Acclaimed scientist opens up about his health struggles: 'I still seem keen to keep living'
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One of Australia's most respected minds has once again shown his trademark candour and courage in the face of devastating news.
He revealed that his battle with a diagnosed condition has taken a difficult turn, but his spirit remains unbroken.
Internationally acclaimed melanoma expert Professor Richard Scolyer has been diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023.
The aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer apparently left Scolyer with eight months to live.
For most, such a prognosis would be crushing.
Yet, for the 2024 Australian of the Year, it was not the case.
Drawing on his research in melanoma immunotherapy, he became the first person to receive a combination of immunotherapy drugs before brain surgery.
This bold move kept his cancer at bay for 18 months.
This experimental approach was inspired by breakthroughs in skin cancer treatment and offered a glimmer of hope for thousands of others facing similar diagnoses.
The medical community and the public have closely followed his journey.
In a heartfelt social media post, Professor Scolyer shared the news that a recent MRI scan revealed further progression of the tumour on the left side of his brain.
'While this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly, I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun whenever possible,' he wrote.
'I feel like there are quite a few people on my team (including my family & friends), and they make me happy and proud.'
He went on to express gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, friends, and medical team, saying,
Professor Scolyer has been open about the challenges of living with cancer.
He underwent surgery last March to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
While the operation was a success, he explained that 'little tentacles' of cancer remained, which required further treatment.
Professor Scolyer also shared the side effects of ongoing therapies and admitted to feeling 'a little up and down' at times.
Yet, he continued finding joy in the everyday moments and drew strength from their kindness and support.
'Sometimes I'm happy to have fun, but some of the therapies have knocked me around a bit, so I can't do some of the things I love doing,' he shared.
Despite the setbacks, Professor Scolyer keeps fighting, not just for himself but for the countless others affected by glioblastoma.
As he undergoes another operation soon, he remains hopeful that ongoing research and new therapies should push the boundaries of cancer research.
Professor Scolyer's story is not just one of medical innovation but of extraordinary resilience and humanity.
His willingness to share the highs and lows of his journey has helped to de-stigmatise cancer.
Professor Scolyer's journey should be a reminder to cherish every moment and never stop hoping for a brighter tomorrow.
Have you or someone you know been affected by cancer? What are your thoughts on the importance of medical research and the power of hope in the face of adversity? We would love to read your stories, reflections, and words of encouragement towards Professor Richard Scolyer in the comments section below.
He revealed that his battle with a diagnosed condition has taken a difficult turn, but his spirit remains unbroken.
Internationally acclaimed melanoma expert Professor Richard Scolyer has been diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023.
The aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer apparently left Scolyer with eight months to live.
For most, such a prognosis would be crushing.
Yet, for the 2024 Australian of the Year, it was not the case.
Melanoma Institute Australia honoured Professor Scolyer for his contributions to cancer research. Image Credit: Melanoma Institute Australia
Drawing on his research in melanoma immunotherapy, he became the first person to receive a combination of immunotherapy drugs before brain surgery.
This bold move kept his cancer at bay for 18 months.
This experimental approach was inspired by breakthroughs in skin cancer treatment and offered a glimmer of hope for thousands of others facing similar diagnoses.
The medical community and the public have closely followed his journey.
In a heartfelt social media post, Professor Scolyer shared the news that a recent MRI scan revealed further progression of the tumour on the left side of his brain.
'While this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly, I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun whenever possible,' he wrote.
'I feel like there are quite a few people on my team (including my family & friends), and they make me happy and proud.'
He went on to express gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, friends, and medical team, saying,
Professor Scolyer has been open about the challenges of living with cancer.
He underwent surgery last March to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
While the operation was a success, he explained that 'little tentacles' of cancer remained, which required further treatment.
Professor Scolyer also shared the side effects of ongoing therapies and admitted to feeling 'a little up and down' at times.
Yet, he continued finding joy in the everyday moments and drew strength from their kindness and support.
'Sometimes I'm happy to have fun, but some of the therapies have knocked me around a bit, so I can't do some of the things I love doing,' he shared.
Despite the setbacks, Professor Scolyer keeps fighting, not just for himself but for the countless others affected by glioblastoma.
As he undergoes another operation soon, he remains hopeful that ongoing research and new therapies should push the boundaries of cancer research.
Professor Scolyer's story is not just one of medical innovation but of extraordinary resilience and humanity.
His willingness to share the highs and lows of his journey has helped to de-stigmatise cancer.
Professor Scolyer's journey should be a reminder to cherish every moment and never stop hoping for a brighter tomorrow.
