So, I had no intention to start a PEG debate and was just sharing my experience but I think we've touched upon how different opinions amongst docs at different facilities are. I'll recount the story my MO told me about PEGs.

He said when they first came to market all the MOs thought it was a game changer and recommended everyone get one and "let the throat go on vacation and let everything go through the PEG". They thought the PEG would reduce so much suffering for patients. He said later on what they discovered was that they ended up with a whole lot of people who were never able to swallow again as a result. Basically their throats built up so much scar tissue and constricted that they were not able to undo the damage.

They stress to patients now (much like the knowledgeable people here) to use the PEG to supplement but use the throat muscles as much as possible. That being said my MO said 80% of patients get a PEG at some point. His usual timeline is week 4.

Ok, end of week 5. The biggest problem right now is the radiation burns on my neck. They are clearly getting worse. I have been using the Aquaphor yet it's not doing the trick anymore. The main focal point on each side is now very raw. Going to ask for something different next week from the Docs. I have been putting on Neosporin for burns today and that helps numb it at least.

Throat is a little more sore than normal today but still eating and drinking fine. Still no PEG or narcotics yet. Nine more radiation treatments and one or two more chemo and then I'm done. Sounds like a small number but seems far away.

Continuing acupuncture three times a week. Can't say enough amazing things about the people that provide the service.

Fortunately I have a ton of vacation time coming up before years end so my weeks will be short as I heal. My company has been amazing. Because wearing a collared dress shirt is painful they told me to do the best I can (Polo or V-neck) and not worry about the dress code. If I really get beaten up these last two weeks I still have almost all of my 100% disability to use if need be. Have to admit though going to work helps keep the mind off things and passes the time more quickly.

Regards to all,

-Rich

Its not easy is it? I cant believe you are still working, thats excellent! Sounds to me like you are doing very well so far.

For the neck, ask your doc for something stronger. I used prescription beta-Val cream but there are many equally as good you can get. Pat it on several times per day and let it soak in. Never use the cream before going into get zapped. But pat some on immediately afterwards. If the neck burns become open weeping sores its ok to cover them with some non stick gauze pads, be very cautious using tape on your neck. I used paper tape, one tiny piece to stick to a corner of the gauze pad so it wouldnt fall off.

Good luck!!!

You are doing awesome... Slowly but surely... the neck... I would see if they have a prescription cream they can give you... Hugs.

Thanks Christine and Cheryl. I am definitely going to ask for something industrial strength tomorrow from either my MO or RO. The pain is bearable. I can sleep and whatnot but given I have 9 more treatments I don't want it to get to the point I have trouble showering. As it is I have had to get creative with my work wardrobe but that is a source of much ribbing from the guys I work with which actually helps pass the time.

Okie Dokie, end of week six. I have 1 Taxol treatment and 4 more radiation treatments left. I have to say that the light at the end of the tunnel theory doesn't work as well with this as with other things as when treatment ends the gift keeps on giving for a bit. That being said my schedule freeing up massively will be nice and not having to smell the hospital will be heaven. You guys know what I mean.

Having increased throat pain for sure but still eating and drinking. Probably short on calories from solids but supplementing with weight gain shakes. I highly recommend a calorie tracking app or website as I was miscalculating how many calories I was taking in. Your mind thinks just because you're near constantly eating that it's adding up and that's just not true. I had a few 1200 calorie days where i seriously thought I had gotten enough down.

Still no PEG or narcotics. If I can survive the next 10-14 days I should be in the clear as I expect healing to take place quickly after treatment stops.

My neck is not getting much worse but also not much better. They did give me non-stick gauze i can use when i go to work. Keeps me from ruining the collars of my shirts and also from freaking out the co-workers. Nurse I saw said it's amazing how fast It will heal so keep my chin up.

Here's to hoping week 7 breezes by and things turn around quick. I am having constant food dreams that are driving me mad!

Best,

-Rich

Way to go Rich. Sounds like you will make it thru a bit easier than average. Not to be a downer but the week after rads stop is probable the roughist. For me, my skin kind of got use to the rads, kind of like a sun tan. By the last week it looked worse than it felt. However the throat was horrible. Sneezing hurt so bad it made me cry. All I could do was take a few sips of water that week. I found that the pain pills were a net negative. Sure it help ease the pain a bit, but the side effects were not worth it. I finally disposed of all that stuff last weekend.

A coulple more rough weeks and things will turn to getting better. Keep us posted.

Keep up the good work! You are almost to the finish line. Sorry to say you are 100% correct with it doesnt end there, it will be a few more weeks til you begin to feel human again.

PUSH yourself with your intake. I know its not easy and skimping one day shouldnt be a big deal but it can quickly turn into a habit and a viscous cycle that can land you in the hospital for malnutrition and dehydration.

Try the following chocolate peanut butter shake. Drink one or 2 every single day for at least the next 2 months. This will help you with your calories as each shake has over 1000 calories each. Several other members have used my recipe and actually turned their weight loss around and gained a few pounds.

(All measurements are estimates)

Giant High Calorie Choc-Peanut Butter Milkshake

3 or 4 cups chocolate ice cream (regular/full fat type)
2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth type)
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 or 2 cups whole milk (can substitute half and half to add even more calories)
1 scoop carnation instant breakfast
1 scoop high protein whey powder

Blend this extra long to make it very smooth and creamy so it goes down easier.

Here is a List of Easy to Eat Foods. This should help with your eating. You really are doing very well making it thru this without a peg.

Hang in there. Better days are right around the corner.

Rich, I know it hurts bad, but I'm actually a little jealous of you as my rads start on Monday and have all this to look forward too. Still to keep working throughout and to not have needed a PEG or narcotics, that's amazing.

I will definitely try the super shake recipe above as well as Christine's others.

Great job Rich, you're helping all the rest of us by telling your positive story.

take care
Tony

Rich, you are doing so awesome! The light might not be next week, but even if it's a few a weeks away, it's still there.

And yep, I know what you mean about the hospital smell, it still gives me the willies when I go for my check-ups.