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How do I know when I can get off my feeding tube?

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Dec 21, 2025 | Replies (54)

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I am 3 months post treatment (radiation/chemo) and have had my PEG feeding tube in now for 4 months. I have set a goal that my tube will be out by the end of January. I am making myself consume the calories however I can. I am now on half feeds and I am maintaining my weight. I plan to reduce by 1 box of feeds (currently on 4/day) each week until I am only eating orally. I have been told by the Nutrition team that I will need to maintain my weight with zero feeds for 2-3 weeks before they will remove the tube. It isn’t easy but you need to make yourself eat. Lots of water or juice to wash things down. 2-4 Ensure Plus Calories per day if necessary. Tons of butter and sauce on everything helps foods go down. Experiment. Try everything. I started trying kids foods like Alphagetti and Mini-ravioli! You have to set a goal date! I can’t stand this dumb tube, it has been worse than the cancer! Good luck.

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@scottmcf1431
Thank you.