Former Australian of the Year Dr Richard Scolyer has revealed he has recently experienced some ‘tough times’ in his battle with stage four brain cancer.
The globally-renowned pathologist was diagnosed with ‘incurable’ brain cancer in June 2023 and has been sharing his journey with Australians ever since.
Prof Scolyer shared a photo of him undergoing an MRI to Facebook on Friday, writing he had recently experienced some ‘tough times’ but was recuperating.
‘It sure is amazing to be back out there participating and enjoying life,’ he said.
‘A month or so ago, I had some tough times with recurrent brain tumour and additional challenged. These were associated with swelling of my brain which can cause changes in how I am functioning.
‘However, now I am feeling much better and loving spending time with my wonderful family and friends.’
The post was quickly flooded with well-wishes from supporters.
‘Someone has to be the exception to the rule, let’s hope you are the one,’ one said.
Dr Richard Scolyer has revealed he had some ‘tough times’ during his cancer battle in June
The 2024 Australian of the Year (pictured) shared an update with his supporters on Friday
‘Such an honourable, inspiring, and exceptional man. Keep fighting the good fight Richard as we cheer you on from the sidelines,’ a second wrote.
‘Great to hear you’re doing better Richard,’ a third said.
The update comes just weeks after Dr Scolyer achieved a major milestone, finishing his 250th Parkrun in Sydney, a goal he set when he was first diagnosed with cancer.
In May, Prof Scolyer revealed his glioblastoma was becoming ‘tougher to treat’.
‘A recent MRI scan showed, in the left side of my brain, further progress of my glioblastoma (IDH wild-type, etc.) and related adjacent reactive change,’ he wrote.
‘Whilst this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly to me, I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun, whenever possible.
‘I feel like there are quite a few people on my team, including my family and friends, and they make me happy and proud!’
In March, Prof Scolyer said that while most of his recurrent tumour had been removed, surgeons were unable to remove other parts.
‘Unfortunately, there is a larger volume of quickly growing brain cancer in my left brain. The prognosis is poor,’ he said.
More to come.
