Jim,

You have done a great job so far. Unfortunately, it does get harder. My husband got the PEG at the halfway point and we weren't sure if it was a good idea. He was able to take food orally at that point. Now he is done with radiation as of last Tuesday and the PEG for him has been invaluable. He has many tongue and mouth sores and so swallowing has been difficult. We hydrate all night with the PEG. Without the PEG he would have to have made many trips to the hospital to hydrate. A lot of people go to the hospital to hydrate with a IV and have done well without the PEG. For us it has helped get through this week. It really is a personal decision. Save your strength, the radiation builds and hopefully does its job but it takes a toll on your mouth and neck.

We are sending our prayers and good wishes to you.

Vanessa and Jeff Watt