Hi Keith,

I'm probably the least qualified to respond to you because my husband's diagnosis is so new that we are still in the treatment planning phases. His radiation and chemo will likely start on the 15th of this month.

I can tell you, though, what our radiation oncologist said...in my husband's situation, they said they could put it in at any time and that they wanted to hold off as long as possible so that he retains his ability to swallow. Even if the swallowing is a liquid diet.

So, there not putting a feeding tube in right away, but they are not ruling it out.

Your situation might be different because you already lost quite a bit of weight. My husband is 6 feet and 190 pounds, so they think he is at a good starting point. I hope this helps a little.

Margaret