Kearney Speech Therapy, LLC

11/21/2023

Hosting Thanksgiving and making sure everyone’s specific needs and preferences are met can be stressful.. gluten free, nut free, vegan, vegetarian..! So many factors to consider with each part of the meal. Now toss into the mix a loved one who has trouble swallowing (AKA dysphagia). Here are some ideas on some popular dishes to be sure he or she can safely enjoy the day:

Need some purées? Try mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole (leave out the nuts & mix in marshmallows until incorporated), butternut squash bisque, applesauce (blend any large chunks)

How about softer, easy to chew foods? Try soft boiled veggies like carrots instead of roasted, cranberry sauce, corn bread with butter instead of harder, more dense rolls. Consider serving dark meat over breast meat and offer lots of gravy!

Check back for more ideas tomorrow!

11/06/2023

Another ASHA ACE Award 🤩 Continuing education is key to success for our patients! MD Anderson Cancer Center out of Texas has offered some of my favorite courses to date on head & neck cancer. So great to learn from the best!

11/06/2023

After a long social media break (because life, working & mom-ing gets in the way sometimes 😂) here’s a reminder about what we do! Call, email or DM for more information.

03/23/2023

Thanks, Diane! Always love a positive review!

03/21/2023

Get to know Erin of Kearney Speech Therapy, LLC!

01/16/2023

Going into the new year rested and ready to help more people reach their goals! If you feel like may be a good fit you for or a loved one, reach out on our website. Link in bio!

12/13/2022

Trismus, reduced mobility of the jaw, is a common and sometimes devastating side effect of radiation therapy for patients with head and neck cancer. Radiation induced fibrosis is caused by damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor it is attempting to destroy.

Trismus can cause pain while chewing leading to reduced intake, difficulty with oral hygiene (cannot open mouth wide enough for flossing, brushing or for dentist visits), reduced speech intelligibility (how someone’s speech is understood) and in extreme cases, can reduce someone’s ability to be intubated in a medical emergency.

Recent research tells us that while early exercises may not be effective in prevention, monitoring for changes and treating when observed can help reduce complications. Reach out to learn more!

12/05/2022

11/23/2022

Happy Thanksgiving from Kearney Speech Therapy! Thanksgiving is often a joyous time to be with family and eat a delicious meal. For those with trouble swallowing, it can be quite stressful. Here are a few tips to help your loved ones feel supported as they navigate this holiday 🦃🌽🍽️

11/15/2022

Dysphagia treatment is so much more than thickening liquids! I always try to avoid it as much as possible with my patients for improved quality of life and hydration. Education on aspiration pneumonia risks is key!

11/15/2022

A total laryngectomy is often a life saving procedure for those with cancer in the oropharynx (throat). While it can rid a patient of cancer, it also changes the way that patient will communicate forever. The “voice box” or vocal folds and surrounding structures are removed and the patient will now breathe out of a permanent stoma in the neck. Options for communication include: 1). Written communication
2). Esophageal speech (“burp speech”)
3). Electrolarynx (a small electric device that creates a new vibratory source for speech that is held up to the neck)
4). Tracheoesophageal prosthesis or TEP (small silicone device placed inside the wall between the trachea and esophagus that redirects air out the nose and mouth)

In the literature, those with TEP speech rate their satisfaction with their speech production highest. There may be many reasons why someone may or may not be a good candidate for a TEP. Talk to an SLP or ENT about what may be best for you!

Communication After Laryngectomy: An assessment of patient satisfaction (1997) Clements, K., Rassekh, C., Seikaly, H.

11/04/2022

Those who participated in an exercise program during treatment showed less deterioration of swallowing musculature as well as greater functional swallowing, mouth opening and saliva production than those who didn’t exercise. In my experience, many patients don’t know about the negative side effects of radiation until years down the road. Being proactive and seeking out help before, during and after radiation is best!