Testimonials
When I first came to Spokane and was faced with my first laryngectomee, you were a fabulous resource and I couldn’t have helped my patients without you.
Cathi Lamoreau, M.S., CCC
Spokane, Washington
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“Dear Inland Speech Pathology,
When my husband’s voice aid broke in three pieces I thought no way can it be fixed. He is a mechanic and pretty hard on things in his work. Even worse he needs his voice aid talking to customers and me. With little hope of repair we sent it to you. We got it back today and he sounds even better than before. The speech aid looks and sounds brand new! We cannot believe the wonderful service you provide. Thank you for your fast help.”
Dorothy Kinney
Aurora, Illinois
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“On June 23, 1994 my husband Sam was diagnosed with throat cancer. He had to have his larynx removed and breathed through a stoma in his neck. This was devastating not only for Sam, but also for myself and our two high school-aged children.
Sam was a real communicator to all of us and everybody he met. He just loved to talk. As a family we were afraid that he would never be able to converse again.
In August, Sam began speech therapy from a man named Brian Shute who was going to teach Sam to talk with an artificial larynx. Brian gave us hope that Sam would learn to talk again. I wondered if maybe Sam would shy away from this device — at 74 years of age it might not be an easy task to learn.
Sam and I went to Brian’s office two times a week at first; then just one time a week as time passed, always learning new techniques and new sounds. Brian at all times gave Sam lots of encouragement and was always very patient with him.
Brian would ask Sam how his week went and if he spoke to anybody new in his life and how they did understanding him. Sam talked to anybody he met… explaining to kids and adults how his artificial larynx worked. In fact, he would let kids try the device and warn them never to smoke.
Sam died April 14, 2005. We as a family will always be grateful to Brian for all the hard work he put towards Sam. Because of his dedication, Sam left this world knowing how to talk again.
I would recommend Brian Shute to anybody needing any type of speech therapy.”
Respectfully,
Marilyn Blair
Spokane, Washington
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“It is a gratifying to find a professional such as Dr. Shute serving as a Speech-Language Pathologist. His enthusiasm for and knowledge of speech pathology are obvious. Both of my children have benefited from Dr. Shute’s expertise.
My oldest daughter began seeing “Dr. B.” in first grade and graduated at the end of fourth grade. Brian set clear and concise goals based on her developmental level and the complexity of her individual speech needs. He discussed her progress with me after each class and consistently sent written communications home, stating her current sound goals, how to help her, and materials to do so — even special packets for summer breaks prepared especially for her!
From the point of view of both my daughters, Dr B. is a fun, kind and upbeat therapist. This was a blessing indeed, as it helped their progress and willingness to work at their speech needs. His class is fun and engaging… how could bubble gum therapy and hearing your own voice on a recording not be?
One day when my younger daughter was three, she had a conversation with Brian while I was picking up her sister. He quickly contacted me and not only suggested early intervention for her, but had also found a speech pathology preschool for her to participate in. She is now six, and we can hear the difference that this early treatment has made in her speech. She is currently a student of Brian’s and was actually very excited to “get to go” to Dr. B’s class this year.
As parents, we were so used to communicating with our children from their very first words that we didn’t hear their speech needs as others did. We soon learned that when a child enters school having trouble pronouncing sounds it hampers their ability to read, spell, write and communicate effectively. I highly recommend Dr Shute. He has assisted our children immensely and is always professional and a pleasure to work with.”
Sincerely,
Julie Cordero
Spokane, Washington
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“I just received my second order of Sir Francis Trach covers and now have most of the colors. They are positively the most comfortable stoma covers I have ever used. They breathe easy, look terrific and wash up well too. I wear them every day and on the golf course. No complaints and a very happy customer. Thanks!”
Arnold Gurnstadt
Sacramento, California
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“Having collaborated and worked with Dr. Brian Shute in a variety of medical settings including hospital rehabilitation and private practice, I attest with confidence that any clients seeking communication services will successfully get their needs met when receiving therapy support from Dr. Shute.
Dr. Shute is a dedicated professional with over 25 years experience in the field of speech-language pathology. He is a valued member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and Washington Speech and Hearing Association. I was honored to celebrate his earning a doctorate degree years ago. He recently became a Nationally Board Certified Teacher working with exceptional needs children, a rare and rigorous achievement for speech-language pathologists. Dr. Shute is not only a clinical expert in the areas of laryngectomy, fluency, stroke, voice, and pediatric communication skills, but he has a genuine manner when relating to people, whether his personal clients, their family members, or professional colleagues. I fully recommend Dr. Brian Shute’s communication services; today, tomorrow, and in the future.”
Teri-Anne Cox, M.S., CCC-SLP
Spokane, Washington
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“I am 81 years old, have had two heart attacks, three strokes, and five open-heart surgeries. I have taken therapies in Maine, Ephrata, Wenatchee, and Spokane. My last stroke left me with the inability to swallow or walk.
Brian Shute is far more qualified than I would have ever expected to find from a speech therapist. He had me swallowing after a month of having no swallow reflex and having no food the usual way. He presently has me eating a special diet using special swallowing techniques. Just as important, we have an excellent rapport.
