I didn't have a tube either, and to be honest the thought of having one put in during treatment was a strong motivator for me to keep swallowing.

I had one post surgery for two weeks, and did NOT want to go there again. The deal was that as long as I did not lose more than 7% of my body weight, I could avoid the tube.

I was skinny to start with, even skinnier when I finished, but I only lost 5.5lbs during 30 IMRT treatments. It was brutal at times, but I made it through without the tube. I'm glad I did, too. I have no trouble with swallowing now, and have almost all of my sense of taste back as well.
Wayne