Radiotherapy and chemo has anyone not had a peg tube?

They said they’d rather give him a direct tube in the worst case scenario than a PEG because they are hoping he’ll retain his swallow. I’m guessing they are assuming that because they said it’s unusual for people not to lose weight after his last surgery and he didn’t. So it’s very worst case scenario. I’m not sure how they can be so positive about that so I may ask. 

Hi Cat, if your partner can sustain ability to eat normal food even if it takes much longer and his weight remains stable then happy days! If however eating is a real struggle then from a patient perspective the PEG is surely a better option than hospitalisation?

I still have my PEG but now waiting to have it removed as although a struggle I no longer use it. That said without it I would have finished up in hospital as eating for a few weeks simply wasn’t an option.

Sorry I’m no medic but I really don’t get the advice!

All the best

Barry

They said worst case scenario they thought it would be a few days of not being able to eat, but that it was very unlikely in any case and they thought he’d be able to eat 

i don’t know how they know that in advance so I may ask more when I can 

I know they’re increasing the dose to the throat so it seems contrary to people on here 

I assume that by "direct tube" you mean a naso-gastic one but I'm still a little puzzled. I don't see how the type of tube he (potentially) uses has any bearing on his ability to swallow; swallow is by-passed by both. The only possible explanation I can think of is that they think that if a patient has tube pre-fitted they're more likely to take the "easy option" of using it rather than persevere with trying to eat normally.

That said I really don't mean to undermine your trust in your team, but I'd ask a few questions.

Hi Cat I would think n g tube but ask to clarify. I didn’t have a peg but had to agree to a n g tube fitted if I needed it. It’s a simple procedure I had it fitted as a bday patient at the end of week 3. There’s a difference between eating after surgery and having 6 weeks  radiotherapy as the weeks go by the ability to swallow can be lost. Mine was a lifesaver. I had it in for 6 weeks in total. It is easier to fit and remove than the peg most people hsve n g tube removed sooner than peg. 
but as others have said check with team.
Hazel  . 

Unknown said:

Royal Surrey 

Thanks. I was wondering as some hospitals seem to be absolutely anal about swallow retention . The Royal  Marsden is one. I can’t reconcile that with asking a patient to struggle in pain. I had a reactive  nasogastric tube for nine weeks and it like hazel’s saved my life. I did my swallow exercises and all was well. 

Hi Cat Just had a thought. Wondering if the peg not being offered due to covid as the nhs are trying to keep people out of  theatres etc I know  at the start of this in March 2020 pegs were rarely fitted neither were n g tubes. 

Hazel 

That does actually sound plausible Hazel, good thought.

Hi Mike it just came to me.Both Dani and I were mentoring a few directly in early days of COVID 2020 and several ladies were firmly told no pegs and at very beginning no n g tubes.
Hazel 

I’m very intrigued now. I will ask their thinking when I get the next opportunity. His radio isn’t starting until 6th Jan though so a bit of a wait.