Hi Gang:

So, I'm with the crowd on the vote for the PEG tube. Dave is finishing radiation treatment #10(see post Treatment section) today and I've already noticed his fatigue level going up and less food going down due to increased work of swallowing and evolving mouth pain. He is hoping against hope to avoid the tube but I think it's time... and it will be far better to deal with than the nasogastric tube he had post-operatively.

Thanks for the tips on supplements and the great Nestle web site resource. I need to check for supplements at the health food store this weekend as well. The product called "Additions" sounds like a good option and I will check it out.

Dee: Packer mentioned that he swears by a product-is it called "Gainer's Fuel"? And, where do you get it?

Danny: Dave also has the "miracle mouthwash" but his is called "Triple Mix" which contains a mixture of Benadryl,Lidocaine,and Maalox". It's usually prescribed as 1-2 teaspoons full by mouth 10-15 minutes before meals(to relieve discomfort with eating). You can use it in addition to the mouth rinses you use for the mucositis symptoms. Sorry, I would have mentioned it sooner had I known...it's good stuff to ask for if you don't have it already. Thanks for the updates on your swallowing and progress. I have actually fours active sets of pom-poms going for Dave, you, Packer 66, and Dinah right now so it's quite something but we'll all get through it together.

Hope this day finds everbody well.

Kim