Hi, I'm 13 months post treatment, the usual rads plus three sessions with Cisplatin in Canada. I really really did NOT want the feeding tube, and managed to get through without it, losing 20 lbs (I had at least ten to lose), but it was very difficult. By that I don't mean to say that I think it would have been easier with the tube, I don't know, but the whole experience was difficult.

I agree strongly with everything that's been said here. My RO was flexible on the feeding tube, but other cancer centres install it as routine, even though some never get used.

But! I did certainly struggle to eat, ultimately living on vanilla ensure plus as ultimately I could not stomach anything else. I also had several bouts of dehydration, and several sort of stop-gap IV nutrition sessions (I got really really tired of having holes in my arms all the time, and they can only do that for so long).

I had tremendous support, and this was ABSOLUTELY KEY for me for getting through this alive.

In my case I was a mess for most of a year, but now I can say I'm doing very well.

You are not alone. There are fantastic people on this site. Do come back often with questions.

Good luck!