Thanks, Bart. I had both a port and a PEG feeding tube installed two weeks ago, which was a week before my chemo and rads started. I was extremely reluctant about the PEG but my RO, HO,ENT, PCP, head and neck oncologist, and all their staffs were unanimous that I should get it. I finally accepted that I am not in the business of ignoring the advice of my doctors and lawyers so I relented. I'm glad I did now although there is nothing about the darn thing I like. I've had an infection around the stoma since day 1 but the cephalexin seems to be getting the upper hand after four days.

I'm not the kind of guy who does things half way so I've made it clear to my doctors that I expect the most effective treatments regardless of discomfort. I'm 58 years old and I feel I'm strong enough to tolerate any treatment. I have a wife and daughter who love and depend on me and whom I love and depend on. l maintain a good standard of living for us. I have good close friends and I'm renowned among them as an expert home cook. Baseball opening day is just around the corner. Earnhardt is already in the NASCAR chase for the championship. The hundreds of crocuses and thousands of daffodils I have planted are poking through the snow. The warblers are beginning their spring migration. I'm not ready to fold my tent. I'm not. I won't.

For the infection at the stoma, soaking it with saline and then applying a barrier cream like ProShield then covering it with a gauze pad several times a day helps a lot. My husband has had a feeding tube for over a year now and it has stayed clear of infection because we have been very diligent with the regimen. It will also stop the stoma from growing bigger and start leaking.