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PETER (PETE) TULLOCH - 29/10/1956 - 22/05/2006 Peter was diagnosed with cancer in February 2004, after seeking medical advice for severe backache. Two doctors put the back pain down to the heavy camera equipment, well known to every cameraman. While on assignment in Tasmania, Peter visited a doctor there and was devastated to learn he had a tumour the size of a football growing in the intra abdominal area (spleen, spine and kidney area) in the form of a sarcoma tumour. Professor Peter Choong, attached to St. Vincent's and Peter MacCallum hospitals in Melbourne and recognized as an expert in the oncology field, operated on Peter on 29 June 2004 at St. Vincents, following an intensive course of radiotherapy. The operation was successful in removing the tumour, with no evidence of any secondary cancer, and doctors were optimistic that there would be no regrowth. In June 2004 Peter had a 1cm diameter melanoma operated on his scalp - a most aggressive type of cancer - with the medical expectation that this potentially fatal type of cancer could spread to other parts of his body. We now know that this would happen and large tumours began to appear in Peter's neck and in his head, and later in his lung. He was heavily dosed with morphine and at most times could cope with the pain of these tumours, however, he became more and more frustrated and angry that this disease was going to claim his life. The cancer continued to spread and in March 2006, and feeling well enough to travel, Peter took the decision to go to Chile where he had previously witnessed some astonishing healing take place at the John of God facility there. He left Melbourne on 4th April, taking with him a small overnight bag containing a change of clothes and his beloved Western Bulldogs' beanie and 'T' shirt. He carried a small guitar and his digital video camera. He was used to travelling light and he could not have been any lighter than that! Regular emails were received from Peter until about 8 days before he died. We were not really surprised, but heartbroken, to hear from the Dept. of Foreign Affairs in Canberra that Peter had been taken by ambulance to the Asa Norte Hospital in Brasilia and that his condition was very grave. Peter's close friend, Judy Webster, who was planning to meet up with Peter a few days later in Brasilia to travel back to Australia with him via Europe, and who was at that time visiting her brother in Los Angeles, was able to bring her booking to Brasilia forward. The Canberra office arranged for a member of the Consulate in Brasilia to meet Judy at the airport and we cannot speak highly enough of the support they gave. Judy was there by herself, with no knowledge of the Portugese language, and was very grateful that Consulate staff accompanied her to the hospital, interpreted for her, and gave ongoing emotional and practical help. Judy reached Peter's side while he was still alive, and although he appeared to be unconscious, Judy felt he was aware that she was there. Peter passed away at 2 pm on 22nd May (Brasilian time) and his remains were cremated at 4am (Melbourne time) on Thursday 23rd May. Judy will bring Peter's ashes back to Melbourne when she returns on approx. 1st June. At time of writing, it is undecided where his ashes will be scattered. A Celebration of Peter's Life will be held at the function room, Whitten Oval, Footscray at 7pm for 7.30pm start on Saturday, 17th June, 2006 and all friends are warmly invited. - Ruth (Peter's mum) and Morrie Pilens, and also on behalf of his daughter Jessica and of Judy (jawebst@netspace.net.au). ruthpilens@iprimus.com.au Tel. 9848 1651. PS: We continue to be overwhelmed by the messages from Peter's friends and colleagues - we hope to be able to personally thank everyone on the 17th June. |