Best Big Brother

While Thien Nhan's recovery seems to be progressing smoothly, he remains in considerable pain and is on strong medication. Whenever the 4-year-old wakes up, he immediately looks for his beloved brother, Big Minh.

Here, Big Minh is helping Thien Nhan to get a drink of water.

Good news

After about eight hours in surgery, Thien Nhan, 4, is recovering well. The surgeons are confident that the procedure to insert prosthetic testicles, extract the child's penis from beneath a covering of skin, and extend it was a success.

"His penis will be normal size for his age and look normal in about three months," said Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh. "It should be able to grow with him and have sensation."

Obviously, it had been a long day for Mai Anh, who was very relieved that the surgery was a success. Speaking at around midnight last night (Vietnam time), she said: "Thien Nhan is still groggy. When he woke up from the surgery his eyes were full of tears. He saw me there and he said: 'I didn't cry, Mummy. It doesn't hurt so don't worry. 'Since then, he's woken up a few more times and told me that he didn't cry."

Thien Nhan must remain in hospital in Bologne Italy for another two to three weeks, to recover from this major procedure.

Off to the OR

Thien Nhan will be wheeled into the operating room in 30 minutes' time. "I couldn't sleep last night," admits Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh. "But Thien Nhan is okay.

Last night, before going to bed, Thien Nhan met the doctors. "He asked them if they would cut his body from the neck down and whether or not there would be a lot of blood," reports Mai Anh. "When they told him that the incision would be small, he felt much better. He woke up at 5.45am and the first thing that he did this morning was to reconfirm that the incision would be small."

The surgery to insert prosthetic testicles and reconstruct Thien Nhan's penis is expected to take around eight hours.

[Photo shows Thien Nhan, 4, and his brother, Big Minh, in the hospital waiting room.]

Waiting...

Yesterday, Thien Nhan underwent four hours of medical tests and was declared healthy enough to undergo surgery tomorrow. The operation will start at 2pm Vietnam-time on Saturday January 29th. The surgery is expected to take around eight hours.

"Today we will rest around the hotel," says Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh, who admits that waiting is tough.

"Thien Nhan knows that the operation will hurt and be bloody," says Mai Anh. "But he told his brother Big Minh that he isn't scared. He said that everything will be fine and he'll have a penis like his other brother Little Minh's."

Hungry

When Thien Nhan, his mum and brother arrived at their hotel in Bologne in the middle of the night, there was nothing to eat. "Go to sleep now and we'll eat in the morning," said Thien Nhan's mum, Mai Anh.

Unfortunately, in the morning Mai Anh learned that Thien Nhan wasn't allowed to eat until after he'd had some medical tests.

"Mum, I'm so hungry," said Thien Nhan.

"I know love," said Mai Anh. "I'm so sorry but you must wait. I'm hungry too."

"So why don't you have some bread?" said Thien Nhan.

"No," said Mai Anh. "When you can eat, I'll eat too."

"You should have some bread."

"But you're not allowed to eat yet."

"Go on, Mum. Eat something now. I'll eat after I've had my check up," said Thien Nhan.

Mai Anh was so proud of her brave little boy, and so touched by his concern for her.

[Photo shows a tired and hungry Thien Nhan waiting to see specialists.]

At the Hospital

After a long trip, Thien Nhan arrived safely in Bologne, Italy. "He was a good boy on the flight and ate and slept well," says his mum, Mai Anh. "We are all tired but happy to be here."

This morning, Thien Nhan will see doctors for a pre-surgery consultation. The surgeon needs to be sure that he is healthy enough to withstand such a lengthy and difficult operation.

Bon Voyage

Along with trip organizers and longtime supporters Na Huong and Greig Craft, Thien Nhan, his mom Mai Anh and his 12-year-old brother Big Minh boarded a flight to Paris last night at midnight. Their final destination is Bologne, Italy, where Thien Nhan, 4, is to undergo genital surgery on January 29th.

As the group sat waiting at Hanoi's Noi Bai airport, Mai Anh admitted to being nervous about Thien Nhan's upcoming surgery. "I'm sure that Thien Nhan will sleep on the plane," she said. "But I doubt that I will."

[Photo: Thien Nhan (right) and his brother Little Minh check out some new toys that Thien Nhan will bring on his trip to Italy.]

