My type chemo, I never see it mentioned here. - 1258529

I was diagnosed with stage 3b NSCLC , favour adenocarcinoma. (mutation not detected btw)

I was placed on the following regime:
Day1 Gemocitabine
Day8 Gemcitabine and Carboplatin
Day 16 - OFF

First questions is this: On these forums, I never see this combination of Gemocitanie/Carboplatin mentioned, and I wonder why? I was told this is the standard first chemo treatment for what I have. So I'd like to hear what you have to say about this. FYI, I am in Sydney, Australia.

Also, after my first round of 2 weeks on, one week rest, my blood was so affected, that I had to wait a full 4 weeks until I could have another 3 week regime. But because of the impact on my bone marrow, they reduced the dose 25%.

I've since had a three week regime (I can't think of any other way to describe this. 2 weeks on and 1 week break) in which they increased the Gemcitabin by 5% each of the 2 weeks, so that's up to 85% of the normal dose. We hope to get me back up to 90-95% at least. (Then they'll begin to increase the Carboplatin)

However, both weeks my blood test 24 hours prior to treatment was not good enough, but the blood test they did on the day showed that I could be treated. Good news.

They told me that my hemoglobin (I think) is trending downwards, and I've been very, very tired and weak. So the advise me to have a transfusion, which I am having on next Monday.

We have postponed my first post treatment CAT scan because of the interference with the treatments. Should have that in about 4-6 weeks.

I would like comments on the combination of chemo I am on, is it still a standard first line treatment? And also, how having such a long break might affect the success of the treatment, and thoughts on the transfusion. I'm getting 2 bags over 5 hours next Monday.