Oscar Chalupsky shares ‘dire’ health update: ‘The fight continues’
· The South African
South Africa’s most decorated canoe and surfski athlete, Oscar Chalupsky, has vowed to continue fighting to live, despite a recent “dire” health update.
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The 63-year-old is currently battling the advanced stage of multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer, as well as an aggressive form of skin cancer. He is currently on a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
In 2019, he was given just six months to live following his medical diagnosis. In recent years, he has also made headlines for his dispute with Discovery Health to cover his cancer treatments.
OSCAR CHALUPSKY SHARES ‘DIRE’ HEALTH UPDATE
On his social media platforms, Oscar Chalupsky has been keeping his followers updated with his travels, sporting endeavours, and cancer battle.
This week, the former 12-time World Molokai Surfski Champion shared the harrowing blood results after a recent check-up.
Oscar shared that his platelet count, red and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin, and other blood components were dangerously low.
He shared: “My blood results are dire. On paper, these numbers paint a frightening picture. Yet I am standing here at Fish Hoek Beach, talking about a sport that is growing. Making plans and looking towards the future. I certainly do not feel as though I am lying on my deathbed.
He added, “The numbers may be dire, but my spirit is not. I will remain positive. I will keep fighting. No Retreat. No Surrender. ❤️”
‘LIFE-SAVING’ TREATMENTS
In 2019, Oscar Chalupsky was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a bone marrow/blood cancer, and later diagnosed with an aggressive secondary skin cancer.
The former Ironman champion has recently suffered serious complications, including sepsis, which required hospitalisation.
Doctors are treating both his cancers with a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.
Oscar was hoping to begin CAR-T therapy, an advanced type of immunotherapy that genetically engineers a patient’s own T cells. However, doctors have ruled it out, stating that his cancers were too advanced for the treatment.
His last line of treatment is Talvey, also an immunotherapy drug, which helps the immune system attack and kill the cancer cells. The drug, described as “life-saving”, arrived from abroad on Wednesday, 19 August, with Oscar making arrangements for it to be administered in hospital in Cape Town.