Kinda of a "Dumb" Question about Chemo...

Feel like I should know this, but want others experience and/or knowledge...(Sherri) .

My dad has Stage 4b EC Junction cancer with mets to liver and spine. He's been on a couple of different chemo cocktails on and off since mid-April. It's (the cancer) been stable since Sept. The cancer spread to his spine during the time he was "taking a break" from the chemo that was "killing" him. He then started on Taxol which has been effective and keeping things steady. He's tolerated it amazingly well.

Well, my mom just told me today that my dad's oncologist wants him to take another "break" after his last round of Taxol (which was yesterday). Just wondering if this is "normal". Not understanding why he would have to stop if he's tolerating it well and not having any problems. My father is looking great, feeling great and actually has gained (yes, I said gained!) weight the past several weeks! According to my mother, the oncologist is rather adamant about "giving his body a break" and even told her this may "be it".

Is it me, or is there something not right with this picture? Either the Dr. isn't telling them something or they (my parents) aren't telling me something. It just doesn't add up.

In the meantime, they are still seeing their "alternative" dr. that has been working with them and talking to her oncology connections to see what else they think they can do. She has him on like 30 different pills and drops to help change the recepter cells and how they respond to the cancer. We all believe she is the reason he's doing as well as he is.

I guess I'm just not liking what this onocologist is saying. How he seems to just be throwing in the towel! Then again, I'm not an oncologist. He must have good reason to want to stop. I just wish I understood it better.

Anyway, sorry for the lengthy post. Guess I need to vent more than I thought?! My dad has scans next Friday to see what's going on. Please pray for a good report.:)

Blessings,
Sally