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The Support Team

Quotes

  • Tae on her Condition
    before the December Surgery on the Inverted papilloma:
    “...I don't really care how it is, but in the doctor's room, I felt that God was, and is with me and will be with me no matter what, and that if so, than let His will be done, he still has my purpose tucked in his arm safely”

    Summarizing 5 surgeries in 12 months
    “I would also describe the year (2005) as a blessing and a challenge, but I'm up for it. Time has brought each of us together; faith has done the impossible, support has shaped me, love has given me all the things I asked for, Hope…makes me stronger”

Art

  • Taholo

« Flowers from California | Main | Tae's Writing : Saturday_february_25_2006 »

Cancer part of Tae's Purpose ?

Link: Tae 2006: Pic of Tae before surgery
A picture just before Tae went in for surgery.

Towards the end of the past year and before her 5th operation in 12 months, Tae stated in an email that entering the operation room  was not a problem because "God has her purpose tucked under his arm". This quiet assurance was there when the diagnosis changed to cancer in January / February this year.

As she became aware of the extent of the operation she accepted it simply because  "cancer is a gift" and so is the Faith in God to deal with it..... Again convinced that there is a purpose for all this.  In the past week we have seen and experienced  an outpouring of love from family, friends, people, organizations and churches - many who have not met Tae - who for some reason have been challenged or moved by her story

We do not know where this is going but again its like a boat driven through the storm in a direction only the pilot knows... we the parents have been forced to just take the ride and trust.... like Tae.  I have seen and heard more stories of providence and inspiration from these last few weeks then in the rest of my life. Its as if we reached a certain point after a year of continuous medication for Tae where the stakes suddenly went up (cancer) and God says "leave it to me.... I have a purpose for Tae"

There are stories and experiences we will share on this blog over the next few months...

Comments

It's no wonder that children are to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. What may be perceived as a "tragedy" to me and to most folks, is a gift to Tae. I applaud Tae for her courage, bravery and absolute spirit!!! I will be with you Tae every step of the way!!! Virtual Hugs & Kisses, Auntie Kava!!!
ps...Angela(5yrs old) your cousin says, "I love you Tae!"

It's no wonder that children are to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. What may be perceived as a "tragedy" to me and to most folks, is a gift to Tae. I applaud Tae for her courage, bravery and absolute spirit!!! I will be with you Tae every step of the way!!! Virtual Hugs & Kisses, Auntie Kava!!!
ps...Angela(5yrs old) your cousin says, "I love you Tae!"

'Ofa atu 'aupito kia Tae mo e famili hono kotoa. Fakafeta'i he ngaue kuo fai. 'Oku mau lotua ma'u pe mo fakamalo 'a e loto lahi mo e tui malohi 'a Tae.

'Ofa atu
Kau ngaue 'a e Friendly Islands Bookshop

hi,tae we love so much we sorry we not there 4 you.we remember you in our prayer.ofa atu from your aunty from longbeach,u.s.a

Hi Tae

Just to let you know that I am continuously praying for you and your family . I really miss you and so are all your Queen Salote College friends and classmates.You are an inspirtaion to us all.


With much love and faith


Sivilaise Tonga and all your QSC friends

Hi Tae

Just to let you know that I am continuously praying for you and your family . I really miss you and so are all your Queen Salote College friends and classmates.You are an inspirtaion to us all.


With much love and faith


Sivilaise Tonga and all your QSC friends

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Medical History

  • May 2008
    We brought Tae to Tonga in April after the cancer reached her spine. Since then she is no longer able to walk and despite the slow deterioration of body function still continues to get around with a wheelchair and meet the many visitors who come to see her.
  • 2008
    Jan 2008 - We move to Fiji. Tae has had a persistent cough. The day before registering her in her new school an Xray reveals cancer in both lungs. Tae insists on no further treatment. A quick trip to Auckland confirms cancer in the lungs and in the liver. Cancer is now considered terminal Nov 2007 - Tae had major surgery to remove the Inverted Papilloma Tumour and insert a Titanium implant around her left eye to replace the tumour affected bone. We are advised that she will now have to wait at least 18 months to see if the tumour will grow back before any reconstruction can be undertaken.
  • Oct 2007 Update
    • 2007 - 4 visits to New Zealand for check ups and reactive infections • Planning begins by Surgeon Ninian Pickett on reconstruction of Tae’s face. • 2007 September: Face swells up with an infection – Inverted Papilloma is identified – surgery planned for November 2007 to remove tumour from area around left eye - reconstruction delayed
  • 2004
    Nov - Constant nose bleed
    Dec - Operation in Vaiola Hospital to remove polyp growth in nose. Bleeding does not stop and leads to further hospitalization
    2005
    Feb - Tae is operated on left sinuses through upper jaw to remove tumour – inverted Papilloma This was funded by the Tongan Government via NZ Aid. Tumour is Benign.=
    July - Tumour has regrown and protruding through left nostril. Operation in Tonga through incision down the left side of nose to remove Inverted Papilloma done visiting ENT team from Melbourne, Australia
    Sept - Operation in NZ on sinuses on right side of face to remove inverted Papilloma
    Dec - Operation in NZ on sinuses on both left and right side to remove inverted Papilloma
    2006
    Jan / Feb - Cancer confirmed and extensive surgery and radiotherapy is recommended

    Feb 23 - 17 hour operation to remove cheekbones, upperjaw and all related tissues with reconstruction of face. Dr John Chaplin, Dr. Nick McIvor, Dr. Paul Simcock, Dr. Mark Izzard, Dr Ian Chapman and the medical team.

    March 13th - 11 hour operation to repair flap, remove nodes on neck and skin grafts

    May 1st - June 9th: 30 sessions of radiotherapy spread over 6 weeks at Auckland Hospital - this has included several days in hospital...

    August 9th: Major surgery expected to remove reconstruction. Most of the reconstructed bone and tissue found to be in good health despite removal of dead bone.

    August 15th - WOW - tests come back and Tae is tumour free - cancer in remission.

    Back to Tonga to let the wound heal and to allow for growth and recovery

    December 06 Scans show still in remission and tumour free. Surgery to repair damage to face now set for April 2007

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Papua New Guinea Children of the Pacific Concert