Eric,
It was at about the third week of radiation that I began being unable to swallow and quickly went in and got my PEG. It is a simple procedure where a radiologist sedates you and puts it in. Getting it out is even easier...they just pull it out!

As I have written here many times, my PEG was my saving grace. Not only is it critical now when Eric needs nutrition and hydration, but in addition, there is no guarantee that swallowing will quickly return when radiation ends. My treatment ended at the first of September and I kept the PEG for another 9 months. As I approach one year from radiation, I am still very limited in what I can eat. The hospital should be able to quickly put in a PEG when you are there for radiation.
I hope that Eric feels better, it sounds pretty rough.

Danny G.

Stage IV Base of Tongue SCC
Diagnosed July 1, 2002, chemo and radiation treatments completed beginning of Sept/02.