Gloria - glad to hear that you have finally have the GI appointment. Hopefully they will find that whatever is going on and can address/resolve it so John can move forward. I think of him/you often; please keep us posted.

Pamela - Dilations are 'out-patient' procedures but typically requires general anesthesia. I am interested to know what the ENT saw that brought up the dilation. Is there a blockage or stricture? I've recently had 2 dilations due to strictures and it has improved what I can take by mouth so I am very glad I had it done. However, I still use my PEG about every other day or so as I find my weight dropping without the PEG supplement and it is still difficult to eat large portions of food. It is hard to eat enough food throughout the day to match the PEG calories; I'm working on it but food has so much less appeal than it used to. As anxious as I am to have the PEG taken out, I want to be sure I don't have it removed too early and slide backwards in my recovery. I also use it from time to time for water/hydration as well to cover Christine's point. I am happy to answer any questions you have.