getting anxious..

Hi Beau

Manageable timeline.

PEG insertion was fairly simple, I spent a night in hospital after procedure.... just for observation....PEG site was tender/painful for about 5 days after then settled down, though I did need antibiotics after a slight infection at PEG site....this is quite common I believe.

Good luck

Peter

that's the thing.. I don't want to head into chemo trying to throw off an infection.. 

Hi Beau Chapeau 

All that late fitting will do is make it a little uncomfortable to get on and off the table. You’ll manage that. If you are still on antibiotics they won’t do the chemo but missing one is of little consequence so try not to worry 

Junior doctors are on strike which doesn’t help. 

Hi Loz

Short Antibiotic course sorted me out prior to chemo starting, PEG  requires attention daily to stop any little problems, site can become a little bit tender ...oncology team will advise on cleaning procedure.

Peter

Hi Beau Chapeau

I know that this is very daunting time, But do not worry about what might or might not happen. Take each step at a time. If you do have an infection (quite common), it is very easily treated. I had a PEG for over 4 months and I had 2 minor infections towards the end. The procedure (fitting of the PEG)  itself is quite straightforward. I had to stay overnight just in case and yes of course it was uncomfortable for a few days but nothing that pain killers could not tackle. After that, looking after your PEG is very easy and becomes part of your daily routine. A nurse came to my house the first couple of weeks to check that I was confident using it and looking after it. I could also call her anytime. Make sure you look after yourself (physically and mentally). We all here to help, therefore do not hesitate to ask any questions or express any worries you may have. 

Best wishes.

Fab1

Loz, I'm getting my PEG on Thursday. Start 6 weeks of RT the following Monday and 6 weeks of chemo on the Thursday.  I have all my chemotherapy appointments but only my first RT appointment in the diary.  I'll let you know how it goes! 

All I wanted was a couple of days for the PEG to start to settle down before I got in the car to drive 2 hours to the hospital...  I've got that wish. 

As to infection my hospital are going to pump me full if antibiotics when they insert the PEG to try and avoid any problems.  Interestingly in all the 7 prior operations I've never once had antibiotics.

I'm really lucky with the junior Dr's strike as they have coerced consultants to do the PEG and put on a special list for me having cancelled everyone else. Amazing care.

Take the next few days to eat special meals as it may be a while before you get back to some normality.  Just had my last haddock and chips

wishing you all the best with your treatment.. 

All the best Peter with your treatment. 

Hi Peter

T2N1M0 tonsil cancer.... finished CRT June 2023

I was eating chippy/Indian food for first 2 weeks of radiotherapy then the effects of treatment hit hard....in October we were fortunate enough to go for a short break where I was again able to have fish (haddock) and chips though the taste  was not quite as before....fish and chips is now a weekly treat...taste is coming back.

Peter E