'I don't want to die': Doctor facing certain death from brain cancer tries experimental treatment developed by his friend – which shows promise



A leading skin cancer doctor is hopeful that an experimental treatment will bring a miracle and cure his nearly uncurbable brain cancer.

Richard Scolyer is a professor at Sydney University in Australia and a surgical pathologist. Professor Scolyer is also suffering from one of the deadliest forms of cancer – a glioblastoma.

The Mayo Clinic defines a glioblastoma as:

A type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells. Glioblastoma can happen at any age. But it tends to occur more often in older adults and more often in men. Glioblastoma symptoms include headaches that keep getting worse, nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, and seizures.

According to Healthline, "The median survival time for adults with glioblastoma is 15 months."

Just 3% to 5% of patients survive more than three years.

Scolyer – a 57-year-old married father with three children – was diagnosed with brain cancer last June.

For a treatment strategy, Scolyer turned to Georgina Long – his friend and co-director of the Melanoma Institute Australia.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, "Both have been at the forefront of groundbreaking advances in melanoma treatment and saved thousands of lives with their immunotherapy approach."

"We've taken everything, absolutely every bit of knowledge … that we've pioneered in melanoma and we've thrown it at Richard's tumor," Long told the outlet.

Knowing the extraordinary odds and that timing is critical, Long proposed a radical plan to try to cure the nearly incurable brain cancer. However, there were significant risks.

Professor Scolyer was the first in the world to delay brain surgery to remove the tumor and start with pre-surgery combination immunotherapy.

"Combination immunotherapy counters several immunosuppressive elements in the tumor microenvironment and activates multiple steps of the cancer-immunity cycle," according to the National Library of Medicine.

The professor is also the first person to receive a personalized vaccine to combat the tumor.

"Brain cancer doctors were so worried this would kill me quicker or result in terrible side effects," Scolyer explained.

Scolyer joked that the treatment plan was a "no-brainer."

"It's not a hard decision to make when you're faced with certain death. I'm more than happy to be the guinea pig to do this," Scolyer said.

Scolyer, his family, and the treatment team were extremely nervous when it came time for his recent brain scan at the end of January.

Long said her friend's brain is "normalizing"

A "thrilled" Scoyler said there's "no recurrence of my supposedly incurable glioblastoma!"

Scolyer said the chance that he is cured of his aggressive cancer is "miniscule," but he's optimistic that "a miracle could happen."

Scolyer proclaimed, "I'm confident, to be honest, that it's going to make a difference for future brain cancer patients."

He cautioned, "I'm just one patient though. We won't really know [it works] until we do clinical trials."

Scolyer told the BBC that he wants to live long enough to see his kids "become truly independent."

The doctor said that he is "extraordinarily resilient," but "it's tough."

"I love my family. I love my wife… I like my work," he declared with a grimace.

"I'm pissed off. I'm devastated," he said. "I don't want to die."

His only comfort is that the data from his experimental treatment is "changing the field, and if I die tomorrow with that, I'm very proud."

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An experimental treatment against 'certain death' | Professor Richard Scolyer | Australian Story www.youtube.com

Beloved knuckleballer Tim Wakefield dies at 57, Red Sox teammates pay tribute: 'Our hearts are broken'



The baseball world mourned the unexpected death of former Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tim Wakefield. The noteworthy knuckleballer died on Sunday morning at age 57, according to multiple reports.

The MLB reported that Wakefield died from brain cancer.

Wakefield is survived by his wife, Stacy, and their children, Trevor and Brianna.

Stacy Wakefield is battling pancreatic cancer, according to Tim's former teammate Curt Schilling.

"This is not a message that Tim has asked anyone to share, and I don’t even know if he wants it shared, but as a Christian, and as a man of faith, I have seen prayer work, so I am going to talk about it," Schilling said on his podcast on Wednesday. "Tim’s wife Stacy, who is one of the nicest women you’ll ever meet, is very sick with pancreatic cancer. Recently, Tim was diagnosed with a very serious, a very aggressive form of brain cancer."

Tributes poured in for the beloved pitcher as former teammates reacted to Wakefield's sudden death.

The Boston Red Sox: "Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield. Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation."

Hall of Famer David Ortiz: "I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family, my heart is broken right now because l will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you."

Legendary pitcher Roger Clemens: "Well…this is heartbreaking news. A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing along side [sic] of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal."

Former Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis: "He was a great competitor. When he took that mound, he was just a great teammate. And just a great friend. And I had the luxury to play with him on the field [and] on the booth. [I’m] just glad that I had the opportunity over the years to be alongside him."

Boston sportswriter Bob Ryan: "I am sadder than sad. Tim Wakefield has died due to a brain tumor at age. 57. He was real. He was CLASS. This is truly horrible news."

Red Sox owner John Henry: "Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball. He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit. He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us."

The MLB: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Wakefield, 19-year Major Leaguer, two-time World Series champion, 2009 AL All-Star, and the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner. Tim embodied the finest qualities as a teammate, a competitor, and a caring man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wakefield family and all who knew and loved Tim."

Wakefield played 19 seasons in the MLB – playing his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the rest with the Red Sox. Wakefield announced his retirement in 2012, leaving the game with 200 wins under his belt. Wakefield helped the Red Sox win two World Series championships – in 2004 and 2007. He owns the Red Sox record for innings pitched (3,006) and most starts (430). Wakefield is regarded as one of the best knuckleball pitchers of all time.

Wakefield was the recipient of the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award recognizing "extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field."

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