Hi Tony,

Welcome! Sorry about your diagnosis but you have found an excellent resource here. A little over 2 years ago I had the same diagnosis as you (right tonsil) I was 40 at the time.

You haven't mentioned where you will be recieving your treatments (what hospital) So I am going to assume it is the best in your area. My opinion on the feeding tube is based on my experience. I did not need one. I had surgery first then after 6 weeks I started radiation without chemo. I lost 30 pounds through the course of treatment and my lowest weight was what I weighed at high school graduation. It is impossible to predict how you will do but if you have a few extra pounds you may do just fine. I believe the feeding tube can be put in any time so my suggestion is to ask your doctor if you can try without and see how it goes for you. There are benefits to using your normal chewing and swallowing muscles too (even though it can be really challenging).

I personally feel that the feeding tube can be a source of problems by itself. I will say there are a good number of folks here that really were helped by having one.

On another subject Salivia I would find out if you can do anything to protect the salivary glands. Of all the things that I went through, loosing the salivia was and continues to be the worst part.

I would get to your dentist and have your teeth checked out, then have them give you a flouride treatment and seal (it is like cement) the tops of all the molars. Ask them to get you on a 2 or 3 month checkup schedual and make sure you go. Oral hygiene will become your new hobby.

There are lots of ways to use a blender to prepare nutritious meals. Let me know if you want some ideas.

Ask any questions you need to and take care.