I closed the other post so that the responses stay together.

Traci, There are a few of us here that were able to get through without PEG. I recall very well the last week and it was hell. If he is being watched and kept hydrated I would imagine he can finish. I would think that if his medical care givers were worried they could supplement some nutrition with his hydration. I ended at the weight I was at high school graduation (thin but normal) after loosing 30-35 pounds. Recovery from the oral pain can be fairly speedy. I felt better even after one week (I was able to swallow throughout the treatments).

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.