Hi Michelle. When John had his PEG put in he was in pain for a few days, it will get better. Better to have it and not need it then to have to interupt treatment to have it placed. John didn't start using his until around week 3 of treatment. He continued to drink fluids through treatment so he never lost the ability to swallow. He only had it in for 4 months but thank God he had it. Even with it in he lost 30 lbs. He was very reluctant to use it in the beginning and that is when he lost a lot of weight. Best wishes!