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Swayze Responds "Well" To Cancer Treatment

Doctor Confirms Actor Suffering From "Limited Amount" Of Pancreatic Cancer

March 5, 2008

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Patrick Swayze and wife Lisa Niemi during an event in November, 2007. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

(CBS) Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his rep confirms to The ShowBuzz.

The star of such movies as "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost" has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far," said Swayze's physician, Dr. George Fisher. "All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."

Photos: Patrick Swayze

"Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects," added his publicist, Annett Wolf. "The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family."

Swayze, 55, was diagnosed with the illness a month ago. According to the National Pancreas Foundation, the disease is almost always fatal.

A professional dancer before pursuing his movie career, Swayze was nominated for a Golden Globe for "Dirty Dancing," and for his work opposite Demi Moore in "Ghost." His other movies include "Roadhouse" and "To Wong Foo With Love, Julie Newmar."

Chosen as 1991's Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine, Swayze has been married to Lisa Niemi for 32 years.

He recently completed two feature films: "Jump!" and "Powder Blue," which do not have release dates at this time. In addition, Swayze recently completed filming an A&E pilot "The Beast," which is in contention to become one of the new drama series on the network.

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Deepest & most sincere prayers to the Swayze family.
This battle was fought & won by family of mine, & although difficult, successful!
Love & prayers to you & yours-fight the good fight!

Angel415

Posted by at 1:37 AM : Mar 8, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

oh....Patrick and family, my prayers will be with you. You are SOOO going to beat this killer as I did! Stand tall and believe. Let ''it'' know that you are not willing to be taken without a fight and ''it'' will lose and leave! Its a long road. Remember; Cherry Kool-Aid is the only thing that tastes good and goes down well when you are taking radiation. Everything else including water tastes like you are eating tin foil.Hang in there Patrick!

Posted by prb63764 at 9:07 PM : Mar 7, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

justfacts2 and tasmhs,

I am a survivor of pancreatic cancer stage 3. Was diagnosed Christmas Eve 2001. Had surgery (Whipple Procedure), chemo, and radiation and am here to say I AM A SURVIVOR OF PANCREATIC CANCER 6 YEARS OUT! I was in a car accident going to chemo 4 months post surgery, broke my back in 2 places and still came out kicking this dreadful cancer. The killer ain''t getting me!

Posted by prb63764 at 8:57 PM : Mar 7, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

I had the pleasure of growing up in the county that Dirty Dancing was filmed. Lake Lure is beautiful town with a big lake located in Rutherford County NC but unfortunately they have torned down the building used in the movie. I have watched the movie everytime it came on and love the chemistry between Johnny and Baby.

I have been a great fan and I am very sad to hear the news. I hope everything turns out good and Patrick will be cured!!!

Posted by ky_dvs at 8:15 PM : Mar 7, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

I pray that he makes a speedy recovery.

www.IGotUGGs.com
www.BehindtheApprovalMatrix.com

Posted by bintk6 at 4:31 PM : Mar 7, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

I can still hear in my head, Jennifer Grey''s agonized and longing call, "Johnny", to the man who taught her to dance, to live and to love - truly one of the most moving moments in Dirty Dancing. Patrick Swayze made the character SO believeable and convincing - as he did to all the characters he has played over the years. But, better still than all the lovers he played on the screen, is the love story between him and Lisa - I pray that he beats this horrible disease and they have many, many more years together to love and live. God bless and keep you, Patrick.

Posted by kevzgrl at 8:07 AM : Mar 7, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

I have loved Patrick''s movies from the start (The Outsiders) and have all of them. Patrick and Lisa, my thoughts and prayers will be offered daily for a good outcome to this fight you are both fighting. Keep the faith and stay strong. Will look for updates as they are given.I don''t believe the bad that people say. God Bless you both.

Posted by uelsgirl at 4:10 PM : Mar 6, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

I was so shocked to read about Patrick. I''m 24 and I have grown up watching his movies. (In large part because my mom thinks he''s a fox.) He is so let''s not dispute that. He is a wonderful actor. He CAN and WILL beat this. Patrick we are all praying for you!! Hang in there! You can fight this.

Posted by cowgirl_83 at 2:56 PM : Mar 6, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

Patrick has always been a favorite of mine. Seeing him on talk shows, and even in his films, he comes accross as a decent man, honest and down to earth.

I hope you beat this and live on to make more films. We need you!!

Our prayers are with you.
)O(

Posted by cmp271 at 2:54 PM : Mar 6, 2008: + report abuse + permalink

Cancer can be beaten. I am a 21-year survivor of ovarian cancer (stage 1). I also have lost around 8 relatives to cancer including one from pancreatic cancer. Cancer is NOT always a death sentence. Whether you liked his movies or not, he is, according to my Christian beliefs, a God-created human who deserves respect. We are all entitled to free speech and our opinions. However, mom taught me "if you can''t say anything nice about someone don''t say anything at all." To Patrick: Hang in in there, stay positive.

Posted by texas1993 at 9:17 AM : Mar 6, 2008: + report abuse + permalink