Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his experience of being reliant on six Boost meal replacement drinks daily for five months post his throat surgery. The surgery, conducted on July 13, involved removing cancerous tonsil, back tongue tissue, and the tissue in between. Despite the throat being deemed “normalish” post-surgery, solid food was off-limits, leading to a significant weight loss of 15 pounds.
Due to swallowing difficulties, Deir underwent multiple swallow tests, each highlighting challenges in safely ingesting food and liquids. Despite setbacks, his healthcare team at St. Clare’s Hospital persisted, delaying a planned moose hunting trip due to his ongoing treatment regimen involving radiation and chemotherapy.
During treatment, Deir encountered humorous yet challenging moments, like swallowing water incorrectly and being monitored closely by healthcare professionals. Following intensive therapy and exercises, he progressed to swallowing solid food after five months, starting with a banana and gradually expanding his culinary options to soft foods like mac and cheese and apple pie.
Although Deir continues to face saliva reduction and occasional coughing, he remains determined in his recovery journey, with the support of his dedicated healthcare providers. Despite being a slow eater, he embraces the progress made and looks forward to enjoying a more varied diet in the future.
