On 5/20/2007
Salmc99 wrote:
My husband is starting radiation and chemo for tongue cancer. He had the surgery and one lymph node had cancer and is refusing a pegtube against all of the dr's advice I am so worried that he will not be able to get in enough food or nutrition. He is 37 and keeps telling me he will be able to do it but what if he can not. I am supportive and want to think that he can but I can not help worring that he may realy need this. I would greatly apprecaite any advice.
Thank you, Cathy
My mother in law's situation was very similar,except she wanted the tube because it was too painful to eat. She had previously had one after the initial surgery but began eating within 2-3 months and had it removed. Within 2 weeks of radiation/chemo she stopped eating and the tube was put back in... Is your husband able to drink? If so, the supplemental drinks work well, my mother in law has been using them since January and has been able to sustain her weight with little change. You can also make high protein drinks from just about anything (use fortified milk products to increase calorie count up. Cold seemed to work well for her for awhile.As much as he doesnt want it, he eventually may need to do it!
Good luck for a quick recovery! Dottie