thanks for the excellent advice Bill!!. yes,this is a big decision in my life and i will take it considering all the factors. i have sent my concerns to the doc. hope he replies soon. b.t.w,dr.pathomvanich himself didnt reply,dr.Oravan,MD(i guess from his clinic replied on his behalf to my consultation q). yes,i have been applying rogaine to the thinning areas and have been seeing lots of small colourless hairs appearing on my bal hairline too. seems encouraging.