Miracle cancer drug has seen a man given two years to live appear to be tumour free

DEE WHY man Chad Walkaden appears to be cancer free due to groundbreaking ‘miracle’ cancer drug trial — now he wants to help others cope with the emotional impact of the disease.

Counsellor Chad Walkaden at Dee Why Beach. Chad has had cancer three times and has a counselling background, so he's now helping others with the disease. Picture: Troy Snook

A ‘MIRACLE’ cancer drug has seen a man given two years to live, appear to be tumour free.

Chad Walkaden was 30 when he was diagnosed with a tumour in his adrenal gland which had spread to his lungs, while living in London.

The Dee Why man, 33, was given the grim diagnosis by doctors, and despite surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer spread to his stomach and lymph nodes

But now, after taking a drug called Keytruda, medics say he seems to be free of the disease

“I have a 1cm mark on my left lung which could be cancer or not,” he said.

“It took me two cycles and it started rapidly reducing. I’m feeling as healthy and happy as I’ve ever felt.”

Chad Walkaden was just 30 when he was told he had around two years to live.

Mr Walkaden is part of a trial at Westmead Hospital.

He’d had flu-like symptoms plus neck and stomach pain. After scans, Mr Walkaden, who was working as a social worker, was told what was wrong.

“I saw the look in their eyes. They said I had a tumour,” he said.

He returned to Australia for treatment and, after a year, was well enough to return to work as a Family Consultant for Family Court of Australia.

But in April 2016, the cancer was found in his lungs again, as well as in his lymph nodes and stomach.

Counsellor Chad Walkaden was told nothing more could be down- but was given the drug trial as an option. Picture: Troy Snook

He was told nothing could be done except trying the drug trial, which has been hailed as “a miracle” especially for types of lung cancer, Australia’s biggest cancer killer.

Now he goes to Blacktown Hospital every third week to be given the drug and his tumours appear to have gone.

Dr Bo Gao, medical oncologist, Blacktown and Westmead hospitals said the drug mobilises the immune system to destroy cancer cells.

“We are thrilled to see patients, like Chad, experiencing such positive outcomes,” he said.

“Not everyone will respond but those who do respond will have a long-lasting response.

“In future, this treatment holds promise for melanoma, lung, bladder, kidney, head and neck cancer, and cancers with genetic defects.”

More trials are planned for later this year.

Westmead Hospital has been involved in the drug trial. Picture: Jeff Herbert

Chad Walkaden who had cancer at 30 and is now offering counselling to other sufferers

The drug costs up to $120,000 a year but as been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for suitable patients.

However, Mr Walkaden, who has a girlfriend, Rebeca Mego, believes it’s not just the treatment which has helped him fight the disease.

He said dealing with the emotional effects of cancer have also helped him beat it — and is launching a counselling service to help other patients, and their families.

“Yes you need to go see a doctor but yes you need to look at the emotional and psychological impact,” he said.

“I believe my body has responded well to the treatment because I have been able to achieve an optimal level of mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

About Chad Walkaden Counselling & Consulting

The first session, via Skype, is free, then he charges $280 for two hours.

He’s also developing a therapy scheme for young people with cancer, via charity, RedKite and the University of Sydney.

Details: cwcounselling.com.au

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