 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | I think you mean a PEG tube. A PET is the scan done to help stage and determine the extent of the cancer.
Nutrition must be the main focus while undergoing rads. Every single day he will need to take in at the minimum 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. This should continue at least until he hits the one year post rads date, even better the 2 year mark. If your husband can take more in thats even better and can only help him get thru all of this easier. I cant stress enough how important intake is!
As far as the nasal tube goes, that can be done at any time. Its not necessary for it to be done in advance like the PEG tube. No matter which route he goes, every single day he will still need to swallow. The muscles can quickly forget how to function. Even if its only a couple tiny sips of water several times during the day, its enough to keep those muscles active and working properly.
Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
