Former Montreal Canadiens coach Pat Burns is battling cancer again, this time in both lungs.
The 56-year-old had colon cancer in 2003 and 2004, and liver cancer in 2005. The cancer had been in remission for three years.
A source close to Burns told CTV Montreal that he is losing weight, but is keeping his spirits up.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Burns is not undergoing chemotherapy on the advice of his doctors. He is seeing a holisitic practitioner in Texas.
He currently resides outside of Tampa, Florida.
Still working, but finding it hard
Burns is still under contract with the New Jersey Devils, but prior to the cancer diagnosis had been given permission to pursue potential coaching opportunities with other teams.
He continues to work as a scout for the Devils, but is finding it difficult to continue due to the cancer.
Career
Burns is a three-time winner of the Jack Adams Award, an award granted to coaches who have made great contributions to their team's success. It is voted on by the NHL Broadcaster's Association.
He has coached for the Montreal Canadiens, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils.
His coaching career started in the 1975-76 with the London Knights, and then took a break until 1984 when he coached the Hull Olympiques.
