Tumour ordeal inspires life-saving mission

A brush with death has prompted a former surgical patient to become a blood donor – and he is urging others to do the same and help save lives.

In June 2021, Mitch Alldis was diagnosed with an abdominal tumour and underwent surgery at Epworth Geelong performed by Associate Professor Saleh Abbas.

A/Prof Abbas said Mr Alldis' tumour was called an extra adrenal pheochromocytoma, which secreted large amounts of adrenaline.

"The adrenaline raises blood pressure and causes a condition called cardiomyopathy, causing heart muscles to become weak," he said.

"A massive tumour occupied the whole of Mitch's pelvic cavity.

"These tumours tend to bleed, which adds to the complexity of this surgery."

Mr Alldis lost a significant amount of blood during the surgery.

"I was incredibly unwell," he said.

"I am told I needed 27 units of blood during the surgery, which was about three times my entire blood volume.

"The doctors at Epworth Geelong told me there was a team running between the blood storage area and theatre to keep up the supply of blood.

"A lot of blood donors went into saving my life and for that I am eternally grateful."

After his surgery, Mr Alldis spent a week in intensive care, where he was in an induced coma. He then spent a further two weeks in hospital recovering.

To help save lives, the way his was, the father of three is now a blood donor.

"Since my surgery, I have made regular donations to Lifeblood," Mr Alldis said.

"I was eligible to donate blood before the surgery but just didn't get to it for a number of reasons, so now I want everyone to understand the need for blood donations."

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