Melbourne president Jim Stynes is upbeat about his future as the former AFL star battles cancer.

Stynes is out of hospital after major surgery, which included the removal of part of one lung.

The Brownlow medallist is about to go on a three-week holiday with his family and is optimistic about what the future will hold.

Asked if he could beat the disease, Stynes replied: "I believe I can and the people who matter, the healers and specialists they believe I can and that gives me great confidence."

But Stynes is in no doubt that he has started the fight of his life.

He has stood down as Melbourne president since the initial diagnosis.

The Demons have boosted his spirits with two wins since the news broke that he had cancer.

"It doesn't mean it will be smooth sailing the whole way, I might have a few setbacks," Stynes said.

"But even if I do I am quite prepared for that, I understand that's the nature of it.

"It's just hanging in there because nothing beats the power of thought and the power of prayer, those kinds of things."

Stynes made his comments at an impromptu media conference on Friday morning at Melbourne training.

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