Gary Carter’s worst fears were confirmed today 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” with the Hall of Famer and his family.
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 after hearing the news 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. We have boundless faith and hope knowing that the Lord will help see us through the challenging weeks and months ahead.
“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, so please join Team Carter and continue to pray with our family.”
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 recently completed his second season as baseball coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where Bloemers is the softball coach.
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. Despite the news, his doctors believe Carter is well-suited to take up this battle.
“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.
dan.martin@nypost.com