I have some (very) minor swallowing issues and I did not have a feeding tube. Almost certain my issues would be worse if I hada tube from atrophy. I know several who had a tube and have little or no issues. I guess the bottom line is to get through treatment in the best shape possible whatever it takes. If I was advising a member of my family I would urge them to try without the tube unless there was a medical reason not to.

Right now is cream gravy, ice cream and chocolate sauce. Every pound you pack on now is wiggle room later.

Good luck!!


Dx March 2011 via FNA (49 yrs old)
SCC BoT
HPV+ exact strain unknown
Stage IVa T3N2cM0
Cisplatin x 3, IMRT x 40 (7267 cGy)
One node removed post-treatment (rad dmg)
Clean PET 10/28/11
Swallow therapy