Linda,
After a couple of weeks of radiation I too lost my sense of taste and by the third week could barely swallow and got my PEG. I am one of the many here who is a big believer in the PEG tube and see nothing heroic or beneficial in foregoing the PEG. I never once had to go to MDACC for hydration or related problems. Since I kept a PEG for 10 months, I did change it out for a new one once.
I also got the 25mcg patch to start, but shortly thereafter moved up to a 50 and eventually 75. After treatment ended and the pain began to lessen, I moved back downward and eventually weaned myself from the patches.

Make it easy on yourself.

Danny G.

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