Hi Shelby,

Over the years this question has been asked many times on the forum and there have been many discussions about the need to have a feeding tube (i.e., PEG). Ironically my doctors never even suggested one to me and I didn't even know what one was until I joined the OCF forum after my RT was completed.

In my case the radiation was angled to hit the right side of my mouth, tongue and some of my neck, so I was able to "eat" and drink throughout my treatment. It was painful and took a long time to eat (liquid diet for the most part). I did loose weight but it was gradual and not significant.

The worst part is yet to come -- usually the final 1-2 weeks of RT and then a month or so afterwards. You don't want to get in the position of being dehydrated and not getting enough nutrition. Proper nutrition will help you heal. As others have said it is only temporary.

Talk with your doctors and be aware of your weight and food and water intake. If you need it, get it!

You've been through a lot already, so I hope that the radiation isn't too bad for you.