Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his personal journey of being reliant on six packs of Boost, a meal replacement drink, for sustenance post-throat surgery due to cancer. Despite losing 15 pounds during his recovery, Deir struggled with swallow tests and had to rely on liquid diets and pureed food to survive. His health-care team at St. Clare’s Hospital in St. John’s supported him through radiation treatment and chemotherapy, leading to a significant improvement in his swallowing ability. Deir’s perseverance and dedication to his swallow exercises paid off, allowing him to progress to intensive swallow therapy and eventually, enjoy solid food again after five months. Though challenges remain, Deir is grateful for the progress made and looks forward to a brighter culinary future.
