Hello,
I am in last week of my treatment and, as most of my radiotherapy is focused on my nasopharynx and I get a low radiation to my neck, I am not too bad. I do use Ensure mostly as the food tastes horrible but I haven't needed the PEG tube as of today. There is a long waiting list for the PEG removal so this will take time, however, I heard that mine will be removed the similar way as fitted, via endoscopy.
Unfortunately I was in a lot of pain after the tube fitting, I guess the air they pump during procedure was the main issue, it couldn't get out as I couldn't move much. I don't want to scare those who will have one fitted because most of the people seem not to have these issues. Also they were resolved in couple of days and I haven't had any issues since then. I would be grateful if anyone had the tube removed via endoscopy could share their experience? If the air will have to be pumped again? Also how long it takes for the wound to heal and any tips for that?
I am thinking about what to do with my mask, I am not sure what other people do. My husband would take it home but he likes to store everything. I can't imagine the function for it, except putting it in the loft. I don't think I would like to look at it every day. Have you kept yours or if not, were you sorry for leaving it in the hospital? I was so scared of it, of the fitting itself as I am claustrophobic but I haven't had any issues during the therapy. I sort of accepted it as my friend who keeps me safe and I trusted the team around me.
Hi Rose. I can't help with the PEG, sorry. I know they usually come out with a quick pull or a snip, push and poo out. I have read that they can be removed with a push if you can't have a gastroscopy so do ask, because they do have to fill you with air again.
Mask. Your comment about your husband keeping everything made me smile...I have one of those. Whose mask is it?
I didn't keep mine then wished later I had then even later was glad I hadn't. As you say why would you like to look at it. Folk pimp them and hang them in the shed, use them as flower pots, keep them for halloween...all sorts
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
only think I can think about is burying it...then it can as well stay in the hospital.
The plug in the stomach just goes out with your poo
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
Hi Rose
My PEG had a solid internal bumper so could not be removed by pulling out as many others have had done. I suspect yours may be similar. I was offered the option of an endoscopy procedure to remove or "cut and push" whereby they cut it off close to the skin and pushed it into the stomach for it to be "naturally expelled" 
!!
I did not fancy an endoscopy with the trauma to my throat from the RT so I opted for the cut and push. Painless and quick. I assume it has come out, but for obvious reasons I never checked!! Maybe you can ask if they can do the same at your hospital??
My wound closed up in minutes and never leaked. I guess it was fully healed in a few days and has only left the smallest of pock marks. It does not cause me any problems.
I kept my mask. The grandchildren liked playing with it but now it is consigned to the loft. The first year I did take it out into my study and decorated it for Christmas, but my wife threated divorce so it went back into the loft The mask is like a friend to me and not my worst enemy so I am happy to keep it safe.
