Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his experience of consuming six meal replacement drinks daily for five months, post his throat surgery in July. The surgery, aimed at removing cancerous tonsil and tongue tissues, left him reliant on Boost drinks and pureed food. Struggling with swallow tests due to throat issues, Deir’s diet remained restricted, resulting in a significant weight loss. Despite challenges, his healthcare team at St. Clare’s Hospital persevered, planning further treatments of radiation and chemotherapy. Regrettably, this also led to him canceling a planned moose hunting trip due to his health condition.

During his radiation treatment, Deir amused himself with thoughts of offering moose meat to his doctor as appreciation. Despite facing challenges like coughing fits and exercise routines, he remained determined. By late November, after completing his cancer treatment, Deir’s improved swallowing ability allowed him to undergo intensive therapy, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.

With steady progress, Deir transitioned from consuming pureed foods to solid options, relishing simple pleasures like eating a banana and other soft foods. Although radiation treatment reduced his saliva production, he adapted by including applesauce and water to aid swallowing. Despite occasional coughing spells, Deir remains resilient, making steady strides towards enjoying a more varied diet.