I must admit that I can think of better predicaments to be in. But in the event that therapy is necessary, I would select Brian Shute to help me every time.”
Art Davidson
Ephrata, Washington
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“It is November 11 and Gunda Coy is sitting in a small room with Brian Shute, a Speech-Language Pathologist. Three weeks before, Coy had her larynx removed. Cancer. This 61 year-old woman, who loved to talk, sing, speak softly to children and older people, whose German accent was well known to the residents of Colfax, suddenly found herself silenced. No more words. This is Coy’s second speech therapy session with Shute. She feels nervous, tired from the rigors of the past month. First she found out she had cancer. Second, she underwent major surgery . And now she is beginning the slow, deliberate process of learning to speak again–artificially…
‘For 61 years you have been talking one way’ Shute tells Coy. ‘You have taken air in your lungs and pushed it out, vibrating your vocal cords.’ Now that you are a laryngectomee, this [speech] device is your tool.’ ‘Do you think that people will laugh at me?’ Coy asks. ‘They might. You talk in a different way,’ Shute says. ‘A certain amount of attention will be given you initially. Just be confident.’
November 22: Coy is back in Shute’s office. A month has passed since her surgery. Her voice with the speech device is much clearer now. Shute tells her to be a big mouth. Enunciate her words. How we say words with our mouth and tongue determine how the words sound, he says.
Shute is trying to teach her how to take a charge of air and speak by “burping” the air back out. Coy tries. Air and syllables eject from her mouth. She grabs the electronic voice aid and says: ‘That’s so embarrassing! My mother would say, ‘Shame on you!’ ’No it’s music to my ears’ Shute says.
Christmas week: Coy walks into Shute’s office and presents him with some chocolate from Germany. Coy feels more at ease, especially with Shute, who has gently guided her through her twice-weekly speech therapy sessions. Coy even talks on the phone…”
Rebecca Nappi
Empire Life article, Spokesman Review story on laryngectomy rehabilitation.
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“After having my vocal cords taken from cancer, Dr. Shute and my surgeon helped me speak again using a rubber valve that fits in my stoma. This little thing is called a tracheo-esophogeal-prosthesis and it has given me a second chance to speak. I thank Dr. Shute for teaching me how to use the valve, how to clean it, and how to get back into the groove of talking. I’ve got grandkids and a new voice that amazes all of us. I love it and I’m back! Appreciate your help.”
Andrea Koln
Spokane, Washington
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“I am a teacher and have known Dr. Shute as a speech-language pathologist for several years. Over time I have had the opportunity to witness the growth in several children he has seen. Although there are many examples, one boy especially comes to mind. This particular youngster is an autistic boy who at one time could hardly speak. When he did speak, his speech was soft, garbled, and made little sense. Sometimes he would make unusual noises and hand movements sitting by himself and not interacting with others. He could not face people or meet them with his eyes. When asked a question he typically could not understand or respond.
All of this has changed dramatically and a transformation has occurred with Dr. Shute’s help. Although his voice is getting louder, he is now able to introduce himself to others and interact in a group. He is able to ask and answer questions and tell me what he wants. He has developed a sense of humor and now jokes, laughs, and smiles. He is learning to read and write and has come out of a shell. This boy is a different person and I believe that Dr. Shute has played a huge role improving his daily communication skills, confidence, and ability to interact with others.
Besides the professional help that Dr. Shute provides, both kids and adults find him to be fun, genuine and pleasant. I highly recommend Dr. Shute as a speech-language pathologist who can help.”
Sue Abitz
Elementary School Teacher
Spokane, Washington
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“Almost 25 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with throat cancer. The surgeon had to perform a laryngectomy so now she uses an electrolarynx or esophageal speech. Shortly after her surgery, she was sent to Brian for speech therapy. I can’t imagine talking all your life and then suddenly your voice box is removed and you have to learn to speak all over again… but in a different form.
Brian was fantastic! He worked with my mother to teach her to speak using her esophagus, as well as using an electronic device. To this day she still remembers her first word was “cupcake”. Speech therapy is very important because not being able to communicate on a day to day basis is very frustrating.
Once on the road to recovery our entire family started attending laryngectomy meetings, a support group provided through the cancer society. These were very helpful as we could be involved with other people who had similar surgeries and understood the everyday challenges. Brian was always involved with the group and available to find equipment or medical supplies we might need. He would repair the electrolarynx speech aids or have resources available to repair or purchase new ones. He continually went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and had whatever equipment or speech training necessary to live a normal life.
Brian establishes a trust with his patients and his education in speech therapy was what helped give my mother her voice back. To this day we still call on Brian if we have issues or need a resource for equipment repair. Recently my mother was ill and he brought his entire family to visit and give her encouragement. He has been a huge part of my mother’s healing process over the last 25 years. He has provided skills, confidence, equipment and continued moral support, giving her the tools needed to function day to day. We are very grateful for Brian and his family!!”
Sincerely,
Tammy M. Curry and Joyce E Jorgensen
Fort Knox, Kentucky
