Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his journey of consuming six packs of Boost, a meal replacement drink, instead of beer for five months following throat surgery to remove cancerous tissues. Despite facing challenges with swallowing tests and a restricted diet, Deir persevered through radiation treatment and chemotherapy, even canceling a moose hunting trip due to his health condition. His determination and dedication to swallow exercises paid off, allowing him to progress to intensive swallow therapy and enjoy solid foods again after a long period of liquid meals. Deir’s culinary world gradually expanded, although he continues to face difficulties with saliva production and occasional coughing during meals. Despite these challenges, his progress is evident as he navigates through his recovery journey with humor and resilience, looking forward to savoring more diverse foods in the future.
