MLB

Mets great Carter’s cancer deemed inoperable

Gary Carter’s worst fears were confirmed yesterday when he learned that biopsies taken of his brain on Friday showed “conclusively” the former Met has inoperable glioblastoma.

Doctors at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke said surgery “is not a good option” because of the location of the tumor, but they have discussed an “aggressive treatment plan.”

That treatment is expected to include chemotherapy and radiation. Carter, 57, will return to Florida to continue his fight against the disease. About one in four victims of this ailment survive two years, according to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center website.

The Carter family released a statement last night: “While we are saddened by the news we received today, we take comfort in the overwhelming support and prayers that have been extended to our family during this difficult time. … Gary is getting the best care possible and is blessed with an incredible support network including family, friends and loyal fans. Gary was always a fierce competitor on the baseball field and that same tenacity will help him not only fight but win this battle.”

On Saturday night, one of Carter’s daughters, Kimmy Bloemers, wrote on a family website that tests had shown the cancer “is like a snake of tumors that are connected across the back of the brain. The biggest tumor is on the left side of the brain” and that doctors were not fighting to prolong Carter’s life, but to “cure him completely.”

Carter, who led the Mets to the 1986 World Series title, announced on May 21 that an MRI exam had revealed four small tumors on his brain.

“Mr. Carter’s youth, strong physical condition and fighting spirit will be to his advantage as his treatment commences,” said a statement released by Dr. Allan H. Friedman and Dr. Henry S. Friedman, who have been treating Carter at Duke.