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Anyone not had a peg tube with radiotherapy and chemo?

Germit
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Hello all 

my hubby has cancer in his left tonsil primary and a secondary in the side of his neck. He has refused surgery and opted for radiotherapy and chemo. But he is adamant he will not have a feeding tube or pain killers. And trust me, he won't have even a paracetamol normally. My question is how likely is it he can complete his treatment without a feeding tube? I am pretty sure he is going to need pain relief also. He is so stubborn though it's going ti be a battle! Lol I just don't want him to suffer. Thanks everyone. 

  • Hello Germit

    I'm sorry to hear that your hubby has been diagnosed with tonsil cancer. It's obviously an incredibly difficult time for you both and it's understandable that you may be feeling worried about how he, and you, will cope. 

    We've quite a number of members here on the forum who have been through chemoradiation for throat/tonsil cancer and I know from reading the many posts that it is a tough treatment regime. However, many of our members are successfully through that treatment and living their lives. I'd really encourage you to have a look at this thread and post there to connect and chat with others who will understand and be able to share their experiences with you. I'd also suggest having a look in that thread for links to personal blogs that both [@RadioactiveRaz]‍ and [@Anchor1707]‍ wrote during their treatments. I know that many newer members have found them to be great sources of practical information and advice. 

    We also have a team of nurses here at Cancer Research UK that you can call to speak to if you want to at any point. I'm sure they will be happy to help with any advice, information, and support that they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch Germit and let us know how you both get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi,

    I completed chemotherapy/radiotherapy in May this year for floor of mouth cancer stage 3.

    I had a feeding rig fitted in March. Although the cancer has been cured, I am still dependent on it as I Iam one of the rare cases that  have oesophagul dysphagia following the treatment. 

    Your husband may be one of the lucky ones that can manage without a rig but the majority of patients are very dependent on them for nutrition and drug administration. I would not have been able to have either if I hadn't got the rig.  Like your husband, I was very fit and well and had no need to take any form of tablets prior to having cancer. My throat, mouth and tongue became too swollen and painful to tolerate anything orally especially in the last few weeks of treatment. The pain in my submandibular joint became unbearable when I tried to chew.

    Even with the rig in place it has been difficult to stabilise my weight and I lost over two stones in weight. As well as painkillers your husband will most likely need steroids and anti sickness meds which can also be given via the tube. I would not have managed to take them orally. The treatment regime is a tough one but the success rate is high. I would advise that it would be better to have the tube and not need it rather than not have it and part way through treatment when the immune system is compromised and your husband probably feeling very unwell to try to have it sited then. 

    I understand your husband's initial reaction but in this case I would strongly advise that he follows the recommendation and has the tube fitted

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    Hi Germit. Think I've replied on another forum. All I can say is read my blog and the links. If he's so insistent the consultant won't force him but it's yucky likely he will be hospitaliseduf refusing pain killers and feeding tubes. As I've said befire it's not a walk in the park I did it lije many others but the n g tube was a lifesaver. 
    Hooe he sees sense I can't think of anyone who had completely refused feeding snd pain killers. 
    hazel 

    www.radioactiveraz.Wordpress.com 

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