC. His side effects were manageable and few. He had no nausea (Zofran was taken prior to each, very important, we think). He didn't lose his hair, although it did thin just a bit. Fatigue came and went, but was often attributed to low red blood count. He received 3 blood transfusions during that time. The regimen was D/C when platelets dropped to a dangerous 13K. Overall, he describes that regimen "a breeze" compared to the ITP he's on now. Oh, and he went for 2 days after each treatment for fluid therapy, religously, which was optional. He thinks that was hugely beneficial. The best part is, that his liver lesions were reduced, lung tumors were undectable and some bone tumor improvement. So....for him... it was definitely worth it since it brought him good life quality until the disease progressed. I wish you the best in whatever treatment you go with.
p.s. He continues to get Zometa every 6 wks with some bone pain but it is just for a day.
