Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his journey of being reliant on six packs of Boost, a meal replacement drink, for five months post throat surgery to combat cancer. He abstained from alcohol and solely relied on Boost for sustenance following the removal of his right tonsil, a portion of his tongue, and the tissue in between due to cancerous growth. Despite being declared “normalish” post-surgery, he couldn’t consume solid food, compelling him to sustain on Boost and pureed meals, resulting in a significant 15-pound weight loss.
Struggling with swallow tests, Glenn’s throat muscles faced challenges in safely directing nourishment towards his stomach rather than his lungs. His health care team at St. Clare’s Hospital in St. John’s persevered, preparing him for radiation treatment and chemotherapy while having to forgo a planned moose hunting trip due to his health condition. The treatment regimen, involving radiation sessions twice daily, presented its own set of challenges, including a coughing fit while undergoing chemotherapy.
Despite the hardships, Glenn’s persistence with tongue, jaw, and swallow exercises, combined with the support of his medical team, led to improvements in his swallowing ability. By late November, he underwent another swallow test, which showcased progress from his dedicated exercises. His successful completion of the test qualified him for intensive swallow therapy, marking a turning point in his recovery journey.
Embracing his newfound ability to consume solid foods after months of liquid sustenance, Glenn navigated the world of soft foods with cautious optimism. While his saliva production remains reduced post-radiation, he now enjoys a variety of soft foods, albeit with necessary precautions and support. His journey, marked by perseverance and gradual progress, is a testament to his resilience in overcoming the challenges posed by his cancer treatment.
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