Glen Dyer
“Unlike other cancers, Head and Neck Cancer leaves its mark for everyone to see. It’s always on show, and it changes how you eat, speak, and communicate."
Glen Dyer, a 62-year-old from Adelaide, has faced an extraordinary journey through head and neck cancer with courage, determination, and the steadfast support of his family.
Glen spent much of his life as a rigger until a severe workplace accident over 20 years ago left him with bilateral crush injuries to his ankles. It took him a year to learn to walk again, and he lives with chronic pain to this day. Despite these challenges, Glen’s zest for life never wavered. He now spends his days working on restoring his old Mini Moke, a project that brings him joy and keeps him busy.
Family is central to Glen’s life. He is the proud father of his daughter, Emmie, and grandfather to Lexa. His siblings, Kate, Bernie, and Alan, have been a constant source of love and support throughout his journey.
In 2022, Glen noticed an ulcer in the floor of his mouth that didn’t heal. He thought it might resolve on its own but sought medical advice after two weeks when it didn’t improve. After a series of tests and biopsies at the Adelaide Dental Hospital, Glen was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible in September 2022.
The news was overwhelming, but Glen placed his trust in his medical team. As a public patient under the care of Dr. James Badlani and his team, he felt he was in good hands.
Glen’s treatment journey spanned over two years and including multiple major surgeries, radiotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Despite their best efforts, complications arose, including osteoradionecrosis (bone death) and extensive wound breakdowns.
Glen has undergone countless operations, including mandibulectomies, free-flap reconstructions using tissue from his scapula and fibula, and surgeries to repair his lower lip, chin, and floor of his mouth. These treatments have significantly altered Glen’s appearance and ability to eat, speak, and swallow.
“The simplest pleasures in life, like sharing a meal with my family, have been taken away,” he says. “I continue to be fed through a PEG tube and will rely on it for the rest of my life.”
The physical toll has been immense, but the emotional impact has been equally profound. Glen admits to struggling with social isolation due to his facial disfigurement, yet he manages to find strength through humour and gratitude.
Glen’s family has been his rock throughout his journey. His sisters and brother attended every appointment and treatment session, providing emotional and practical support. His eldest sister even temporarily relocated from Sydney to Adelaide to help care for him.
“I don’t drive, so they became my Ubers,” Glen says with a smile. “Their love and support have been incredible. We were close before, but now we’re even closer.”
His family also found valuable resources through the Head and Neck Cancer Australia website, which helped them understand what Glen was facing and how to support him.
Two years after his diagnosis, Glen is cancer-free but continues to face the long-term effects of his treatment. These include chronic pain, the inability to eat or drink normally, and challenges with communication. He describes his life now as a shadow of what it was before cancer but remains grateful for the care he received and the second chance at life.
“Despite everything, I’m alive,” Glen says. “Life is more precious now, and I never take it for granted.”
Through his story, Glen hopes to raise awareness about Head and Neck Cancer and its life-altering effects.
“Unlike other cancers, Head and Neck Cancer leaves its mark for everyone to see,” he explains. “It’s always on show, and it changes how you eat, speak, and communicate. But it’s just as devastating as any other cancer.”
Glen’s advice for anyone newly diagnosed is simple: “Take the advice you’re given, ask as many questions as you need, and hold onto your sense of humour—it really helps.”
Glen’s story is a testament to the power of family and the importance of finding joy in life’s small moments.