Dawn,
I'm with everyone else on this, go with the PEG tube. My Mom is 71 and didn't want the tube either, but the doctors talked her into it and she had hers placed last week. Three days ago she told me she is grateful that she had it done. The doctors told us that it is the best way to help ensure against drastic weight loss while getting the nurtition necessary to heal. In fact, one oncologist told us he could remember only one patient who went through a series of radiation therapy without getting a tube. He said it's simply not worth doing without it. Best wishes to you and your Dad.