Getting ready

Because Thien Nhan is leaving for Italy tomorrow (Tuesday) night - and nobody wants him to catch a cold at school - he is staying home today. His mum, Mai Anh, is busy collecting warm clothes and packing for their trip.

Mai Anh, Thien Nhan, and Thien Nhan's eldest brother Big Minh will spend Vietnam's biggest festival, the Tet Lunar New Year, in Italy. Following his genital surgery, Thien Nhan must spend two to three weeks in hospital.

To prepare for the Lunar New Year, everybody in Vietnam gets a haircut, buys new clothes and makes themselves look as good as possible. Here's a photo of Thien Nhan's maternal grandpa or Ong Ngoai helping Thien Nhan to look extra handsome.

Italy: one week to go...

The countdown is on! In just one week, Thien Nhan will fly to Bologna, Italy, to undergo the most important surgery of his young life.

Dr. Roberto DeCastro, one of the world's leading experts in genital reconstruction, will rebuild an age-appropriate sized penis and scrotum and insert prosthetic testicles. Because some nerves in Thien Nhan's groin are undamaged, the penis should have sensation, and should continue to grow as he matures.

This complex surgery will take seven to nine hours. Recovery time is estimated at 14 to 20 days. All being well, this is the most difficult surgery that Thien Nhan, who's now four years old, will have to endure.

After a sizeable discount the surgery will cost US$45,000. Travel and three weeks' accomodation in Italy will add around another US$20,000.

Luckily, Thien Nhan's champion, Singaporean cartoonist CC Lee http://chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/, has come through yet again. From May to December 2010, CC Lee raised an astounding US$13,755 towards Thien Nhan's medical care. As usual, he topped up the donations with his own money and handed over US$14,000.

In all, CC Lee, his readers and colleagues have donated US$77, 600 to help Thien Nhan. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of CC Lee and his fellow Singaporeans!

Thank you, Singapore!

[Photo shows Thien Nhan and his schoolmates doing their morning exercises].

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

Here's a photo of Thien Nhan (shortest, in center) celebrating Christmas with his preschool classmates.

Sorry for the long blog-silence but Elka, who runs Thien Nhan's English blog, has had vision trouble. Health-wise, this has also been a tough year for Thien Nhan's mum Mai Anh, but the whole family is looking forward to a healthy, happy and succesful 2011!

In just a few weeks Thien Nhan, 4, will be heading to Italy, where he's to undergo reconstructive surgery with one of the world's leading experts in male genital reconstruction. In preparation, Thien Nhan has been getting hormone injections for some months.

Thien Nhan and his family wish all of you a festive Christmas & New Year!

Last week, Thien Nhan and his brother Minh enjoyed a fun party for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Along with kids from their neighborhood, the brothers, aged 4 and 5, watched dragon dancers, sang and participated in a lantern procession. They also ate moon cakes - traditional cakes filled with bean paste, eggs and bacon. In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival is devoted to children.

Back To School

Last Monday, Thien Nhan went back to school following a two-month summer vacation. "In previous years he was very excited to go to school," says the 4-year old's mom, Mai Anh. "But this year he felt very sad. All of the other kids were jumping around and dancing and Thien Nhan just watched them. He is getting older and becoming more aware of his handicaps. It was a hard day for him."

Thien Nhan's Mum Is Honored as an Outstanding Citizen

This October, the city of Hanoi will celebrate its 1,000th anniversary. To mark this event, 10 Hanoians have been selected as "Outstanding Hanoi Citizens" -- and one of them is Thien Nhan's devoted mum, Tran Mai Anh.

At just 37 years old, Mai Anh is the youngest in the group. Most of the others are senior citizens and include three historians and researchers; a sports coach; the artist who organized the Hanoi Wall project; a community health worker; a war veteran who's heavily involved in his community; a company director; and a farmer who has helped to improve living conditions in his community.

"I am very touched," said Mai Anh. "I hope that this award will help more people to understand about Thien Nhan and other needy kids, and to help them to overcome their challenges in life."

[Photo shows Tran Mai Anh and her eldest son, Big Minh. Since Thien Nhan was adopted two years ago, Big Minh has been a wonderful source of help for Thien Nhan. He deserves an award too for being an "Outstanding Big Brother".]

