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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

« 6 March Update: Quick Theatre Visit | Main | Tae 2006: More Friends and Acknowledgements »

Its OK - Tae's Journal

Link: Tae 2006: Taeitsok.
I have been reluctant to put most of Tae's pictures on the web - but this one is an exception - captures some of the spirit and her mood despite the circumstances. Also a quick type below of her written letter.

Hi Everyone,
The latest operation was done yesterday
The results were pretty disappointing but I  have managed to hang in there.
I guess I have to stay another 2 weeks (in hospital) and I'm getting kinda bored,
so I'm looking for some good books to read (Dad).
Thank you all for all your prayers & support once again!
I'm still so amazed at how things are working out and even though...

times are tough, I managed to hang in there. God is still watching me, and I'm managing quite well.

Yesterday was one of my "sleepy" days, which was enjoyable despite the lack of water.
Dad looked so funny in the gown, the doctor's managed to keep a straight face and the needle out of the way!

Thankyou all for everything and Im going back to theatre at 7.00pm tonite and need your prayers.

Love Tae.

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Comments

Hey Tae,
You are so brave! I don't think I'd be giving a "thumbs up" if I were going through that!!! So, I continue to thank you for your letters and know that I hold you in my heart constantly! :) Love, Auntie Kava :)

Tae,
Hi you don't know me but I work for your aunt Taina. She's actually late for work this morning (shhh!) lol...
but I just wanted to post up how brave you are going through all of this, I am so INSPIRED by your courage and faith and positivity. I am not the most optimistic person on earth, and you have really touched me when I read about your case in the papers and hear about you and your family from Taina.
My family is continuing to keep you and your wonderful family in our daily prayers.
May God Be By Your Side,
Thank you so much for teaching me what FAITH and COURAGE is.


'D' Seini Puloka

Dear Tae:
I thank God for you and your courage and determination. You do not know me, but I am a regular on this website. Your in our prayers every day and may gods love and grace be upon you, and may he continue to hold your hand and lead you safely through each stage.
Sina and Taholo when I think of you two I am reminded of the bible verse " I can do all things through him who strengthens me"
You are all in our prayers.

Ofa Atu
S.Paunga

Tae

Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to You. Allow your healing hand to heal Tae. Touch her Soul with your compassion for others. Touch her heart with your courage and infinite love for all. Touch her mind with your wisdom, that her mouth may always proclaim your praise. always teach her to reach out to you in her need always. Ko 'emau lotu ia ma'au Tae, 'Oku ke kau 'ihe 'emau ngaahi lotu fakafamili kotoa pe, pea pehe foki ki he siasi Lennox 'oku nau lotu atu ma'au. 'Ofa lahi atu kia Sina mo Taholo.

'Ofa lahi atu
Vila & 'Isileli & Family

Tae,

'Oku 'ikai ngalo koe 'i he lotu 'a e kau ngaue moe fanau ako 'oe Tupou Tertiary Institute. 'Oku mau manatu melie ma'u pe ki he taimi na'e kei ngaue ai 'a Sina mo kimautolu, ho'o fa'a 'ahia homau 'apiako, mo ho'o fotu malimali he taimi kotoa pe. 'Ofa ke fai tapuekina mai koe he 'Otua mo ne fakamo'ui. Koe Same 91, koe Same 'oku 'oatu 'aki 'emau 'ofa ki ho ki'i fofonga Tae Jr, ke lau atu 'e Sina kiate koe pea ke hoko ia koe fakalotolahi moe poupou he vaa'i hala faingata'a 'oku ke si'i foua!

He'ikai ngalo koe 'i he'emau lotu. 'Ofa lahi atu kiate koe Sina 'i he fu'u taimi faingata'a ni, pehe kiate koe Taholo moe famili hono kotoa.

