Hi Fred,
If you're already having issues with dehydration you may want to consider the PEG tube. Jack felt it was a lifesaver. Whether you do or don't get it keep swallowing every day to work those muscles. Gary is not kidding about the 2-3 quarts of water as well as about 2200 calories. Jack had 4 cycles of cisplatin and hydration helps with everything about it. Make a schedule for yourself to space out how much you need to eat and drink so it doesn't get away from you.
Regards JoAnne

Hi Fred, after my 10 hour infusion I had to go back the next morning for 2 bags of fluid so I would stay hydrated. The chemo made my throat sore and swallowing was difficult so this helped alot fighting the dehydration. I was able to stay hydrated and the swallowing kept the muscles going. I did not have a peg for feeding so I had to keep it all going down the throat. Make yourself drink and eat soft foods and soups. It will be easier for you in the long run. Feel free to drop a line anytime.

Fred, I agree with Joanne1981 and Gary 100%. When it got rough for me, I had daily fluids via IV with anti-nausea meds, which helped. At that point I just couldn't drink or pump enough fluids through the PEG tube to keep up, and the Drs recognized it and told me to get the IV fluids prior to radiation. Although the PEG tube is not fun, mostly annoying to have this thing hanging out of your belly, it is a life saver when throat pain gets too much to eat or even, in my case, to drink much fluids at all. I could barely sip water through a straw, tiny little sips, for a period. Please consider the PEG tube before the pain gets too bad and it becomes much more difficult to insert. Best of luck to you.

My doctors did not give me a choice on the PEG tube---I was getting one. I weighed less than 120lbs, so I guess they figured I couldn't afford to lose ANY weight. I continued to eat solid food throughout my treatment, so I didn't need the PEG tube for calories, but it sure was convenient for fluids. The day was not over until the allotted number of bottles of water either made it down my throat or down my tube.I could have made it without the tube(i only lost 4 lbs) and I hate the scar it left, BUT---you never know how your body will react in the final weeks. The PEG tube made staying hydrated no problem.Good luck to you, think good thoughts!