Hi Cougardad62,

I hit the beginning of swallowing pain and loss of appetite just about the same time as you (week 4); I also started unexpected vomiting from time to time, so I had no desire to do have anything to do with food. I had opted to not have a PEG put in beforehand, but after losing 5 pounds almost overnight (from my starting weight of 105 lbs), I asked for and quickly got the PEG inserted and started faithfully with that. The PEG feedings helped my weight to stabilize - pretty much giving up on any caloric intake by mouth. I did a LOT of dry swallowing but really nothing more than that or a very occasional sipping of water (still painful). If I did it again (and am not volunteering), I would rely on the PEG but also FORCE myself to swallow something more than water sips because I had narrowing of my throat (esophagus?) and ended up having four dilations after radiation was complete. The issues didn't start until about 2 months after radiation (I still had the PEG). I had developed strictures in my throat that got thicker, restricting foods from passing. I had my radiation treatment at a local hospital but was followed by specialists out of Mass Eye & Ear. If I had my radiation at Mass Eye & Ear or Mass General, they would have forced me to swallow at my radiation appointments to make sure strictures didn't develop. Of course I learned that after the fact. It may not happen in your case or others, but it is a take-away for me from my experience. I've thought about it a few times and my plan would be to load up on pain -relief beforehand, let it start to kick in, force myself to eat something and then hopefully have relief and sleep after. (How's that for planning?)


You are in the rough patch and will continue for a while. You have our support; you can do this! :-)