'Ofa atu fau,
Rev. Feleti 'Atiola
Rev. Loniseni 'Okusi
'Etuate Manuofetoa
Meleane Tonga
'Akanesi Tu'ifua Palu
Todd Palu
Siosiua Fonua
'Alo Maileseni
Viliami Fakasi'i'eiki
'Apaiata Polutele
'Atu Pomana
Donnar Haukinima
Kotoni Fihaki
Pamina Hakaumotu
Siokapesi Telefoni moe fanauako kotoa 'oe Tupou Tertiary Institute - 2006
Fasimoeafi
TONGA

Hi Tae,

We are all thinking of you here at Gillies, and Helen has told us that she has come to visit you and that you continue to be a brave girl.

Love from us all,
Mary, Kerry, Nola, Jenny, Marisa, Katrina, Elaine, Rosemary, Adrienne, Cheryl, Lorraine, Phillipa &
Helen

Tae,
Selemaia33:3 Ui kiate au pea teu tali koe pea teu fakaha kiate koe 'a e ngaahi me'a lalahi mo ma'u ngata'a 'oku 'ikai te ke lava 'o 'ilo ki ai. 'oku pehe 'emau fklotolahi kiate koe he faingata'a 'oku ke fekuki mo ia.

'ofa atu
EX student Tupou Tertiary.

Hi Tae,

Today, I have the opportunity to wish you well throughout your journey. I am touched and inspired by your story and the way you handled everything. You are a brave, beautiful young girl. And yes, God has a purpose for your life.

When I first read about your story in the paper, I remember your mother when I was still in QSC. I admire her for her courage and faith. May God be with you through good and bad times. I always love "Psalm 23." I leave you with this Psalm as a guide throughout your journey.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You annoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

God Bless you Tae and family

Regards
Sylvia - QSC ex-student (Ca,USA)

Hey Tae,
its Lani, finally able to get on the net so i can say hi!!! Its been so nice to see all your pictures and read your journal, man you ve grown up sooo much since i saw you last in Tonga and its so inspiring and encouraging to know you have so much faith, i know being ill isnt easy and sometimes you can feel lonely, but you have so much love and support and your unshakable faith, you're gonna b fine, love to mum and i hope shes feeling better now!! tlk 2 you soon,
loads of love,
lani xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

hi tae i am very sorry to hear about you cancer .. i use to live close to you in suva point .. we all use to hang out kim emma you and i .. well i hope that everything works out for you i will be praying for you ..

take care lots of love

sam

hey tae!!!


its been a while and i do hope you remember me.
well if you dont then i'll try to refresh your memory. i came with rex and his children and we sang for you and then you sang a song that i had heard before and it truly touched my heart. i love that song soo much now. the song was "his eye was on the sparrow" by Lauren Hill. well anyway i hope to see you soon and here how well u are doing. anyway i just want to let you know that you are aways in my prayers.

your friend
Joe Gibson.

by the way: its so nice to see ur little sister in school..

bye for now...

hey tae fefe hake i fink u don't really nou me but i'm one the qsc student,i finished last yr tae 'ofa lahi atu ka koe and never stop trusting god i nou u r a strong girl u can make it. my parents are simote and valeti vea ur parents nou tem' 'ofa atu..
love n' prayers
siu

Hey Tae,
You obviously don't know me but I just wanted to say that you are the most bravest and beautiful girl I have ever come by...You are such an inspiration to everyone and I am proud of the strong courage you continue to hold....

May God bless you and your family and my you and your family would always be in our prayers...

Love,
Lisa from NZ

hi tae!! hey girl!! hope you memba me! its jess fifita, solomone's daughter! (",) im the girl that came and played the harp at your place once! i just came by to say hi and that you are remembered in my prayers!

ofa lahi atu!!

umah!!!

Bula vinaka and Maloleilei Tae

My Name is Mereia , im originally from Fiji but residing in N.Z/ Auckland. I'm managing our Church mission office here in SouthAuckland and today i served an Aunt of yours who told me about you and how you love cuddly teddy bears i just want to let you know that there is a big bad of teddy bears and soft toys coming your way from N.Z. My prayers and thoughts are with you my dear. Keep Faith and May God Bless you . You are very brave young girl and im so inspired by your journal.

Love you
Mia.R

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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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