There is always the nasal tube for people that only need it for a short time. That can easily be done without a major surgery. Its also easier and less painful to remove.

Best wishes to your father!

Gave my Dad his haircut last night and it looks good! I kinda thought it might be traumatic (haha), but I guess for a man it isn't too bad. He just got a super short hair cut. He was balding, anyways.

He has definitely made the decision to try to make it without the tube. His radiologist isn't even pushing him to get it. Basically, he said if he can make it without one, that would be best. My Dad figures if his weight loss becomes a problem, they'll force him to get one anyways. Yes, we understand his body will be broken down from the chemo and what not, but this is his choice. My Mom said she is tired of having this conversation with him. He is pretty set on his decision. I know he will be working hard all weekend to get as many calories in him as possible while he is on this break. He said he has actually gained a pound and a half in the last couple days.

We'll see. I know everyone is different and everyone has a different amount of tolerance for what they can handle. I also know my Dad is smart enough to know he can't let himself waste away and he will get the tube later if his eating becomes a major problem. I know if he can get through this ordeal without one, it wil be such a triumph for him--mainly psychologically.

I hope your father is one of the patients who can struggle thru without the tube. Not everyone needs one. It is really a very individual decision and you have heard mainly from the pro-tube members. This used to be a huge discussion around here!

Just remember the nasal tube that I mentioned above. It can easily and quickly be inserted and also removed. Its for someone who wont need the tube for long term needs.

Good luck!!!

Christine--what is considered short term for the nasal tube? Thanks for throwing that out there as an option, as well.

I think Davidcpa had his for about 3 weeks. I would have to guess anywhere from 1 week to 2 months would probably be ok for a nasal tube. Ive seen a few members have theirs about a month.

Its a good back up plan. Keep it in the back of your mind and if the time comes where your father is struggling bring it up to him.

Shanette

Christine's post reminded me that as the major "I don't need no stinking PEG" warrior in the PEG wars, I have been remiss in not supporting your dad's decision more vigorously. What the pegophiles simply cannot comprehend is how meaningful, what a major psychological victory, how important it is to small subset of patients to get through TX without a PEG.
Part of it is ignorance of some doctors, that even late in TX, a PEG can be inserted by interventional radiology in a simple 15 minute surgery using a fluroscope. They make a very small incision precisely over the optimal part of the stomach, then insert the tube from the outside, inflate the balloon and it's done. Not even full anesthesia usually. since many doctors only know of the endoscopic way, they don't think to check with other surgery departments.
But your father is so close to making it now, Encourage him and please do not make light of his "victory". When I started giving out "imaginary medals" to those of us who made it without a feeding tube, the reaction was outrage from caregivers who mistakenly felt I was slighting the courage of their patients and their patients struggles. But then when I joined OCF, it was easier to advocate getting quack therapy than to say you could make it without a PEG.
You are a great caregiver and tell your dad, his imaginary medal is wairing for him.
Charm

Thanks alot, Charm. You know, my Dad is definitely smart enough to know that if he isn't getting enough nutrition/losing weight too fast he will need one. He is fully aware of that, and wouldn't fight getting one if it comes down to that. He just wants to try and do it without and all we can do is support his decision.

I really do like hearing all sides to this issue. I think it's good to be well informed. I do wish more people would post who have made it through treatment without one at all, although I realize there may not be many of you.

Thanks again, everyone.

Hi Brandi,
I know I sound like I'm pushing for it, but that was because he was already having some trouble. Now that he is getting fluids at the office, he might very well do ok. Kevin had his but hated it and got it out as soon as he could.
Your Dad is a tough guy and ready for battle. This gives him something he DOES have control over. That's a good thing.
Kathy

Kris has had a PEG twice now. He is reluctant to have his removed. I think he thinks it will jinx him
It is fortunate that he has not had it removed as due to aspirating recently he is now having to use it again. Hopefully only for a few weeks.
I don't understand all the drama of should you shouldn't you ? It really is no big deal. Kris says it doesn't bother him at all. Mind you he has a Mickey which sits flat against the abdominal wall.
Tammy

I liked it so much, I had two peg tubes! I dont think mental attitude, phycical attributes, toughness has anything to do with not needing a feeding tube, but rather from the radiation dosage amount, areas radiated, bilateral instead of ipsilatral, the tumor size, types of chemo, concurrent chemoradiation, redirridation, type of surgery, etc. and other cormibities that matter more to be able or unable to eat by mouth. All the well wishing, postive thoughts or determiunation doesn't amount to much, just as the same as it does for curing cancer or other severe illnesses.