Just my two cents. My husband's doctors all suggested him getting a PEG. John was convinced he would not need it but got it just in case. smile Even with it in he lost 30 lbs. He was very stubborn in the beginning and wouldn't use it. Once he started using it his weight stablized. He continued to swallow water every day so he wouldn't loose the ability.

John had so much mucus that he was on two different types of anti-nausea meds. The mucus would make him gag and throw up and there is no way he could have gotten enough nutrition and hydration in by mouth.

PEG = another tool to help get you through treatments. You don't want them to have to stop treatments once you get started to place a PEG. It will take you a few days to recover from the procedure.

Last edited by slim; 02-05-2014 11:48 AM.
Wanda (47) caregiver to husband John (56) age at diag.(2009)
1-13-09 diagnosed Stage IV BOT SCC (HPV+)
2-12-09 PEG placed, 7-6-09 removed
Cisplatin 7 weeks, 7 weeks (35) IMRT
4-15-09 - treatment completed
8-09,12-09-CT Scans clear, 4-10,6-11-PET Scans clear
4-2013 - HBO (30 dives) tooth extraction
10-2019 - tooth extraction, HBO (10 dives)
11-2019 - Left lateral tongue SCC - Stage 2