Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his journey as a six-pack-a-day consumer, not of beer but Boost, a meal replacement drink he relied on post-throat surgery to combat cancer. His last solid meal was a tenderloin steak before undergoing surgery on July 13 to remove cancerous tissues from his throat. Despite the surgeon’s declaration of a “normalish” throat post-surgery, Deir struggled with swallowing solid food due to failed tests, leading to a weight loss of 15 pounds.
His health-care team at St. Clare’s Hospital persisted in finding solutions, despite setbacks requiring radiation treatment and chemotherapy, which also meant canceling a moose hunting trip due to health concerns. Deir’s radiation oncologist advocated for his inability to participate in the hunt, emphasizing the need for months of recovery and daily support from his wife.
Throughout his cancer treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy, Deir humorously imagined scenarios while undergoing medical procedures. He found solace in dark humor and maintained his spirit through daily exercises to improve his swallowing abilities. By late November, his efforts paid off as he successfully qualified for intensive swallow therapy, marking a milestone in his recovery journey.
With improved swallowing capabilities, Deir ventured into the world of solid foods after five months, starting with a humble banana and progressing to softer options like mac and cheese and apple pie. Despite challenges such as reduced saliva production and occasional coughing, he remains determined to savor every bite, appreciating the progress made in his culinary journey.