Ann, nutition and hydration are extremely important during and after treatment. The option of going without eating does not exist. Your body needs more nutrition because of the trauma being inflicted on it. For those who were able to swallow food, water, and medication, a PEG was not strictly necessary. For others,like me, who were not able to without a great deal of pain, the PEG was a lifesaver, literally. Easy in, easy to live with, easy out. I was absolutely freaked at the idea of getting and having one, but was very glad I did. Again, so as not to begin the debate once more, people who are able to swallow throughout and after treatment, can do without a PEG.