Steve, Riley, Mary thank you for replying to my post. And thank you all for reading and sharing.

Steve you sound like a real trooper how old are you? I'm 42, did you have a peg tube? why did you have a neck dissection if you had it in your tongue? how long after the operation were you able to eat on your own?

Riley, There's is no valid explanation of why we are are faced with this episode of our lives. Sooner or later we must part it's just that we don't expect it to be this painful way. I just read a book by Victor Frankl, "Mans Search for Being", a wonderful perspective on that subject and a real joy to read. Have someone get it for you or buy it online. After you read it let me know what you think.

Mary, how long has it been now, what is John going through presently. Was his in the same location as mine, was he able to eat soon after the surgery? Thank you gain for replying.

God bless you all . .
Edgar

Hi Edgar,

Not sure if I am the same Steve, but here goes.

I'm 58 now. I had the neck disection because the cancer had metasticized to two lymph nodes. The only way to tell if the treatment worked is to take out those plus other nodes and do pathology. A CT scdan only shows over a million cells.

The PEG tube saved my life. I was not able to eat becasue after the first week of treatment. I took 3 boosts every morning, noon & evening. 9 a day for nutritional purposes. I found the chocolat best as the vanilla made me gag. I also found the Walmart brand OK. Those two had the best protien counts.

I was able to eat as right away after the operation, but I had the operation 7 weeks after I had finished treatment. I was able to begin getting down oatmeal two days before I had the disection, and was able to eat in the hospital the afternoon after they cut. They pulled the PEG out the morning after. "POP" and it was gone.

Hope I have helped some.

Steve

PS

If you want to talk, I will give you my number.