Liz(Cookey),

Since I was the one using the word "crutch," I want to clarify my position on the PEG tube. I definitely don't consider it a crutch at two weeks post treatment - it was a godsend and a very welcome asset to Bill's overall outcome.

I merely meant that long term, for some, without hunger, it would be easy to just use the tube and not eat.

So....don't include me in the "lot"....I am a PEG advocate and I believe in being an involved and yes tough caregiver and that this can be achieved without being a bully. I think, if you asked my hubby today, he would say that he never felt bullied or stressed by my attention to all details of his care.

Deb



Deb..caregiver to husband, age 63 at diagnosis, former smoker who quit in 1997.
DIAGNOSIS: 6/26/07 SCC right tonsil/BOT T4N0M0
TREATMENT START: 8/9/07 cisplatin/taxol X 7..IMRT twice daily X 31.5.
TREATMENT END: 10/1/07
PEG OUT: 1/08
PORT OUT: 4/09
FOLLOWUP: Now only annual exams. ALL CLEAR!

Passed away 1/7/17 RIP Bill