My diagnosis was very similar to yours and I underwent 35 rad treatments concurrent with Cisplatin weekly. Subsequent CT scan (November 2012) was very promising. PE scan is in two weeks.

Both the ENT, medical oncologist and the rad/oncologist were emphatic on the PEG tube. I was having swallowing problems before treatment started but at about week three I could no longer tolerate the pain. It was excruciating. None of the doctors told me to continue swallowing water or other liquids in small amounts so I relied totally on the PEG tube. I lost about 25 pounds (about 17% of body weight). Without the PEG tube I would have been hospitalized for dehydration and/ or nutrition. Unfortunately after my throat healed somewhat I tried to swallow and nothing went down. So I am now looking into treatment to help me return to at least some semblence of normal swallowing. My doctor said large base of tongue tumors often result in swallowing difficulties and I sure have them.

My very best to you. It's no "stroll ine park"...just take a day at a time.

y advice is to get the PEG and swallow as long as you possibly can and then some. You are not a large person and you would not want to interrupt your treatment because of dehydration and/or nourishment issues. The PEG tube is a relatively minor invonvenience when you consider the seriousness of these head and neck cancers.

Best wishes,
Mr Mike