Ray:
What a nice, caring brother you are to write for Fred.

A productive life can be led with having a feeding tube. I have had one for 1 1/2 years was free from it for 6 months and now have it again for 8 months. Life is what you make it. We all need to learn to come to peace with our limitations. While I detest relying on a feeding tube, I do it since its necessary. It doesnt mean I like the situation at all, I hate it. Im sure your brother is very upset about what has happened. Late effects do happen to alot of radiation patients. Sorry to hear it happened to him after 5 years.

It is not necessary to lug the cans, syringe, bags around with him. For me the pump works since its something that is scheduled. I know that evenings Im on the couch with it running then it runs overnight while I sleep. All it takes is planning in advance to do the feeding before or after any events or dinners. Ive already ordered a glass of water and soup and sat there pretending to eat. Now I no longer bother with the charade. It will take your brother time to adjust to this new routine.

Best of luck smile

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile