I had one put in 3 weeks after my radiation started and it was an experience I would never want to go through again. The doctors told me to consider it prior to radiation, but I held out because I was vain. I was so weak by the time I had the feeding tube installed it impaired my recovery. I should have listened to them.

That's a good question, @7881188. Like @jimthomasintl, some people have the feeding tube after treatment and others before treatement. I'm tagging a few other members like @calenbd @joy345 @snotbox2014 @yolande73 @sepdvm @nnurse on this discussion to gather their experiences.

It sounds like your concern is not necessarily when your husband had the feeding tube inserted, but rather that he is not able to eat anything at all yet. It can be hard and I'm sure members have tips to share to help with eating.

Has your husband been working with an oncology dietitian to help him get used to the feeding tube? And to help you, too?

My doctors recommended one and I waited for about a week. I hated it but I knew it was the best thing for me. I had mine for about 5 months total. During and after treatment. I found that even trying to eat for me it was almost impossible. But i did my Boost milkshakes. I used them for a good year. I ate things that I could but to say I ate a meal would be lying. It is terrible trying to swallow anything including water. Food doesn't taste like food. Heck it doesn't even taste like dog food. I posted earlier how I did my milkshakes but if you can't find it and would like it I'll be happy to do it again. If he wants to try food have him try babyfood fruit. strained. It might go down easy and it does have a taste to it. If he is using the feeding tube and isn't hungry it could be because he is getting so much from the tube that he is full. If thats the case maybe he could cut back a "little" from the tube. How about egg drop soup? there is a flavor but not strong and it's easy to go down. I'm 9 years out and still have problems with eating. I've learned that the best you can do is give something a try. One bite. If it doesn't work, no worries. I have stayed away from spicy foods. Beef in any form is so so so difficult especially hamburger. Remember that you must drink when you eat. A bite and a swallow of liquid. milk or water, warm tea. Coffee didn't do well for me. If his saliva is diminished it will be harder to eat. That's why I say soft and lots of liquids. Also don't lay flat. Keep a 45 degree angle. Keeps food down. I'm sorry about writing my books. I wish I had had more suggestions when I was relearning. When he does start to eat real food and you go out to eat try to find buffets. I still like them best. I could try different things and not be stuck with maybe something that didn't work for me. I always did that one spoon thing. Still do. Best of luck. I promise it WILL get better.

Bless you on this journey, and I wanted to share that yes, my husband had one, and it truly saved his life from being permanently, altered by weight loss, and admission into the hospital --the condition of his throat and the ruination of his taste buds left him, unable to eat, swallow.
💜 our doctor recommended he put it in before treatments began, and he is very glad that he did. How was your husband doing with his PEG?