HI,
After I posted back in Dec., the holidays rushed upon me and also I guess the posting was moved so I couldn't find it at first.
Anyway, to David C. regarding PEG tubes...my husband didn't have it and I must admit he had a pretty difficult time of it. He lost about 35 pounds and landed in intensive care for 4 days after the end of his treatments. (The radiation closed up his airways and also had a little pnemonia. He was also intubated.) I know there have been lengthy discussions about PEG tubes and I think it has to come down to your own personal decision. The biggest question is how many treatments of radiation will you have? My husband had 33 (after radical neck disection) and he was able to pull through without a tube. My feeling is that if you have any more than that, I'd seriously consider a PEG tube. Because the effects are cummulative, the worst of the radiation comes at the end and even after it stops, so you can fooled into thinking you'll be OK, then it gets really bad. On the other hand, from reading many of the posts, I get the feeling that with the PEG tube, it takes longer to get back to eating normal or even soft foods. For better or worse, without a tube you are forced to eat or drink through your mouth and that may allow you to recover a little easier. (Just my opinion.) I think also, your overal health, family support and attitude are extremely important. But bottom line, I think the biggest determanent is the number of treatments.
On your other questions about getting through it all, my husband was unbelievably strong. He would never give up. I remember after the treatments when it was so difficult to eat, it would take him an hour to eat one scrambled egg. But he would do it. Many nights he would not go to bed until he ate 1800 calories and was thrilled when he finally was able to break 2000. He kept a calorie counter book and added up what he ate. It may have been a little obsessive, but I think it was good psychologically to be able to set a goal and reach it. He's doing really well now, and even back to running 3-5 miles. Good luck and remember to never give up. You CAN fight this and survive!