Thank God for Buzz' PEG...he's down to 167 lbs. today, and that is WITH use of the PEG feedings...I realize it is a PERSONAL decision, but following our research on OCF, Buzz opted for it before beginning radiation, 'just in case'...

Cat

I just wanted to chime in and say that Marvin wasnt going to get a peg to start with. But we are glad he did. It was a big help during the months for rad and recovery. He just had his tube removed about 3 weeks ago.

Barb,
Keith is beginning to feel the affects of the rads. We aren't even half way thru yet. Oncologist didn't recommend a PEG unless he truly needed it. I see you are from Indiana, us too. We are finding lots of head & neck cancer here, especially those working at the steel mills. How is Marvin doing? What was his diagnosis? Thanks so much!
Cat

Cat:

Im nearly 1 month finshed with rad and chemo for hard palate and cheek oral cancer stage 1. For me, the PEG was strongly recommended, I didnt want to get it but I did. By the 1/2 way point of my treatments, I was unable to eat anymore due to the taste and sores in my mouth. Even with the PEG tube, I still lost 45 pounds. I am now trying to start to eat again with yogurt and cottage cheese. If the PEG is an option, take advantage of it. Best of luck.

Cat , I hope your recovery goes well. I think the peg tube decision hinges on just how bad the docs think the tx may be on you. I wasn't even offered one. I did go all thru tx having to swallow my food and water. It was tough especially about 2 weeks from the end of rads to about 3 weeks after tx was over. I lost over 40 pounds but now it is coming back also. Just keep telling yourself you can do this!!

Bill,
My husband is a skinny guy to begin with. I don't think he can lose more than 20 lbs. His tongue and mouth are beginning to get sores and his throat hurts when he swallows. Guess time will tell. They will put a PEG in if he needs one. Just hate to put him through it late in the game. Thanks for sharing.
Cat

Having the peg tube fitted now or in the near future isnt really late in the game cat as he may need it for quite a few weeks after his treatment ends as well as during his radiotherapy.

its a god send to most.

love liz

Liz,
Thanks. He didn't know if he would feel up to the extra surgery for the PEG. But if that is what keeps him afloat, then he will need to do it. He can't talk well right now and I would assume that will continue through past the treatment?
Appreciate all that is being shared with me. He is pacing the floor and passing time. I feel so bad for him.
Cat

Robs voice was very gruff and eventually for a few days he couldnt speak at all,or even drink water.The peg was a life saver then,and it soon passed and he could drink fine after a couple of weeks,but his voice was never right.

It is a hard thing you are doing watching someone you love suffer and not being able to do that much to help,and if you are anything like i was you will feel sad and helpless on occasions.

Just be there for him when he needs you and learn to step back when he doesnt.

good luck and much love liz

Liz,
He just found out today that the sores in his mouth were from the radiation bouncing off his fillings! We weren't told about that happening. He thought it was from dry mouth. I keep pushing him to tell the doctor when something is happening, but he seems to not want to make an issue out of it. This is a prime example of thinking what it is, but not really knowing. He has mouth rinse now that is helping, he's eating good still. Since he can't talk we are playing games; cards, dominos, etc. We'll see if he loses weight and will need a PEG. I keep telling him to be proactive in his care. He's too good of a patient (if you know what I mean).
I am sorry about your sweetheart. It's got to be tough. I appreciate your encouragement.
Cat