Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, divulges in this First Person column his challenging journey of battling cancer and undergoing treatment. After a throat surgery in July to remove cancerous tissues, Deir’s diet solely consisted of Boost meal replacement drinks and pureed food. Despite losing 15 pounds due to difficulty swallowing, he persisted through rigorous swallow tests to transition back to solid foods.
Deir’s medical team at St. Clare’s Hospital in St. John’s remained dedicated to his recovery, guiding him through radiation treatment and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this meant canceling his annual moose hunting trip. Dr. Brent Tompkins, Deir’s radiation oncologist, advocated for his health by providing necessary documentation for the wildlife department to defer his hunting license.
Throughout his treatment, Deir maintained a sense of humor, even envisioning humorous scenarios to lighten the mood. Enduring radiation sessions twice daily, he found solace in playful thoughts, including the prospect of sharing any potential moose meat with his physician.
As Deir’s treatment progressed, he underwent swallow tests and intensive therapy to improve his swallowing function. By late November, his efforts paid off, allowing him to reintroduce solid foods into his diet. With guidance from speech language pathologists, Deir gradually expanded his culinary options, embarking on a journey of rediscovering the joy of eating.
Despite ongoing challenges with reduced saliva production and occasional coughing spells, Deir persevered, gradually mastering the art of swallowing solid food with determination and support from his healthcare team. As he continues his recovery, Deir remains optimistic about regaining normalcy in his eating habits, celebrating small victories along the way.