Wilma:

Its entirely up to you if you decide to get the peg tube. There are both pros and cons for having it. The main thing is that there could come a time when you can barely swallow water much less eat something. Thats when the peg tube is a lifesaver. It can be uncomfortable at times and its a bit of an adjustment having it there. No matter which way you go, just remember trying to get 2000 preferrably 3000 calories in per day without one isnt easy. Same goes for minimum 48 oz water and still try to swallow everyday. There are some people here who can do it, I wasnt one of them. Just keep eating anything and everything you want now. It could be some time once treatment starts til things taste like they should again.

You have lots of time to prepare for everything you need to do. Lineup the helpers now.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile