Oceanglory, 5fu is an older drug in the chemo arsenal, but that doesn't mean it is not valuable. Just because a newer version of a drug is produced, doesn't mean the original isn't still useful. I too had this drug, but in conjunction with others not mentioned here. I too had the chemo brain, pretty extreme, but it faded as I recovered from Tx.
You point out what I believe - WE choose those drugs by choosing a particular doc and following his/her tx plan. Ask every doc about every drug and make them defend their choices. Be convinced that you are getting the BEST drugs (for you) in the BEST doses (for you) over an IDEAL timeline - for you. The burden of proof for info about side effects is on US not on the docs. First they can't predict side effects, and no two persons have exactly the same effects from a particular drug. Second, we shouldn't be taking a drug we haven't done some research about. Three, any drug that is so mean that it doesn't even get a real name should be suspect.....:)
Remember, killing cancer is easy. NOT killing the patient at the same time is really HARD. Do your homework before you buy... Be strong
Oldoak.