Janine,
I had my PEG put in during my third week of radiation treatment. I had intended to get through without it, but once the effects started to build, I realized I was going to need the PEG. So after my morning rads, I went to another part of the hospital where they inserted the PEG. In retrospect, I should have had the PEG installed right at the beginning of my rad treatments.
I was very sore from the procedure for the first couple of days, particularly when sitting up or lying down, but this passed. I was very glad to have the PEG when I was unable to swallow a sip of water. The removal of the tube a few months later was almost pain-free. One very short burning sensation while it was pulled out.
Amy is right, this is harder on the caregivers. - Sheldon