Here is what my dietitian explained to me after she returned from a very large head and neck cancer conference. She told me that cancer centers should be recommending the tube to anyone who goes for radiation with chemo. Since adding chemo makes treatments even harder and often causes mouth sores thats why a patient having that should get one. She also said alot depends on the individual. Some are stronger going into it than others, the people who are more delicate should get the tube right away rather than waiting.

Another wrench thrown into the mix is if a patient gets the 3 big bag method of chemo or the smaller easier to tolerate weekly chemo. A patient with weekly chemo may be ok without the tube. All in all, it really is a very personal decision to make. A patient who is overly determined and has their mind set might just be able to overcome the eating challenges and struggle thru without a tube. So many variables that its a choice on a case by case basis.