I think you made the right decision to get the PEG tube, it will make things easier for you during treatments.

Here's the thing, you are already very stressed out, you don't need the extra worry about what if's during treatment. 90% of patients having radiation for HNC get PEG tubes and use them at some point. It's a reasonable precaution that will give you peace of mind AND access for nutrition, hydration, and medications if your throat becomes too sore later on. Also it is not an either or with swallowing, you can and should continue to do that every day. It really helped my husband and was a factor in how quickly his swallowing recovered post treatment.

It's also very common for patients to take anti-anxiety medication such as Ativan or Xanax. Jack could not have gotten through the radiation treatments without it so don't be afraid to ask for a prescription.

Regards JoAnne

I'm glad you're getting the tube also. I would never suggest to anyone not to have the tube, I personally feel it should be required. What type of radiation are you having? IMRT radiation side effects are not as "tough" as the side effects for regular radiation. With IMRT is the only time I would even think about not having a PEG. Why put yourself through more pain and suffering then you need to? Keep swallowing water throughout treatment and you'll be fine. I had my tube put in before radiation, stopped eating at about 3 weeks, and didn't eat by mouth again for approx 4 months. Kept the tube for 9 months just in case! It never caused me a days worth of problem, in fact, it saved me alot of trouble.