Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his journey of being reliant on six packs of Boost meal replacement drinks post-throat surgery due to cancer complications. His meal replacement journey was not by choice but out of necessity post-surgery in July. Despite his desire for solid food, he had to stick to Boost and pureed meals to sustain himself. The struggle continued as swallow tests repeatedly showed his throat was not ready for regular food intake, causing him to lose 15 pounds.
The challenges persisted as Deir underwent radiation treatment and chemotherapy, forcing him to cancel a planned moose hunting trip due to his health condition. Amidst treatment sessions, he faced moments of humor and reflection, like envisioning scenarios of his doctor lamenting about saving lives while Deir’s focus was on moose hunting.
Deir’s treatment journey involved intensive swallow therapy to improve his swallowing ability. Gradually, he progressed from consuming soft foods like pudding to solid foods like bananas, marking a pivotal moment in his culinary world. Despite lingering challenges with reduced saliva and occasional coughing, Deir persevered, slowly enjoying various soft foods, albeit with deliberate effort and patience.
His determination and progress in regaining his ability to eat solid foods after months of liquid and pureed meals reflect a resilient recovery journey. Deir’s story is a testament to overcoming adversity and embracing small victories in the face of health challenges.
