Hey, Charm,

Ultra positive vibes are good, but prayers are definitely the BEST! Thanks for both. I hope we all make it to 76 and beyond-healthily. I thought there was some limit on the radiation. She had somewhere b/n 30 and 35 radiation treatments the first time w/no chemo and she said they were aimed at an angle toward her mouth. This go round the recurrence was in her neck and they are aiming it at the right side of her neck and said she would have to have at least 30 treatments. I don't know much about this stuff but it sounds like a lot to me. Maybe since they are radiating a different area they can do it ??? I don't know.

Nancy,

That was a tie in to another post about our Island....Busty Blond Babes = the 3B's

I got it!

There seem to be two ways to get a PEG.

One is by a Gastro-Doc, using a mild sedation so you don't recall any of it -- He/she puts an endoscope down your throat to the stomach to get the right spot and then cuts in from outside to install the PEG through the abdominal wall and stomach wall -- I've had two that way and apart from some mild discomfort at first, they didn't bother me after a few days. Usually you get a bigger PEG (20 French) that way, easier to maintain and less likely to clog.

Some people have reported more pain afterwards.

The second way is by a radiologist using a fluoroscope and local anesthesia to cut hole and guide tube down inside. Usually used after surgery when damage to throat is enough that they don't want to use an endoscope. Also results in smaller PEG (12-14 French), more like to clog and be a problem. I have had one that way.

Having had one of each, I chose to have the larger PEG third time around, done before the cancer surgery -- That meant that not only did I have the bigger PEG, I also didn't need the Naso-Gastric Tube during and after surgery, so things were a lot more pleasant my first few days after (My first NGT was fastened to my septum with three stitches and didn't work right -- Every time someone bumped it, it hurt, and then they had to replace it; finally putting in the skinny PEG).

Pete,

I really appreciate your taking the time to explain the PEGs and how they put them in. I'm hoping Mom won't have to get one but if it comes down to it, at least it will keep her from losing too much weight (hopefully). Thanks again and take care!

Nancy T

Nancy, a PEG tube is a good thing to have. Just like a port is another item that is very useful while going thru treatments. A PEG tube makes getting nutrition so much easier and also its good for taking medications. Not too many OC patients get thru this without the PEG tube. Those who do usually struggle at some point, please stay alert about this. Im hoping your mother gets thru this as easily as possible.

Christine, thanks for your note. Mom is up to 106 now but her mouth is getting more sensitive/sore w/radiation again so she is eating less again. The nutritionist told her she should drink 5-6 supplements/day since she's not eating much but my mom has a problem getting that much down. I can understand what you're talking about that it might make it easier for her. Didn't think of it that way. Take care and thanks!