Hi Nicki,
Your husbands radiation doctor is a practical man. My doctor put my Peg tube in during my surgery and there was never a question of me having one or not. After surgery, when I was up and around and waiting to start radiation I begged him to take it out. Felt like I didn't need it. I am very thankful I had it for radiation and for the months afterwards. Yes, I could have gotten through radiation without it but why suffer more then we need to? I equate it with the epidurals they give during childbirth that block out the pain without affecting the baby. Why would any woman refuse one??? The Peg allows you to obtain nutrition easier, therefore keeping you stronger. Have your husband continue to drink water and eat what he can during radiation so that he makes use of his swallowing and throat muscles.
We're here for both of you.
Minnie

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.