Pete is quite right about the type of surgery the patient received. I made it through the ordeal with no PEG and weight loss of only 4 lbs. However, I had only a neck dissection, 16 rear teeth removed and radiation without chemo. I could eat most things going into radiation. If your eating ability is compromised going into radiation and chemo, your are most likely to need a PEG tube to get through it.

Take care,
Eileen


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Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I