Michael,
My husband was very resistant to the PEG, but what a relief it was to the both of us when he finally got one. Beyond nutrition, there is the hydration that you mentioned - and also the delivery of meds. My husband got to the point where he could not swallow pills and it was great to be able to grind them with a mortar and pestle and add them with some liquid to the PEG. He took his pain meds and also some herbal immune boosters (all approved by the radiation oncologist) this way.

But are you getting a PICT line for delivery of the chemo? If so, that is an even better way to get hydrated. My husband would start looking and feeling really bad and I would get a bag of fluids started via the IV line and the change would be quick and remarkable. But the PICT (think I have the name right, but not sure - I love how I am forgetting all this stuff as time goes blessedly by) should also not get soaked in water. When my husband took a shower, we wrapped plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) around his PEG area and his PICT area. Maybe you can figure out a way to waterproof the PEG to continue swimming as long as possible. I'm with you on this...I get pretty grouchy if I don't have my laps.

Best,
Anita