Kimberly,

You're not asking too many questions -- there's a whole vocabulary that goes with cancer that most people don't learn much about until it's forced on them. (In the Other Resources section on this site, there is a link to a Cancer Dictionary with a lot of useful information on terminology.)

"Met" is short for metastasis, which refers to the spreading of cancer from the original tumor site to other locations in the body. Since this type of cancer has a tendency to spread to surrounding nodes, the doctors will have to use the results from the removed nodes to help them determine the characteristics of this tumor and whether to proceed with radiation.

A PEG is a type of feeding tube that can stay in for an extended period of time if a patient is unable to get enough nutrition by mouth. It's not necessary in every case, but in some instances it's the only realistic alternative.

It sounds like your friend is trying to focus on nutrition, which is good, because it's so difficult to eat during this recovery phase, and if it turns out he needs radiation, eating will continue to be a problem. There should be a nutritionist at their hospital that can help monitor his weight and dietary needs.

Cathy