Hi there,

The PEG tube hurt initially when I first got it in but it faded after a few days and once I got used to it - it wasn't so bad. You definitely lose your appetite during radiation and chme so it made me a feel so much better because I could get nutrition in. Eating was a chore because I was learning to eat again and it really hurt my throat- so it was pretty unappealing at that time.

Radiation to the head and neck area is very difficult. It was a slow decline for me and somewhere around 3-4 weeks in I felt the effects more strongly. The lining of your mouth and throat basicially sheds off creating a thick mucuous.
Its kind of like what happens in ghost busters when they kill a ghost... its just this sticky stringy mucous. Its kind of nuisance and uncomfortable. At one point it made me very sick to my stomach.. swallowing the mucous but it didn't last too too long. Like I said it was uncomfortable for several weeks. I was tired and worn down after the radiation finished for about 2 weeks and then things started getting better.

It wasn't fun but it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. The doctors will be monitoring him closely. When I got too dehydrated and weak they would bring me in and just hydrate me which made me feel 1000 times better.

It is very very important to just power through the treatments and be strong. The first chance is the best chance you have to beat this disease once and for all.
When this cancer reoccurs it can be difficult to get rid of again. If you can iradicate it from the system completely the first time its much better.

Hang in there. I know this is a shock but it can be done. A year from now he will be doing lots better.

As for long term effects. i have some broken capilaries on my neck from the radiation and my neck was very very very stiff for a long long time. I've been working with a chiropractor and do yoga and get massages regularly. All of these things have all helped tremendously. This year (3.5 years later) I've really made major strides towards almost feeling like my old self again (accept for my speech- which is OK).
I have a lot better range of motion with my neck.

Life will be good again for you both soon.
Take care and be strong.