UPDATE 5.14PM: JIM Stynes, recovering well after two days' treatment, will have surgery on Wednesday to remove a stomach tumour.

In a statement just released, the Melbourne Football Club says Stynes is in hospital recovering well after two days of treatment.



He is scheduled for surgery next Wednesday in a bid to remove the tumour.



"Doctors expect Jim to have a two to three week recovery period following the operation," the club says.

"Jim would like to thank everyone for all the positive messages and well wishes he has received this week."

In typical fashion, Stynes is negotiating with doctors for a leave pass to watch his beloved Dees play, and is expecting to be at the game against Carlton tomorrow.



The ailing Melbourne president yesterday told wife Sam of his plans as doctors at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre continue tests to determine how to treat the tumour in his stomach.

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Ms Stynes said a blood transfusion had given the 45-year-old a significant boost after he was admitted in a wheelchair, tired and weak on Wednesday.

She also revealed her husband's reaction to friend Garry Lyon's decision to step into a consultative role to help rebuild the embattled club.

"Jim was ecstatic that Garry took the role," Ms Stynes said.

"Jim just genuinely loves the club and wants Garry to do well."

But she said whether the hugely admired Brownlow medallist would be able to attend the Demons' clash with Carlton would be determined tomorrow.

"Sometimes he tries to pull the wool over my eyes," Ms Stynes said.

"But hopefully we will get him there."

She said doctors were uncertain on how to treat a tumour in Styne's stomach.

"We are 2 1/2 years down the track now so we are kind of veterans," she said.

"It's a bit of a cycle and tough but we are doing OK."

Doctors had urged Stynes to cut back on his commitments at the club to focus on his health after weeks of work-related stress.

Stynes appeared frail when he fronted the media on Monday after the club sacked coach Dean Bailey.

Originally published as Jim Stynes told to focus on fight for life