James,

I will try and give you a reference point from someone a week ahead of you -- but as the more experienced folks here will tell us, each of us is different.

You are fortunate to get your taste back so soon. In my opinion, this will help considerably in getting off the PEG. I have very little taste and when it is there it is mostly a hint of what I am trying to eat and VERY difficult to overcome. I am getting down the smoothies (one flavor only) and yogurt. Getting off the cans of food and away from the PEG is a huge concern and I think you will do well once those sores are gone. I am struggling big time with this and pushing myself, but not sure what will replace the calories. I am able to maintain my weight, but down 25 of the 200 I started from so in comparison you seem to be holding your own quite well.

Sounds like the sores are a real problem which I have not had to deal with at all (other than small ones that go away within a day) throughout the treatment. You seem to have a good solution if the laser treatments are working -- so beween that and time, you should have it covered. I am fortunate and did not have to take pain meds throughout the treatment and after (a small amount of Oxy at night to make sure I could sleep), but I assume that is due to your sores as well?? If so, that will pass.

Not sure how your throat is, but my mucous is basically gone, replaced by a dryness in the mouth and throat that is also a major annoyance. I will be posting on a separate thread to get some input on this as it is bad and a hinderance to eating (no saliva, no taste = major impediment to eating),

Crying moments? Ditto. This situation basically sucks and is emotionally draining. Fortunately my wife gets me through it and recently I came through the "tunnel" as Davidcpa says and have more energy and a better attitude, but for a guy that was physically and mentally fit and active, this has been a ton of bricks to carry and I am not sure how others do it with worse symptoms. I could go on with this subject, but suffice it to say you are not alone but I do see some rays of hope as I get a little better and enjoy time with the family.

Sounds overall like you are doing well so keep your chin up....although difficult, I will try to practice that as well.

Jasper