Ellen

Short answer: Yes , it can be done. I made it successfully thru 40 IMRT radiation sessions and 8 Erbitux chemotherapies without a PEG or anytime of feeding or nasal tube. I never got dehyrdated, never had to get admitted for IV, and managed to swallow enough Ensure Plus and Carnation VHC to maintain my energy and health. I did lose weight (177 down to 140) but ended up at what I used to weigh back in college , which was still 14 pounds heavier than my marathon running days (126) and I am 5' 11". Not that I recommend radiation and chemo as a diet therapy but I did lose all my stomach fat and bulges leaving me slim and trim.
Doctors opinions on PEGs are divided: some encourage and even require PEGs, mine and others avoid them until absolutely necessary. If I had it to do over again, I still would choose to swallow on my own with my mouth and throat but I would have bought a Vitamix and supplemented the drinks
Of course that's all moot now after the cancer came back and the salvage surgery.
If you husband does need a feeding tube, the "more advanced" procedure is likely just using a fluoroscope instead of an endoscope. The doctors just cut open the stomach and insert the tube. It's not a PEG technically unless they push it down your throat with an endoscope (the E in PEG). IMO there isn't much difference in the procedures except for the costs and since it's "surgery", they can do it anytime.
You can order the carnation VHC thru the OCF amazon link, it has more calories than Ensure Plus in the same can. I hated the taste but loved less cans.
Keep us posted on developments. These are trying times for you and few people who have not undergone it can understand how hard this is for you
Charm