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Has anyone made it through radiation and chemo without a feeding tube?
My husband had surgery first and is recovering well, but the port for the feeding tube, that he is told probably will be necessary during and after radiation, is giving him trouble. We had to go to the emergency room a couple nights ago (at midnight) because it came out when he rolled over during the night. He had to stay overnight so surgeons could be found to put in a new J tube. There is a lot more leakage around the insertion spot than there was with the original port. He's afraid of infection. We haven't talked with his doctors yet because this happened right before the weekend. (both insertions were done by Emory doctors.) He's thinking, 'could I be going through all this and it turns out I don't need a feeding tube after all'. There is still a lot we don't know. Thanks, Donna
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My husband did not have a feeding tube at any stage. We had expected that he would have one post surgery but his surgeon suggested that it would be best to forego if he could get enough sustenance orally. He lost a lot of weight but persevered. He is 6 months post surgery and has gained 20 lbs from his lowest point.
Wishing you the best. Judy
I needed my J-Tube for nutrition during my 5 1/2 weeks of chemo/ radiation. The last two weeks I couldn't eat orally at all, I was so sick and the food tasted bad. I only had nutrition through the tube. This helped me to not lose much weight and strength.
I too tossed and felt uncomfortable with the tube at night. I recommend you use lots of paper tape and padding to fix the appliance firmly before getting into bed, so it won't move around as you do. I was given a sleeping pill and anti-depressant at the beginning of my treatment, and I think that helped me relax and sleep better. Also, stretch your muscles before sleep or when you wake at night. Good luck!.