Waiting for PEG fitting - start chemo and radiotherapy next week

Hi I didn’t have a peg fitted pre treatment starting I did have a nasogastric tube fitted end of week 3 when it bevpcame clear I couldn’t maintain hydration and nutrition. Most who are having pegs do have them pre treatment there’s a few that’s had them during treatment. Fingers x that they can fit him in. From what others have said the discomfort can last  around a week, so ideally before treatment starts or in the early weeks. Sorry I can’t be more helpful,

Hazel 

Hi Worrylo

PEG inserted about 2 weeks from to start of CRT

Pretty straightforward procedure....I had to spend a night in hospital after fitting....some pain as abdominal muscles settle but OK after a few days...should not impact on treatment....but if needed PEG will speed up recovery....keep updating.

Peter

Worrylo said:

Starting to worry that it won’t be fitted before he needs it now. 

I wouldn’t worry too much. If he ends up starting CRT before then there is always the option of a nasogastric tube. It’s what I had and it did the job just as well 

I hope you get one. I didn't need it until about week 3 of CRT. But it was a bit of a faff so better before treatment starts if he can. I had mine 2 weeks before which was b early but they had a cancellation - if he can go in at short notice - worth ringing to say you can. 

I'm 5 months out of treatment - that your husband is about to have. All ok now - lots of luck. Its not easy but you do get to the other side. 

There is great support on this site - people are very generous with their time - helped me a lot 

Rachel x

Hi Worrylo. 

I had mine put in about 3 weeks before treatment started.  But my treatment was delayed by a week for other reasons.  I didn’t need it until week 3 or 4.  Hope your husband gets his appointment soon.  Wishing you well.  

Good evening Worrylo, mine was fitted during the first operation as they did not have time beforehand, and kills two birds with one stone, I'm surprised it has not been fitted yet as it should have by now. I cannot see it being fitted before the radio and chemo which is a bit naughty, you can keep pestering your husband's team and insist on a truthful answer. As Dani said if not an NG tube can be fitted later on, i don't know the waiting list nowadays so i hope they explain their plans. Good luck, take care.

                                                                                 Chris x

I had mine fitted a week before treatment.  Keep chasing them 

Worrylo said:

Hi. My husband starts radiotherapy and chemo next week for a tumour on base of tongue and neck. He was promised a PEG feeding tube hopefully before treatment begins but is still waiting a date.

Hi Worrylo 

Has your husband started treatment yet and did he get that PEG in place? 

HiBeesuit Dani. Thanks so much  for asking. He is having it inserted tomorrow. I’m a bit worried though as he had chemo on Tuesday and is still feeling quite poorly. He is having it done under a general anaesthetic. He is not wanting to eat and feeling such fatigue he has slept most of today. 

Good that it’s sorted. Better late than never. Get some meal replacement drinks organised straightaway. The PEG will be a godsend and remember it’s for when he can’t eat for any reason not just for when his mouth is sore. It will take a while to settle so get liquid pain killers. Hugs.