Hi Shelby,

I'm doing induction TPF chemo now, cycle 2, plan to be where you are pretty soon and personally feel strongly to PEG up earlier than later.

The main reason is most end up PEGging up soon or later anyway, although some do make it through maintaining weight via mouth eat and drink.

There are two MAJOR reasons you will end up in the hospital - dehydration and lack of nutrition. A PEG, used properly, will effectively allow proper hydration and nutrition. With out the PEG, good chance you will likely suffer one or the other, so why take the risk.

Even if you defer the PEG until you experience symptoms of weight loss or dehydration, your body is now in a weakened state. Why would anyone allow themselves to get there when all they needed to do was have a PEG and at the earliest symptoms, just take some water and liquid food in the PEG.

That said, there is major reluctance to doing the right thing, so everyone just needs to rationalize their own decision on this procedure. don