 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 | Welcome to OCF!
For some patients they will need a feeding tube due to the fact their eating ability will be compromised for weeks. Other will need it to get thru radiation. This can be a very individual thing.
Having a feeding tube can be an adjustment. But once its there you can easily adapt and get used to living with one. Ask for a pump so you can let it run overnight while you are sleeping. It will help you to take in enough calories and hydration.
As far as the surgery goes, its not that bad. The first couple days after having it installed, you will be sore. When you have a tube, be cautious about lifting anything heavier than 15-20 pounds. We recently discussed swimming with a feeding tube, in some instances it is ok. If you need help with it please dont hesitate to speak up and we will help you.
Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
