The now-retired political veteran of 25 years has battled prostate cancer, four tumours in his liver and another at the base of his throat – all since mid-2012.

The former Member for Hume credits survival to the support of his wife, Gloria, and a team of doctors at the University of Sydney’s Kolling Institute of Medical Research.

Mr Schultz is now just one PET scan away from full recovery.

“I’ve been through some pretty extensive treatment,” he explained on Monday.

“I was part of a five-week trial. They told me it would knock me around… And it did, it knocked me for six.”

Should the July 17 scan culminate in favourable news for Mr Schultz, Australia could once more be on the cusp of a medical breakthrough.

The father of two admits his role was that of a “guinea pig” in research involving intense doses of chemotherapy on a weekly basis.

He described the architects of the treatment, Professor Stephen Clarke and Dr Andrew Kneebone, as “two delightful Australians”.

“If their research and treatment is proved correct, it’s going to be the biggest coup in medical advancements since the cochlear implant,” he said.

“I could be the preliminary guinea pig who was tested in breakthrough treatment.”

Mr Schultz volunteered himself to the Institute as a last resort.

Confirmation he’d overcome prostate cancer was soon shattered by medical tests that detected five tumours in total.

The cancer of his oesophagus was deemed inoperable, while the largest of the liver tumours reached the size of a grapefruit.

He was just the seventh patient to sign up for the research.

Fortunately, Mr Schultz has never been one to walk away from a fight.

He remained in politics despite the challenges posed by losing sight in his left eye in a pool cleaning accident.

Gloria also suffered from cancer during Mr Schultz’s tenure in both state and federal parliaments.

That fighting attitude paid dividends.

Against the odds, the former meatworker is still alive.

“For me to survive three types of cancer, it’s nothing short of a miracle,” he said.

“I’m getting stronger every day. I’m like Samson; my hair’s growing back and so is my strength.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Gloria. She played a very significant part in getting me back to health.”

While his prognosis is positive, Mr Schultz is not out of the woods yet.

Only once PET scan results are tabled and full health is restored will he begin advocating financial support for medical research.

“Any funding that our government puts into research is wonderful,” Mr Schultz added.

“There’s not enough funding for research in this country.”