Hi there... This is definitely a hot topic. I was told I had to have one. I did get it and couldn't use it - made me vomit every time I tried - my body didn't agree with the formulas they gave me - so I did without. It wasn't fun but I could force myself to get enough nutrition so that I did not lose copious amounts of weight. I lost a total of 22 lbs. toward the end when things were painful I chugged boost and water several times a day. This maintained my swallowing reflex and nutrition. I finished radiation on the 4th of may, had my tube removed the 19th as I wasn't using it and was maintaining my weight.

Being malnourished and dehydrated has a direct impact on healing and overall health and how you get through the treatments. Having a caregiver who has to force you and argue with you to eat something (and make no mistake you need calories and a certain amount of protein a day) that makes a horrible experience even worse.

Radiation even for those of us who did okay getting through it (it really is horrendous - seriously - drooling, burns, extreme pain, sensitivity to spice, and temperature, no taste, metallic taste etc - when I would swallow it felt like acid hitting the back of my throat) is brutal.

So this said, how are you with pain? A feeding tube is meant to be a support to you during an extremely painful treatment. The downfall is - being human, when things get painful we revert to the easiest method possible... in this case a feeding tube helps you avoid the pain. However, relying on it solely isn't a good thing, as it can lead to atrophy of the swallowing muscles, and possible permanent loss of the ability to swallow and a permanent peg. If you think you can suck up the pain and get enough nutrition and fluids to keep the weight loss to a minimum, then go without but have a back up plan in place ( a nasogastric tube can be put in when things are at their worst and is a temporary measure though it does look funny taped to your face and dangling there, but at that point the way you look will be the least of your concerns )

If you think you will need some help as you are sensitive to pain then maybe go for the tube, but remember to swallow, even if it is just small sips of water etc... you must do that and swallowing exercises. And even if it's placed, flush it and maybe use it for your meds - but put off using it for as long as you possibly can.

it is eye opening . but you will get through it.

Oh and placement is usually done under a mild anaesthetic, and guided by an ultrasound. It's a bit uncomfortable for a day or two (depending on you pain tolerance) but eventually you get used to it. It doesn't impede everyday life really, just tape it into place, flush it and no baths. take care.

best of luck.