Little Minh is in Hospital

As if Thien Nhan's family hasn't been through enough this past fortnight...

The night before last, Thien Nhan's brother and best friend, Little Minh, 4, suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. He was rushed to the 108 Hospital in Hanoi, where doctors managed to revive him.

Tests reveal that Little Minh suffers from epilepsy. "He is stable now but it was very scary," reports mum Mai Anh, who was only released from hospital herself a few days ago (and is supposed to be home in bed, recuperating). "They are doing more tests to work out the cause of the seizure and how to treat him."

Thien Nhan, 4, is staying with his grandparents and his eldest brother, Big Minh, 11. "I want Brother Minh to get better soon and come home," said Thien Nhan. "I miss him a lot."

[photo shows Thien Nhan and Little Minh during better times]

Get well soon, Mummy!

Thien Nhan's trip to Singapore had to be cancelled because - just days before the planned departure - the tot's mum, Mai Anh, suffered a major brain aneurysm.

Mai Anh was taken to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, where she underwent coiling - an innovative surgical procedure in which a thin platinum coil is inserted into the brain to plug the aneurysm. It was a very scary time but Mai Anh survived the surgery and is expected to make a full recovery! She is an amazing woman!

When Thien Nhan visited his mum in hospital prior to her surgery, he gave her his favorite toy car. So sweet and thoughtful!

We will reschedule Thien Nhan's trip to Singapore - and his surgery, when Mai Anh is well enough to travel. Get well soon, Mai Anh!

Happy Birthday Thien Nhan!

Happy Birthday Thien Nhan!

It's hard to believe but the little guy turns four today! Last night, mum Mai Anh took Thien Nhan to the local supermarket where he chose some candies and little toys to give to his classmates.

This morning, a great party was held for Thien Nhan and his school friends, who enjoyed cake and soft drinks. Tonight, there will be another small celebration at Thien Nhan's home.

We wish this brave little boy the best of luck during his upcoming surgery. Have a fantastic year, Thien Nhan!

Summer Holidays

It's school holidays in Vietnam and Thien Nhan and his brothers are all home, driving their mum crazy!

As the family prepares for Thien Nhan's trip to see medical specialists in Singapore next month, here's a photo to inspire Thien Nhan.

Surgery at NUH Singapore

In late July 2010, Thien Nhan will return to Singapore to undergo reconstructive genital surgery at National University Hospital (NUH). Urologist Dr. Prabhakaran, who is also a professor at National University of Singapore, has kindly offered to waive his fees for this complicated procedure, which will involve the reconstruction of a scrotum and the insertion of prosthetic testicles. The surgery is scheduled for Friday, July 30th.

Many thanks to Pam and Kim Odhner, who have offered Thien Nhan and his "entourage" free use of their home, during their stay! Thien Nhan will recover at their place from August 2nd to 7th.

We are still seeking leads to cheap accomodation (2 rooms) near NUH from July 28th to August 1st -- please email Elka at elkeray@yahoo.com with any tips!

This surgery is possible due to the tireless efforts and generosity of Singapore Straits Times cartoonist CC Lee - chewonitcomics.blogspot.com/- and the many Singaporeans who have contributed towards Thien Nhan's care.

Thien Nhan's Trip to Singapore

[Minh and Thien Nhan take their new cars to breakfast; Sol, Thien Nhan, Minh and their robots ride in a taxi ]

Thanks again Singapore!

Thien Nhan, his mum and two brothers spent three nights in Singapore, where Thien Nhan had an appointment with Professor Prabhakaran at National University Hospital (NUH). Dr. Prabha was very optimistic about Thien Nhan's case, and advocates doing major genital surgery in Singapore this summer.

Not only did Thien Nhan's check up go well, but he also finally got to meet his "Uncle Lee" -- Singapore Straits Times cartoonist CC Lee, and Mr. Lee's colleagues and fellow cartoonists. Without CC Lee's - and other Singaporeans' generous support - Thien Nhan's past and future surgeries would not be possible.


Special thanks to CC Lee, David and Lina, Adarsh and Ms. Latta, and Stella and May Lian. And thanks to everyone who has donated so generously to this special little boy!

[photo: Minh (in black) and Thien Nhan waiting for Thien Nhan's ultrasound at NUH]