Amy, your Dad is entering into some of the most difficult parts of the treatment for cancer, radiation. At least it was the worst for me, anyhow. I had a peg (feeding tube) and recommend it for everyone. If he is to start radiation soon, he should get the peg. I lost 50 pounds, 1/4 of my body weight, with the peg. As I couldn't swallow at all or even talk toward the end of treatment, I would have shrunk down to nothing without the peg. Besides, the meds go down a lot easier through the tube than orally after a tonsilectomy.

As far as drinking goes, if he is going to start radiation, let him drink all that he wants. The calories will do him good and after radiation, he may not be able to stand drinking beer, or any other alcohol. I used to drink scotch, wine and beer before treatment, now I can't stand the taste of any of it. I keep trying, but it tastes so bad that I can't force myself to drink anything.

The peg is no big deal as far as getting it in and using it. Sometimes it clogs up and a little Pepsi or baking soda and some patience takes care of that. Removal is even less of an issue. The main thing is to keep the site clean and protected for the first couple of weeks. After that, showering is no big deal or any other activity. I even went swimming with it a few times. He and you will be in my prayers to get through the next stages of his treatments. Bless you for helping to care for him.