Glenn Deir, a former journalist residing in St. John’s, shared his experience of relying on Boost meal replacement drinks post-throat surgery due to cancer. Despite being a heavy drinker of Boost (not beer), which aided his nutrition intake, Deir faced challenges adapting to a liquid diet after his surgery on July 13. His throat, which had to undergo removal of tonsil and tongue tissue, forced him to depend on Boost and pureed food for sustenance.
Struggling with swallow tests in August, Deir’s health journey included X-ray videos monitoring his ability to ingest liquid and food. His weakened throat muscles posed risks of choking, leading to a prolonged liquid diet regimen. Despite setbacks, Deir’s medical team at St. Clare’s Hospital in St. John’s remained committed to his recovery, preparing him for radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Deir’s treatment journey, which included radiation sessions twice daily, brought about moments of humor and challenges. Even simple tasks like swallowing water became daunting during chemotherapy, yet Deir maintained his determination through tongue and jaw exercises. After completing his cancer treatment in late November, Deir underwent a successful swallow test, marking a significant improvement in his ability to consume solid foods.
With intensive swallow therapy and guidance from speech language pathologists, Deir gradually reintroduced solid foods into his diet, starting with a banana. Despite facing lingering difficulties such as reduced saliva production and occasional coughing, Deir’s progress in his swallowing ability allowed him to savor a variety of soft foods. While mealtimes may require patience and perseverance, Deir remains optimistic about his continued recovery and newfound culinary experiences.
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