Michelle and Wallyswife,
Wow, you are so courageous and your journey has been very tough indeed. I just replied to Malka before this reply, having not realized that there was a third page to my post - must be a dumb blonde thing...., so I just repeated it here. I talked to mom's GP yesterday who looked at the ENT's notes and made a few suggestions for the remaining months of her life. He did recommend the tubes, stating that death by slow suffocation or starvation was not pleasant or the desireable path to follow. He also stated that his opinion on the radiation was - if they cannot say that they think it will improve the quality of her life then don't risk the quality she has now for the months that are left. He put in a referral for hospice care and gave her several different options for pain management. The PET scan was done last Friday and we see the tumor panel next Monday. After we see them and digest their recommendations, then mom will finally have to decide....
Michelle - I hope your husband fares better than your other family members have, my prayers are with you also.
Wallyswife - Yes, mom understands what is going on, she just doesn't know the type of death that is just around the corner. Either way - there are no easy choices. Thank you for your care and concern.

Carol