Decision time and I want to do the best I can, after seeing most of the people today

Hi Minmax

I was told I would probably need a feeding tube of some sort when the team discussed with me what my treatment would entail but, I never did. I have no idea why I managed to avoid. I did only have 2 chemo treatments (week 1 & week 5) and 30 RT sessions. There does seem to be a difference in the hospitals with some waiting to see how you get on and others giving you a feeding tube before any treatment starts. I def never wanted a tube from the start so I just played a waiting game but, guided by my team who never suggested one throughout the whole 6 weeks. I guess it will ultimately be up to you along with guidance from the team. Hoping you can come to a decision. All the best.

Tricia (Piya10)

Hiya minmax

We all react differently, i continued working throughout treatment, but it is an IT job not physical, no way could i have done a physical job and i don't think you will be able to either. Like you i had 5 chemo and 30 radio sessions.

I also would not have worked if i had any choice, i am the only IT in the company so felt i had no choice.

I didn't have a tube fitted and managed to keep myself hydrated ok, but it was tough and i  really struggled from about week four of treatment.

I think the best bet is to see how you do? it is certainly better to have a tube than to dehydrate- do you have to have it  fitted before treatment starts?

Hi Tricia I am having 6 chemos every monday along with the radiotherapy. The issue is I would have to have the Peg fitted before treatment starts and also the  risk element. Plus like you I dont want one . Many Thanks for your advice Regards Min   

Hi TrevW i think you mentioned something before about this  like dealing with pain etc   before it  happens. I suppose just keeping an eye on everything and not getting  dehydrated and losing weight and serious mouth maintenance  while potentially feeling ill. I dont know if this is the right holiday I signed up for but hey ho no going back lol. Thanks Very much for your advice Regards Min 

Hi Minmax

I had 5 out of 6 prescribed chemo sessions and 35 RT (finished 3 weeks ago). I had a PEG fitted in week 4 of treatment. I had hoped to avoid it but I was struggling to eat and lost a lot of weight- it was nausea and lack of appetite rather than pain. I am now eating small amounts but having the PEG has been a huge relief as it has just taken the pressure off. It’s difficult because you don’t know how the treatment will affect you-do you think they would delay it for a few weeks to see how you get on? 

Well done Kitty sounds like you have done it Yeah . I am going to have Cisplatin. The doctors just said its not pleasant at all but they are there to get me through it . Delaying things isn't an option , I have signed all the consent forms and they are just waiting on cardiologist to confirm my AF isn't a problem as they might have to knock the chemo on the head but that knocks a 6% chance off which I dont want to risk, I can deal with lack of appetite and nausea if I have to. Many Thanks Knitty  

If having cisplatin one thing i would say is take your pre chemo anti nausea med religiously

And take your post chemo anti nausea meds religiously even if you dont feel sick.

I did that (one tablet before chemo, and dexamethasone after chemo) and think i only had one bout of mild nausea.

Trev

Thanks TrevW I think I really needs to be on the ball with all these tablets as been on 7 a day since january , Might have to ask my daughter to help me do something on my iphone unless there is some app out there already Regards Min  

Hi Minimax, I had a RIG fitted before my treatment started,  so glad I did after about 3 weeks into the treatment I was 100% reliant on it for about 10 weeks. It isn't very pleasant a first but you quickly become used to it, plus if you can't eat and you have a RIG or a PEG it is one less thing to worry about. The way I looked at it was better to have it and not use it, than need it and not have it. All the best to you.

Regards Ray.

Hi Minmax

No PEG for me. Didn't want one but hospital protocol was to have a nasogastric tube anyway which is what I had for 8 weeks. That suited me fine. Took it out myself at the end. The thing to ask is will they give you an NG tube if you need it or will you have to have a PEG placed when you are ill. I couldn't bear the thought of the latter.

NG tube takes a few seconds and you are easily taught how to use it.

I had 30 RT no chemo