Should I, Or Can I Survive Without The Feeding Tube?

Hi,

 I am getting conflicting doctor opinions on the feeding tube.  I will begin treatment in a couple weeks for radiation only on my right side of the neck and tonsil area for 15 to 20 minutes.  The Radiation Oncologist really doesn't think I will need the feeding tube.  He said 2 of his patients are having a lot of problems with theirs, and my left throat will not be affected with radiation.  I am thin, but always have been thin, 5'6" normally weighing 120 Ibs., now weigh 113 after surgery and lack of exercise.   

Have you been ok without the feeding tube?

 Thank you for your input.

-Marilyn 

Hi Marilyn,

 My husband is currently in the middle of his 4th week (tomorrow will be 18 & 19 of 42 radiation treatments) to his entire neck.  He has the PEG tube and has yet to use it for food.  Granted he is living on scrambled eggs and chicken soup but he is doing it.  We really were not given the choice, the doctor says you will get a feeding tube so he did (we didn't mind though, we are those people that will pretty much do what the Dr tells us too)

Everyone is different so it is hard to say whether you would be able to do it or not.  I have seen some say they were using one by 2 weeks in and like I said here we are my husband almost done with his 4th week and he hasnt used it (except for medecine because otherwise it burns his mouth)

Your doctor can give you their advice and you should really do what feels right to you, it is YOUR body.

Take care and Good Luck,

Brandi

This is a gamble. The feeding tube was mandatory for me. I was 119 lbs to start; couldn't afford to lose any weight. My docs did not give me the choice.

I had full radiation, and chemo. I did not use the feeding tube during treatment, and had it removed 2 weeks post TX. I lost 5 lbs.

As much as I hate my silly second belly button scar, I would not discourge anyone from getting a PEG tube. It is a lifesaver when needed.

 

I agree-I had the tube put in a couple weeks ahead and I never had to use it except for nasty medicine but it was well worth the peace of mind during my treatment.  Somehow it makes you a little more courageous if you know you can fall back on the tube if need be.  It would be very difficult for you if you had to stop while the tube is put in mid-treatment.  If you are thin to begin with-don't take any chances.

Hello.  I am about to start treatment myself in a few days.  I have a feeding tube already.  There is a chance I may not need it, but like others have said, it does make me feel safer knowing it is there should I need it.  It was pretty much my choice, but was highly recommended by the radiation team.  If it makes me feel more comfortable and makes the doctors more comfortable with my treatment, it is probably a good thing.  They have seen this stuff before.  This is my first time!  I have put my trust in these people and believe in them.  

i had the PEG put in before Tx started I did not have a choice after my oncologist said we where doing chemo (cysplatian) nasty stuff

i had plenty of weight that I could lose and did down 30 pounds and do not miss it or want it back!!

But what i found at the end and the first 2 weeks after Tx was that the tube allowed me to really keep up with GOOD nutrition and tons of hydration which really helped me feel better.

The first day after Tx i was putting (super food green stuff) in the Peg with my Jevity 1.2 and plenty of water a gallon a day to get that crap out of me and flush out all the dead cells from the radiation 

john 

 

On 7/11/2008 markarja wrote:

Hello.  I am about to start treatment myself in a few days.  I have a feeding tube already.  There is a chance I may not need it, but like others have said, it does make me feel safer knowing it is there should I need it.  It was pretty much my choice, but was highly recommended by the radiation team.  If it makes me feel more comfortable and makes the doctors more comfortable with my treatment, it is probably a good thing.  They have seen this stuff before.  This is my first time!  I have put my trust in these people and believe in them.  

Hi Mark

I suggested the PEG tube in my first message to you - now to admit why.  I was stubborn and told my radiation & medical oncologists that I didn't want one.  The first medical oncologist tried his best to talk me into it saying he had only had one woman who made it through without.  He said it would be better if I got it before treatment started.  I still insisted on not getting one.  I began tx at 140 lbs and as the doctor said - other than having cancer I was in very good health.  Two weeks after treatment began I was down 20 lbs and they had to meet me at the door w/ a wheelchair.  For me it was a lifesaver.  I never lost another pound after getting it.  Hydration is another problem that is common and having the tube enabled me to put a lot of water down.  You can't over hydrate.  I had a lot of problems throughout - as the doctor said just about every complication possible arose but I NEVER had any problem w/ the PEG tube. 

Diana