Allan John Baldey

Dear friends of Allan ( aka AB, Baldey, Big Fella, Silverback),

We are raising funds to support research for pancreatic cancer through Australia's Pancare Foundation. The aim is for our future children as they become men and women to have a higher chance of survival if they're diagnosed with this common cancer. (Donation are tax deductible and admin fee free). 

Funds restricted to:

* Early Detection – for patients with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer can take part in screening. Invest in research to support a screening program (or test) for the general population as currently there is no early detection screening available. 

* New Treatments – Invest in research that is improving current treatments options or developing new treatments - includes supporting good clinical trials.

* Fund Scholarships – we provide 3 year scholarships for PhD students in the area of pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Allan's Timeline

Monday 21 May, 2018 Allan rang to say he had turned yellow. 

Thursday 24 May, after bloods and scans, we found out Allan had pancreatic cancer which had metastased into a vital organ - the liver. At this stage, AB’s Atherton doctor advised he had appx six months to live. 

Monday 28 May, at Cairns base, a metal stent was inserted into his bile duct to release the toxins. Believing the procedure hadn’t work, we drove to Townsville for a second opinion because his yellowing hadn't disappeared and Allan still felt unwell. His urine changed from deep yellow to dirty brownish colour (toxins being released) after the stent. 

Thursday 7 June, Allan was admitted to Mater private, where bloods and a second scan revealed the cancer had progressed (Allan’s doctors also consulted with their Brisbane colleagues). 

Saturday 9 June - During the inserting of a plastic stent inside the original metal stent, it was revealed cancer cells were squeezing the middle of the original stent together. And there was tissue growth inside the stent restricting the release of toxins through the bile duct from the liver. Allan's timeline changed from six months to weeks and appx 2-3 months because of the aggressive tumours. By this stage his kidneys were also struggling to filter toxins. 

Monday 10 June - Allan insisted on going home to the Atherton Tablelands. Doctors were happy to abide by his wishes after completing final checks.

Tuesday 11 June - After all that could be done was done, AB was released from hospital. We stayed in Townsville with his brother Denver where Allan was able to say further hellos and goodbyes to family and close friends. 

Sunday 17 June - I drove Allan home to our farm on the Atherton Tablelands. 

Monday 18 June, 1:30pm - With the help of Lynchy (rally car mate), he and the nurses moved Allan into a wheelchair to enter the doctor's surgery via the ambulance entrance. His doctor in Atherton was taken aback at how quickly Allan had deteriorated. 

Thursday 21 June, 8:30am Allan was pain-free and at peace when he passed at home in our bed. The doctor advised to have whatever time I needed with AB after he passed. I hugged, cried, talked and stayed with AB until the palliative care nurse arrived at 10:15am. After she checked Allan, filled out a special deceased form and spoke to Allan's doctor, I was able to ring his brother Denver at 10:30am. The nurse then spoke to the transport and after consulting with me, I asked for Allan to be collected about 2:00pm. 

Tuesday 25 June, 11am, a celebration of Allan’s life was held in the chapel at Fitzgeralds' Funeral Townsville, followed by refreshments.  Thank you to Denver and Jennette Baldey for their support and in arranging this beautiful family and friends tribute to Allan. Also to Allan's daughters Kristy and Nikki for their poem at the service and their wonderful collection of photos of their Dad and family. To my son Kerrin for being by my side, along with three long time friends of some 30-40 years - Gina, Sloane and Delicia. To those who know me and Allan well - no matter where you were in the world you were right there with us. 

Hugs,

Maria

* Please support us by making a secure online donation and by posting a message in memory of Allan.

Donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly to Pancare Foundation.

Thank-you for your kindness,

Mariaxo

Maria Parenti-Baldey