A MUAIVUSO mother’s world came crashing down when doctors told her four-year-old son had a brain tumour — a diagnosis no parent is ever prepared to hear, and which marked the beginning of a long and painful journey that continues to shape their lives today.
Tavaita Rokoadi says she can still remember the moment she received the devastating news at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva like it was yesterday, describing it as one of the most emotional experiences she had ever faced.
“We received that news on a Sunday; I was so emotional and I couldn’t stop myself from crying,” she said.
The diagnosis was easily accepted, especially after noticing early warning signs in her young son.
“I couldn’t believe that we would be going through this situation. I didn’t want to believe that he had brain tumour cancer. I had to ask the doctor to show me the results for me to believe it,” she added.
Her son, seven-year-old Tomasi Tulele of Waiqanake District School outside Suva, was diagnosed in 2024 after showing symptoms that initially seemed like a common illness but later escalated into something far more serious.
“When he was four years old, the first signs that I saw were that he vomited everything he ate and continued to lose weight, and his eyes were crossed at times, especially in the morning.”
Medical tests at the CWM Hospital, including scans and emergency procedures, confirmed the presence of a brain tumour, with surgery required immediately after diagnosis.
Ms Rokoadi said the reality of the situation was overwhelming, especially as she struggled to process what she was being told.
Beyond the medical battle, the emotional toll was intensified by fear, uncertainty, and community rumours surrounding cancer.
“It didn’t help with the rumours and people saying that with cancer, people always end up dying.”
The diagnosis also brought major changes to their family life. Ms Rokoadi had to leave her job to care for Tomasi, while her husband resigned from work in Lautoka to return home and support the family.
“It was also hard for my husband, having to work in Lautoka and travel down every weekend, so he ended up resigning from his work to move home to be close to us, where he found employment here in Suva.”
Tomasi’s condition has also affected his daily life and development. Once described as a “chubby baby,” he now struggles with weight loss and reduced social interaction.
“He doesn’t like to talk anymore or hang out with friends, and sometimes he gets teased at school for being different.”
Despite these challenges, Ms Rokoadi remains focused on ensuring Tomasi continues to experience a normal childhood as much as possible, encouraging him to enjoy simple joys like food and cartoons.
Tomasi, in his own way, finds comfort in small things, including eating oranges and grapes and watching his favourite cartoon, Moana.
Support from the WOWS Kids Fiji Foundation has also played a vital role in easing the burden on the family.
“They have helped us so much with essentials, medication, transportation and counselling for myself, and even diapers. I don’t know what I could have done without WOWS Kids.”
Ms Rokoadi said counselling had been especially important in helping her cope with the emotional strain of caring for a child battling cancer.
Through it all, she continues to hold onto faith and resilience, urging other parents not to delay seeking medical attention when something seems wrong.
“If you see that your child is showing signs that are not normal, please take them to the hospital instead of trying home remedies.”
For Ms Rokoadi, God has remained her constant source of strength throughout the journey – from the day of diagnosis to today, as she continues to stand by her son’s side through every challenge.
