By Ian Holmes

National Cancer Survivors Day extra special for local man

Jun 3, 2017 | 6:29 PM

NANAIMO — National Cancer Survivors Day (Sunday, June 4) is just what the doctor ordered for Lantzville resident Lyall Woznesensky.

The 64-year-old retired professional football player was on the receiving end of an uplifting phone call from his doctor this past Thursday.

“He said I’m as cancer free as can be right at this time…we got some of the best news of our lives.”

Woznesensky had been battling melanoma since August, 2015 when he noticed what appeared to be a rather innocent blister on his chest.

He said his condition worsened when three tumors were discovered on his liver, which meant Woznesensky was in for a more serious battle with stage four melanoma.

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“I don’t think it’s got anything to do with the physical toughness of playing ball or anything like that,” the hulking former CFL defensive lineman said. “The thing that’s got me through this first and foremost is my wife, she’s my pillar.”

Woznesensky added his two sons have also been instrumental in his recovery from his life-threatening condition.

He said a combination of drugs, including immunotherapy and steroids took a toll on his body.

Woznesensky said it’s unclear how effective his cancer drugs will be moving forward, since melanoma treatments are relatively new.

“One guy that’s similar to me, he’s at a three year point now and the tumors haven’t grown, so it’s plateaued and he’s doing fine.”

-with files from Dan Marshall-

ian.holmes@nanaimonewsnow

On Twitter: @reporterholmes