@sherryfulk ,
I just completed chemo/radiation March 12 and here is my experience re: eating/feeding tube. I stopped oral intake of everything (except water) about week 4 (half way through). For me, it was a singular incident of vomiting Ensure that made me completely lose my appetite. I lost 23 pounds (I started at 133, so it was a significant loss). My feeding tube was placed 5 days after chemo/radiation ended. The tube is not pleasant, but I need nutrition! It was painful for the first 10 days (which I think is unusual). I had muscle spasms (lidocaine patch helped me sleep) and once the stiches (secured with buttons) were removed, I finally felt some relief. I am beginning to try different foods orally, and swallowing is not easy, but not painful. Healing from the chemo/radiation (in my case) seems to be harder than the treatment itself. Yes, I've had some bumps in the road, especially with chemo, but I haven't experienced a lot of pain in my throat/mouth (my tumor was base of tongue/tonsil). I don't want to do this again, EVER, but I do have confidence that the treatment was solid and the long term outlook of being cancer free is promising. I'm at patient at Mays Cancer Center in San Antonio. This is a scary diagnosis (as I'm sure most cancer diagnoses are). Of course you and your spouse question the process (I did!) AND... I think the collective wisdom of this group is super helpful. Nobody's experience is the same, but I do think you'll find at least one or two posts that will offer great advice and ideas for getting through the treatment. I pray for your hope and stamina and his courage to continue. Peace be with you.