I resisted getting a PEG tube but relented and had it placed a week before beginning radiation and chemotherapy. It turns out I had a hard time getting both enough nutrition and hydration so, ultimately, I was glad I had the sense to listen to what every medical professional had recommended. I was pretty much 100% reliant on the PEG tube for well over a month - and I still lost a ton of weight. I have had it almost five months now but haven't put anything through it (besides water to flush)for well over a month. My weight has been stable for all that time so I should be getting it out very soon.