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
Dear Sina:
Happy Mothers Day from us here in Nova Scotia. Your quiet dedication to Tae exemplifies what we think of Mothers. Tae, a person in her own right, is an wonderful witness to your values (and we can give some credit to Taholo as well). You have allowed us the privilege, in a very public way, to share the journey you and your family have been going through. It has been, and continues to be, inspirational.
Reading the last couple of days postings has been both difficult and heart warming. All I can think of saying is "WOW". The small pebble that is Tae has developed strong waves as her message is heard outside of your family.
Happy Mothers Day
Murray
Posted by: Murray Doehler | May 12, 2008 at 03:20 AM
Sina,
Having a great daughters like Tae, Mia and Joy only shows what a fantastic mother you are....
Much love from us all here..
xxxxxxoooooo
Veni, Lanna, Vili& Pepe Sione
Posted by: Aunty Lanna in POM | May 12, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Wow...i somehow remember the song we sang yesterday in church after my story for the children..." fai hoku tauhi mo fafanga, talu e fatu mei manava. Mole 'a e nonga he mo'ui tatau he 'aho moe po'uli" Hope that God will richly bless you Sina with more strenths in caring out your role as a mother..'ofa atu to you Tae and hope your day will be much better today..
'Ofa atu to the rest of the family
love and prayers
Pola, Malia, Noa, Nane, Suli, MOne, Kipola, Kelisimi, Felix, 'Una
Posted by: 'Una | May 12, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Dear Sina,
We have all been inspired by this journey of love...that you and Taholo and the girls continue bravely. In our thoughts and prayers always.
Ofa atu
Lata
Posted by: Lata | May 12, 2008 at 05:31 PM
'Ofalahi atu 'aupito.
Simpsons.
Posted by: litia | May 12, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Happy Belated MOther's DAy Sina,
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!
'Ofa lahi Atu,
Your Little Tokoua,
Kava ;)))
Posted by: Kava Tulua | May 13, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Belated Mothers Day wishes to you Sina.
Love and prayers for you and the family.
Love
Tupou
Posted by: Tupou Chew | May 13, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Sina Kami, Bravest Mum I Know,
Belated Mother's Day wishes to you. You are an amazing woman and an incredible mum. If I had a fraction of your grace and strength under pressure I would be indeed blessed.
God bless you.
'ofa atu
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle, Port Moresby, PNG | May 13, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Happy belated mothers day Sina...hope you had a wonderful day.
'Ofa atu
xox
Posted by: Lute Havea | May 13, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Happy Mother's Day Sina.
'Ofa Atu.
Posted by: Mona | May 13, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Belated Happy Mother's Day wishes to you. Thank you for being there for Tae and the rest of your family. Mothers are wonderful and amazing creatures.
Posted by: Debbie, USA | May 14, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Tae, Sina, Taholo and Family - Wish we were with you to share some of your strong walks. You guys have made us all walk much stronger.
'ofa atu
Randy, Konai, Baravi, Batiri, Warren and Keanu.
P.S. Batiri is here with us now and she has been following Tae's website from Auckland.
Posted by: Randy | May 28, 2008 at 07:04 PM