Jennie, A peg is a small plastic appliance, a tube really, surgically inserted into the patient's stomach. The tube is short, it goes straight from the outside of the stomach, through the skin, muscles and stomach wall, into the stomach. It is held in by a small balloon on the inside of the body filled with saline.

The peg tube is a way for those of us with compromised throats to eat. Liquids are poured into the peg, and thereby, directly into the stomach. There are many different liquids that can provide very balanced nutrition through a peg tube. I have lived on mine for nearly three years now. Medicines, water, food, any beverage can be poured directly into the stomach. Its an essential for maintaining strength while in treatment.

You and your husband are in a really scary time right now. It will get better. The fear starts to focus after a while. You get kind of mad and really determined. You start really listening to the docs, paying attention to their advice.

Get more than one doctor advising you. Don't accept their suggestions about treatment without questioning them. Ask them about other options. If they "poo-poo" your questions, get different docs. Get to a cancer center for advice. Talk with docs who have treated THIS type of cancer before - its a little different. There are MANY good ways to treat this type of cancer, so don't 'buy' the first one they offer you. Ask questions constantly.

You, your husband, your children, your support group - you can do this. We here have beaten the beast and we are many. You will prevail. Listen carefully. Ask questions. Fight hard. Be strong. We are with you. Tom