Hi Joe, sorry that you've joined us but there is great information and support here.

Tom is absolutely correct that you don't want to wait until you need a PEG tube because others have found they were not able to get that done due to the condition of their throat. They waited too long.

Jack had his PEG tube removed yesterday after 7 months and I really believe it was a life saver during the treatments. Think of it as another weapon in fighting cancer. Many of us have found that maintaining adequate hydration/nutrition actually speeded up recovery time and decreased the amount and severity of side effects.

As a fellow health care professional I can tell you that the view from this side is entirely different and you will have unexpected experiences.

When Jack was diagnosed I went into organization mode. I figured if I just created enough procedures his course of treatment would be better. Guess what - I couldn't control everything. Cancer doesn't care what we do for a living or think we know. It has a mind of its own. Not all side effects are preventable but the ones related to keep up your nutrition/hydration are the exception.

I hope that your treatments continue to go well and that your side effects are minimal. In the meantime, take out some insurance and get a PEG tube.

Regards JoAnne