Stynes gives upbeat update on cancer battle

JIM STYNES has given an upbeat update on his health after completing two weeks of radiation, declaring that he hopes to conquer cancer by the end of November.

The Dubliner has been battling the disease since discovering a lump in his back in July and received a major setback three weeks ago when tumours developed in his brain.

Showing the resolution that earned him the nickname ‘Mr Indestructible’ in his playing days – he set a record for most consecutive games in the AFL (244) despite suffering numerous injuries – Stynes attended the Melbourne Football Club’s Best & Fairest Awards during the week.

The club president was accorded a standing ovation from the 800 supporters that he described as “humbling” and was clearly emotional as he spoke, having only finished two weeks of radiation treatment on Monday.

“As you can see I’m feeling a lot better since Monday, because when you are going through it you get nauseous and, as my poor wife (Samantha) has had to deal with, you get grumpy and you’re not as much fun to be around. So, I’m starting to perk up a bit.

“At the end of November, I have one more session which should, please God, finish it off and get rid of the tumours in the brain,” Stynes said.

The 43-year-old joked about his new bald look, having finally decided to shave his head when his hair started falling out. And while it reveals many battle scars from his playing days, he is pleased with the results.

“Obviously, it’s hard not to notice the nude nut,” the 1991 Brownlow medallist said smiling. “I was actually hoping to come with a number two but it sort of got ahead of me yesterday. It started to fall out.

“When my daughter (Matisse) got to see it there this morning she got a bit of a shock to say the least. She’scoping, she had a good laugh. My four-year-old boy (Tiernan) has got a number two. He thought it was very cool. If he thinks it’s cool, I’m very happy with that.”

More disconcertingly, Stynes has lost both his voice and his sight during treatment but the former All-Ireland winning minor remains buoyant about his prospects, while continuing to rally the troops as the Demons continue their resurrection under his leadership.

Stynes said that the illness did not make him feel sorry for himself. Instead, it gave him an insight into the bravery of other people.

“I still feel very privileged to get to understand a different part of life and a way of life the lots of people have to go through,” he explained.