Susan

Like DavidCPA, I advocate trying it without the PEG. I've have done it both ways now through two separate radiation & chemos about 18 months apart. As a caregiver you can see how easier it would be with the PEG, and that was indeed my experience even if I had no choice in getting this feeding tube. As the patient however, the positive psychological reward of NOT needing a feeding tube completely and totally outweighed any convenience. I have been guilty of starting PEG wars in the past by replying in kind to other poster's scoffing at giving myself an imaginary medal for doing it the hard way but I should have been clearer that their decision was equally valid.
Long post to suggest that if your patient has similar feelings to mine to avoiding a PEG, the support of the caregiver is priceless. My wife supported my decision and it made all the difference to me. I liked a quote from Stanford U's Center for Integrative Medicine's director, David Spiegel albeit on alternative therapies
[quote]Cancer patients feel helpless. Their bodies are turning on them. To the extent that we can give them a sense of power, of control, we can improve teir quality of life and, I think, perhaps even affect the course of the disease[/quote] That's what not getting the PEG meant to me
Charm