I HAVE A FATHER-IN-LAW WHO IS CONSIDERING A FEEDING TUBE. HE HAD CANCER ABOUT 30 YRS AGO AND AS A RESULT OF RADIATION HE CAN NO LONGER EAT WITHOUT ASPIRATING. WE HAVE SEARCHED FOR ALL KINDS OF OPTIONS BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE THE ANSWER. COULD ANYONE TELL ME WHT THEY ONLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE PEG TUBE FOR ADULTS? I HAVE RESEARCHED THE MIC-KEY AND IT SEEMS TO BE A LOT BETTER AS FAR AS LOOKS AND BEING ABLE TO HIDE IT. ANY ADULTS HAVE A MIC-KEY OR THE BARD BUTTON?
Hi There:
I don't have the expertise you are looking for regarding the different types of tubes, since I'm on TPN. But my GI problems are also due to radiation damage. I would like to recommend to you and your father-in-law the website I created with some other long-term cancer survivors:
http://www.cancersurvivorsproject.org/
A great place for information about the damage done long term by cancer treatments. Even more important is a discussion forum for long-term survivors of adult and children's cancers, hosted by ACOR, the Association of Cancer Online Resources. This group is associated with the site noted above. There are over 400 members of this e-mail discussion forum. The long-term survivors list can be found at www.acor.org Click on "Mailing Lists", then "Survivorship Issues", and finally "LT-SURVIVORS". When you join, you may also read through the message archives that will give you a feeling for what the group is all about and how it can help you.
All the best,
Fran
I am an adult and recently had the mini one inserted as a j-tube. it is skin level, and is working so well. the info indicates it is eqivalent to the MIC_KEY. I do my feedings for 12hours at night .
Hi
I am a 40 yr cancer survivor who underwent radiation for a recurrence in '99. Eventually the radiation caused me to have to a feeding tube because I couldn't swallow anything. I was initially fitted with a peg tube. I hated it. Eventually I heard about the mic-key tube on the Oley site and got one. Sooo much better. But my research showed me that the mic-key tube is only used after having a peg tube for a while and after the stoma is healed. If I am correct, I believe he must have a peg for a few months then it is easy to change to the mic-key tube. Good luck!
Kathy
It is also my impression that the mic-key is only an option after the stoma has healed. it takes a few months. Good luck.
Thank you so much for your replies. That answers the questions I had. I am glad to hear that he can get the mic-key it sounds like a much better option to him.
Hi
You said your father was 'considering' a feeding tube. I fought having one for quite a while. It was so hard to eat but I didn't want the tube. Eventually I lost so much weight and got so dehydrated, it wasn't an option. Now I wish I had gotten the tube much sooner. It gave me so much more freedom - I don't need to struggle to get food down. Your dad will feel so much better once he gets it. After a few months, when he gets the mic-key tube, he will be so much better. Good luck!
Kathy
Hi
PEG tubes are usually placed in interventional radiation with light sedation. As stated before, the mic-key is usually an option after the original tube is placed. The bard button also needs to be placed surgically so the PEG is the easiest to start with. Be in close contact with your dad's physician to discuss changing once the PEG is placed. Some doc's simply don't know there are other options out there. The home care company you work with in getting supplies and formula will also be able to get you more information.
Good Luck!
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