David,

My hat's off to you for making it through without the tube. I just didn't have a choice if I wanted to be treated at Emory. The tube was a miserable experience but probably more so for my wife who took care of my feedings. I just could not deal with the "freaky factor" of pouring something directly into my stomach through a tube. It just all seemed so unnatural. I also learned, after one occasion, not to cough while the tube was uncapped for a feeding.

Best of continued good news for both of us as healing continues.

Bill D.