I just went through all the options there, and they remain consistent when I make a selection, go to a different tool, and return.
The problem is when I set my options, go to a different tool, then return to find that my selections have been replaced entirely. Usually photoshop doesn't overwrite your current settings as you flip back and forth between things. If I have a 20px soft brush now, I'll usually have on the next time I use the tool. But not when this problem is occurring.