I made it through two radiation treatments without the PEG. Unfortunately, after the second reoccurrence and treatment, I was no longer able to eat solid foods; the tumor hat eaten two key nerves that help swallowing and such. I have paralysis or partial paralysis on the right side from my soft palet, tongue, down to my esophagus. When I swallow, about 5% of what goes down finds its way into my lungs.
After that second round of treatments I was still eating fluids orally (no solids) until I came down with pneumonia. At that point I went in and asked for a PEG. I have been on one now for about 9 months.
I read about the Button that Charm got and immediately got with me doctor to see if I could get one of those. She said sure, ordered one and had it in place during a brief office visit about a week later. I have had that in place now about 6 months and love it. I have a model made by Boston Scientific that has an ovate shaped balloon in the stomach. I have had no problems with it and can now enjoy the summer with thin shirts that do not bulge, hot tubs with the wife, and brief swims in the lake with my son.
My doctor said the Kimberly Clark design is bit dated and likes the newer model by Boston Scientific. Ask your doctor for his/her view on the different options available.