Daughter's Heartbreaking Plea After Father's Rapid Pancreatic Cancer Death
The daughters of a Manchester man who died just six weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are urging the public to learn the warning signs of what experts call the deadliest common cancer. Andrzej Bielecki, a 58-year-old described as having an incredibly positive spirit and zest for life, passed away in February 2023, leaving behind his daughter Scarlett Bielecka, 28, and step-daughter Emilia Rocky, 27.
Years of Dismissed Symptoms
For approximately three to four years before his eventual diagnosis, Andrzej experienced persistent acid reflux and indigestion. Medical professionals repeatedly advised him to take indigestion tablets, dismissing his concerns. By August 2022, a dull and persistent stomach ache developed, yet further visits to doctors in September 2022 resulted in the same prescription of indigestion medication, which Emilia confirmed didn't really do anything.
Blood tests returned normal results, leading to an endoscopy that identified a hiatus hernia. Doctors considered this a plausible explanation for his discomfort. However, by mid-December 2022, his condition showed no improvement, and he was discharged from hospital without answers.
Rapid Deterioration and Diagnosis
The situation escalated dramatically on Christmas Eve 2022. Emilia reported that Andrzej was in significant pain, had lost considerable weight, and was becoming jaundiced. Suspecting a heart attack, he returned to A&E, where gallstones were initially suspected. A subsequent scan revealed a blocked bile duct and elevated bilirubin levels, causing the jaundice.
An MRI scan followed, culminating in a phone call on 9 January 2023 that confirmed the devastating diagnosis: advanced pancreatic cancer. The family then endured a harrowing wait for a consultant, who delivered the crushing news that the cancer had spread, leaving no treatment or surgical options available. Andrzej was given just six months to live and recommended for end-of-life care.
Scarlett described this as the worst phone call of her life, while Emilia noted that Andrzej accepted the prognosis completely, though everyone else was in shock and disbelief.
Final Weeks and Legacy
Despite the prognosis, Andrzej focused on living his remaining time as fully as possible with family and friends. The family embarked on poignant trips, including a campervan holiday in Scotland and a stay in Chippenham. Scarlett cherished quiet moments watching episodes of Early Doors with her father.
Emilia observed his rapid decline, including loss of appetite, weight, vomiting, and immobility, yet emphasized he remained very positive and never wanted to worry others. By mid-February, his condition worsened significantly. After a visit to Bristol, district nurses were called, and Scarlett was urged to say her goodbyes. She found him almost completely unrecognisable but still wanting to watch their favourite show. Their last exchange was a heartfelt I love you.
Emilia stayed overnight, witnessing severe delirium, but found him the next morning with a smile on his face, a comforting final memory. In May, the family held a celebration of life, honouring his wish for no tears. Emilia later contacted Pancreatic Cancer UK, sharing his story and his desire for his ashes to be scattered on the Camino de Santiago, a route he completed twice. The family then undertook a 100km charity walk along the Camino in his memory.
Urgent Call for Awareness
This cancer isn't anywhere near talked about enough, Emilia stressed. Pancreatic Cancer UK states it is the deadliest common cancer, with over half of patients dying within three months of diagnosis. Approximately 80% are diagnosed only after the cancer has spread, making treatment impossible.
Scarlett echoed this sentiment, noting that it's not a cancer that people really talk about. Emilia concluded: If Andrzej had got diagnosed any sooner, I don't know if it would have really changed how long he had left, but it would have given him so much more time to do more that he loved. He just didn't have the time.
