All three of my doctors were emphatic on the PEG tube so I had it put in pre treatment. I was having difficulty swallowing before treatment started but continued to eat as best I could until about week three of treatment and then the pain became excruciating. I tried to swallow again about one month after treatment. No luck. Speech therapist...no luck. Couldn't swallow a teaspoon of water without aspiration. That was in mid November. Following the initial failed attempt to stretch the esophagus on Jan 22, I went to see the ENT on Jan 29. He said there was significant swelling (edema)in the area of the vocal fold which is adjacent to the entry to the esophagus. When the gastro Dr. inserted the endoscope into the esophagus this swelling effectively shut off the airway and I had trouble breathing (called stridor). Mt gastro guy called me and explained and after consulting with the ENT he scheduled me for another attempt under full sedation. I will be put on steroids to lessen the swelling prior to the procedure....so that is something to be hopeful for.

Back to the PEG tube, I'll make two points:(1) If I had not had the PEG tube I would not have been able to finish the treatment. I lost about 30 pounds and with a large tumor at the base of the tongue the radiation was focused very close to the now swollen area. (2) While there may be some dependency on the tube and atrophy of muscles for us tube dependent patients, if nothing can get thru the espophagus, it is the only option. I have been on the PEG tube now for more than 4 months.

I am looking forward to this second attempt at dilation on Feb 6th and will let you know how it goes. I feel like if I could get a little bit of liquid going down without aspirating, I could gradually make progress. At least that is what i am hoping for.

And as many of us complain, the thick mucous is still an issue. I got a light cold this winter and it made things more problematic. I must constantly clear my throat to rid myself of the mucous as I can't swallow.

This next procedure has me hopeful for some improvement.

Mr Mike