Jen gives ‘thanks’ this Speech Pathology Week

Despite being a former nurse, Jen Howard said she had no idea the profound impact a speech pathologist could have on your life until a shock cancer diagnosis left her without the ability to talk.

“I visited a GP in October 2019 after feeling like something was stuck in my throat; this went on for several visits until I was referred to an ENT specialist in January 2020 who performed a biopsy which confirmed I had cancer,” Jen said.

“On 26 February I underwent a nine-hour laryngectomy operation which is where they take a piece of your bowel to make a trachea in your throat; I spent three days in ICU and was finally discharged home after three and half weeks.”

Jen said her journey with speech pathology started early in her recovery.

“My first experience with speech pathology was in Brisbane where I was taught how to swallow soft food, starting with custard, and boy was it good after been tube fed,” Jen said.

“I was then referred to Townsville speech pathology where Deb, my speechie, has been determined to get me speaking; we trial all types of equipment to see which is the most suited to me to allow me to talk.

“It does take time as I’m still healing from the radiation therapy, but I just can't say how much I appreciate Deb; she makes me feel so comfortable and I have confidence she will get me talking again.

“I will forever be grateful for the great assistance I am receiving.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service director of speech pathology Wendy Comben said Speech Pathology Week (23-29 August) was a great opportunity to showcase the incredible work done by speech pathologists every day.

“This year’s Speech Pathology Week theme is ‘Communicating with Confidence’ which is a goal that I know each and every one of our speech pathologists have for their patients,” Wendy said.

“Communication disability can be a very isolating feeling; it’s largely invisible which can be stressful and scary for our patients.

“We want people to be able to regain their independence so we employ a number of tools and technologies to make that happen.”

Wendy said she was incredibly proud of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service speech pathology team.

“Working in a hospital environment, our speech pathologists help the broad spectrum of patients, from those who have difficulty communicating after stroke or brain injuries, to those who have had surgery like Jen,” she said.

“We have 30 speech pathologists here on staff, between the hospital, community and our rural areas, and I am confident that the Townsville HHS community are in great hands.”