Treatment without tube

I can't think of any names off the top of my head I'm afraid Clare, but without question some do manage to get through without a tube at any time; so it's certainly possible.

Thanks Mike. Perhaps if I really struggle they will manage to fit me in! 

Without a doubt, they'll take whatever steps are needed to keep weight on/minimise loss.

I was admitted for the last four days of my RT due to weight loss; my wife phoned my dietician and I was on my way in half an hour. I already had a PEG but couldn't get enough down, so they switched me to overnight pump feeding; made life a lot easier once an optimum flow rate was settled on.

Clare1975 said:

is there anyone that can reassure me that they had treatment  without a feeding tube?

1. Yes Clare. There are a few. Piya10 I can remember  offhand and there are a few chaps but like Mike my heads a sieve these days. I managed three weeks nearly four before it all came crashing down and I had an NG tube. I didn’t notice it at all in my throat amidst the pain of mucositis. 
   There are hospitals that refuse feeding tubes unless you are in real trouble so it is possible. I was warned that if I lost more than 5% of my body weight I would be hospitalised. It was a no brainier to stay at home. 
   Line Mike I was pump fed  at night. It was a godsend to not have to worry about dosing myself with food during the day 

Thanks. Perhaps they’ll do the stomach PEG if I’m desperate which I’m more than happy to have. Just not the throat. Even the doctor said I couldn’t continue like that. 

Hi Clare

I only had an NG tube for a few days while in hospital after surgery.  I started radiotherapy 6 weeks later but didn't have any sort of feeding tube for that.  It was tough going and I lost a lot of weight which I didn't have to lose in the first place!  There were mutterings towards the end of treatment about having an NG tube but my weight just about managed to stabilise.

I can't remember whether you've started radiotherapy yet?  The website used to have the facility to see old posts from people but I can't find that since the recent revamp.  Sorry.

Linda x

Thanks Linda, that’s really helpful.  yes tomorrow will be three weeks. Are you fully recovered now? X

I might be worth asking whether there's any possibility to have a PEG fitted should things get too difficult Clare.  Hopefully you won't need it.  

I finished my treatment in August 2018 and all my check ups have been clear, thankyou.  A few residual problems that I'm working through.

Sounds like you're doing well so far.

Linda x

LindaWT said:

I can't remember whether you've started radiotherapy yet?  The website used to have the facility to see old posts from people but I can't find

Hi Linda. I keep forgetting you managed without a tube. Brilliant. 
Re past history it still works. 
Click the persons avatar click on more then activity and keep scrolling to bottom of the page. 

Hi Mark777 refused anything like tubes he was close but did manage from memory. O hadc2 guys with me both lost a lot of weight and struggled in recovery but got through it. It all depends on your oncologist how much weight you are loosing. My n g tube was out in end of week 3 I never felt it maybe if yours was after surgery ? It may be worth trying it again if they can’t do a peg ?

Hazel x