It seems like more members get feeding tubes than ports. I was one of the lucky ones who get both. The port was left in place for a long time after I asked the doc about having it removed, it was well over a year post rads that he finally agreed. I too found the port to be uncomfortable. I felt like my port stuck way out. I had several days where it would hurt, but mostly it was just uncomfortable.

I hope Im not opening a can of worms here but, Im not sure why your feeding tube needs to be removed by surgery? Do you have a regular PEG tube or another type of feeding tube? As for that type of removal, its usually after a patient can maintain their weight for a couple months eating and drinking everything by mouth without needing the tube. After what you have been thru gaining some weight back could take a while. It also may be another milestone your doctor may want to see before its removed as you lost almost a third of your body weight. I too lost a tremendous amount of weight which made recovery a long road. Even today, being 9 years post rads I have not gained back the weight I lost.

Recovery often is a very long process with many results not exactly what we expect or want. Even after a year post rads most patients are not 100%. You still should experience more improvements in your sense of taste and stamina. Please keep us posted with your port and peg process.