How many of you had the feeding tube put in later during treatment? My Dad was really determined not to get one, but at this rate. I really think the doc is going to pressure him to get one. I know they would normally do this with a camera down the throat, but they probably won't be able to do this. Anyone else had this done halfway through treatment? How'd it go?

I've got the same question. We're just starting on this journey. Radiation and chemo will start on 4/22. My mom wants to wait and see how treatment goes before any discussion of a PEG.

I think that there are some here who have had the tube put in after treatment started, even though that was not my case. I had the surgery, then the PEG was put in before my treatments started. I hated the thing, but was glad that I had it.

They can put in a nasal tube, if it's for a short term, aound 6 weeks, and another way is done by a radiologist without sn endoscopy. I had an endoscopic placement. Good luck.

Mike what a great post!!! Congratulations on this HUGE improvement!!!! You must be jumping for joy.

Thanks for posting your update. It gives others in your situation encouragement. Im very happy it has worked out for you. I have seen where it does grow back so Im glad they prepared you to maybe need to go thru this again. Keep swallowing as often as you can to keep everything working correctly.

Best wishes with your recovery and happy eating

Well, my Dad was able to get down a shake made with 2 scoops of ice cream and a can of peaches yesterday. He said if he knew his throat wouldn't get any worse than it is, he'd be okay, but since he can't count on that he will get the tube to supplement for extra calories/nutrition. He plans on drinking water and/or Ensure drinks everyday, even with the tube.

To Tube or Not to Tube... that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer....

I went into this wanting a PEG as a precaution. My team was against it so no PEG. I saw my RO last Thursday and I'm seeing him tomorrow. He is concerned about my weight. I'm in chemo as I write this getting juiced up for the Cisplatin. I lost 5 lbs the last week. Over 10 since March 14th.

I'm at the halfway point Wednesday! YAY! BUT.... I hit the wall yesterday. We were home for the weekend. Saturday wasn't too bad. My throat is shot and I was feeling rough but it was good to be home, run errands and do "normal" things. The weekends are an oasis in this sea of treatments and appointments. Anyway... I woke up Sunday feeling pretty rough. I went to take my meds and one of the pills got caught in the back of my throat. I went into the kitchen and tried to cough it up and promptly tossed my cookies! That was the first time that has happened. I felt awful the rest of the day....

So... back to now... I drank as much as I could but still felt pretty bad. I almost have a bag of fluid in me and they gave me Emend for the 'yuck". As far as the PEG? I'll listen to my team and deal with what I have to deal with. My swallow has been an issue since the neck dissection and I'm going to need therapy in order to get it back fully. Taking meds is becoming increasingly difficult too.. we'll see.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

Can you use a pill crusher/pestle and mortar to crush the pills and let them dissolve in a bit of water to get them down?

Hi Gloria,

Yes, we can crush the meds if need be. I was doing that after my surgeries. I'd much rather be able to swallow the meds and keep the swallowing functional. I have exercises I need to do with my swallow and honestly, they're ridiculously difficult!

"T"

FYI..certain meds can't be crushed, like time released, so check what can with the pharmacy or health provider.