Katy, since you will not be having chemo you will have a slightly easier time of it them patients who have chemo with their rads.

Some members will tell you how important it is to have "just in case" while others will say you dont need it. This debate is never ending, there is no right or wrong, its known around here as the "peg wars". Weather you will need one or not depends on you as an individual. You can always have one put in later if you start to struggle or get a nasal tube which is more temporary and doesnt require surgery. Even if you would get a peg tube you will still need to swallow every single day to help keep the swallowing muscles in working order.

The biggest thing that you need to remember in getting thru your rads is focus on what is within your control.... your intake. Every single day you need to take in at least 2500 calories and 48 oz of water. If you can take more in thats even better, especially water. I suggest you begin pushing yourself now to get that amount of calories in every day. Dont fall into the skimping trap thinking you can make it up the next day, tomorrow never comes and pretty soon skimping becomes routine. Before you know it, dehydration and malnutrition have set in and a hospital stay can happen. Prior to starting rads, talk with your doc about giving you a prescription to get hydrated in the chemo lab. If he wont ok a feeding tube at least he can help you avoid one by getting extra fluids a few times per week. This will help you to feel good too.

If you would like my chocolate peanut butter milkshake recipe let me know. Each one has at good 1200+++ calories, maybe even 2000+. Im not one to measure exact so Im not completely sure the number but its very high. Many days I would drink 2 or 3 of them and never gained an ounce.

Best wishes!