I am now 7 months post TX and still have my peg tube. I don't depend on it as much as I used to, but I'm still not able to eat enough to maintain proper nutrition so I will put up with it until I can do so. Yes, it is a nuisance, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. My esophagus has been narrowed from the radiation effects so I am having difficulties with learning to eat again. And, as Christine said, it does takes a reeeally long time to heal from this kind of TX. I am a lot better now than I was at your stage. I remember my mouth, tongue and cheeks being swollen and sore as well. They are much, much better now so just hang in there the best you can. Everyone has their peg tube yanked out at different times. It just depends on each individual's healing progress. Best of luck to you!