“Retired Journalist Overcomes Challenges with Meal Replacement Drink”

Glenn Deir, a retired journalist residing in St. John’s, shares his experience of consuming six packs of Boost, a meal replacement drink, daily for five months, not beer, after undergoing throat surgery due to cancer. Despite losing 15 pounds and struggling with swallow tests, his health-care team continued to support him through radiation treatment and chemotherapy, forcing him to cancel a moose hunting trip. As he underwent intensive swallow therapy, his swallowing gradually improved, allowing him to eat solid food for the first time in five months, starting with a banana. His culinary options expanded to include mac and cheese, chicken pasta, and apple pie, although he still faces challenges due to reduced saliva production from radiation. Despite occasional coughs, he remains hopeful and determined during meals, even becoming the last to finish his Christmas dinner.