FWIW, I don't have any problems with people here who made it through without a PEG saying so--I was told by Dana Farber if I had radiation alone a PEG was optional, if I had concurrent chemo, they required their patients to get a PEG, and this makes sense to me as I think chemo does make the mouth sores and sore throat much worse. Most of the people I've seen on this board who have made it through treatment without a PEG did not have concurrent chemo (though I know there are a few exceptions) and all I would like is that they remind new folks of that when talking about their experience because many of the new folks asking about it are people who are getting both.

I also agree with Amy that it's worth being aware that if you find yourself unable to eat mid-treatment and don't have a PEG the whole procedure for getting one can be a much bigger deal--more costly for everyone. And I also am a bit puzzled by the attitude which I do see expressed sometimes that somehow people getting through PEG-less are "tougher". We all have our own hardships getting through this treatment and the aftereffects and we really don't need to be trying to make judgments about how hard it was for us versus someone else.

Sorry if anyone finds this post either "defensive" or "offensive"--I think those descriptors are a bit extreme to describe Amy's or my responses here. But whatever.

Nelie