John,

My treatments(s) had a more unusual path, circumstances, than most, like yourself. I had two peg tubes, the first was without my knowledge when in ICU losing over 110 pounds from cancer cachexia, and only on IV for several months. Then when I was finally released 6 months later, I had it removed after a clear PET/CT, which everyone was amazed with no further treatment other then chemo 8 months earlier. But I had a recurrence a month or two later, and already had compromised swallowing, and trismus, that a Peg tube was recommended for radiation. My oncologist said would not be able to tolerate chemo. I kept it for four years though 10 more radiation, chemo and surgeries, some were tube dependent, and I finally had it taken out or say yanked out, two weeks ago, approved by my doctors, SLP, after I was free of cancer for a year as I have had persistent cancer the past 5 years,10 months.

I tell you this to never lose hope or give up. The body is amazing in it's recovery, and was about to write myself off several times, but after waking up each day, but that's only half the story, I had some hope, and basically able to eat most foods now with a mechanical soft diet, due to no teeth, otherwise I would be eating pizza, but I whip up all kind if foods I can eat, and enjoy.

Best wishes!