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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

« 2 March 06: Even Better... | Main | Tae 2006: First Real Meal »

3 March Update - Another Letter

Tae continues to improve with the stitches under the  right  eye coming out today and two trips on the wheel chair as well as her first short conversation on the phone. She had written this letter from the previous night,  to post on the website.  No scanner here in the hospital so will type it for you....

Today was a good day, I am healing incredibly well
and I just got to sip a glass of water!
Now I can drink and eat only jelly ... at the moment ... so no dairy products + hot things so far.
So I stick to juice + jelly .... well, its a start... isn't it?
Im definitely looking forward to next week,
everything will be done by then.

I went out with Dad in the wheelchair for the very first time ...

I'm happy with how people are supporting me,
it's beautiful, and last nite I was thinking of the children back in Tonga...
and they have a right to to good medical treatment...
I  really thank God for keeping me real... not suffering from all of this...
I heard a really cool song from "Mary Mary" .. and it states

" I just can't give up now,
I've come to far from where I started from....
Nobody told me the road would be easy...
And I dont believe He's brought me this far
to leave me... "

It's sooo true... pain isn't  something to cry about .. even though the road won' t be easy, God will carry you.
My faith has brought me here today and I just can't give up now

So far God works in mysterious ways ... He's answered my prayers .. from (through) the people....everything's what God wanted it to be.
I am so grateful for God's love.

YEAH, so far everythings great ... love, Tae.

Comments

Tae,
You are such a great inspirtaion for young and old. I know it has been said but it needs to be said again and again!!!! You are progressing beautifully and with a spirt as tough as yours, YOU WILL OVERCOME!!!!! I'm so happy to see that you are thriving and empowering, not only for yourself but those around you, near and far!!!!! It's always such a blessing to check-in on your website and see how much of a MIRACLE YOU ARE!!!!! Yes, Tae!!!!! YOU ARE!!! I love your fighting spirit!!!!
Love, Auntie Kava :))

Tae, your positivity and courage is just sooooooo amazing and would put alot of us to shame - We just thank God for the special Gift and Inspiration that IS YOU.

Remain Strong & Keep on keeping the faith.

Lots of Love & Good Wishes

Nigel, Elle (who are irritating each other outside right now - nothing new ), Matt, Fi (our Nanny), Leong and me - Seci.

Hi Tae,
I have been following your progress through my dear sister Kava. If only the world would have half of your soul, this world would be brighter!! And you're right, Tonga DEFINITELY needs better medical care. I'm working on that!! Hope your day is brighter today!!
'ofa atu, Tepola

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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