Patrick Swayze Hospitalized With Pneumonia

(AP)  Patrick Swayze has checked himself into the hospital for observation after contracting pneumonia, A&E President Abbe Raven announced Friday at a meeting of the Television Critics Association.

Swayze, who has pancreatic cancer, was scheduled to appear to discuss his upcoming drama "The Beast."

Robert DeBitetto, A&E's programming senior vice president, explained his absence.

"Patrick has asked that I tell you that this morning he checked himself into the hospital for observation," said DeBitetto. "Chemotherapy can take its toll on the immune system, and illnesses are a part of that. Patrick wishes me to tell you that he's very sorry he cannot attend, but plans to get back to promoting `The Beast' soon."

Swayze's spokeswoman, Annett Wolf, confirmed that Swayze was in the hospital but would not provide additional details.

"In light of the news today, it's a bump in the road," said Vincent Angell, one of the show's co-executive producers. "We wish him all the best."

In the series, which premieres Jan. 15, Swayze plays an FBI veteran who trains a rookie partner played by Travis Fimmel. Producers said they found out Swayze had cancer four hours after learning A&E had picked up the series. They also said filming was completed on all episodes of the first season and hope Swayze could continue in the role for a second season.

"He's an inspiration," said Fimmel. "He makes the little things seem so not important."

Earlier this week, Swayze told ABC's Barbara Walters that his yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer put him "through hell" while he pushed ahead on his new TV series.

The 56-year-old actor also owned up to his fear: "Yeah, I'm scared. Yeah, I'm angry. Yeah, I'm (asking), 'Why me?"'

[andie52]

I haven%u2019t been able to verify that Patrick Swayze has passed. Also some info on pancreatic cancer:

What causes pancreatic cancer?

Although the exact causes of pancreatic cancer are unknown, several risk factors appear to be linked with the disease, such as:

Age: The likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer increases with age, with most people over the age of 60 when the cancer is diagnosed.

Race: African Americans are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than are whites or Asian Americans.

Smoking: Cigarette smokers are two to three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop pancreatic cancer, and about three out of every 10 cases of pancreatic cancer are found to be linked to smoking.

Diet: A diet high in meats and fat increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas eating more fruits and vegetables appears to offer some protection.

Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer is more common in people with this disease.

Family history: The risk for developing pancreatic cancer is three times greater if an immediate family member (mother, father, sister, brother) has had the disease.

http://www.antigenics.com/diseases/pancreaticcancer.html

[carlylaine]

I think Patrick S is a fine fellow. Being a human is very difficult at times. He drank. What do some of you do in times of stress? Those of you who have nasty comments on Swayze''s former lifestyle are liars if you say that life''s stresses hasn''t gotten to you. It''s obvious life has taken you down because you''re meaner than you need to be.

Life isn''t easy. But we should have fun while we can..the serious need not throw out their opinions as example of being in their right minds.

He isn''t drinking now. This is good..All of the wonderfully sweet talented people who have died from alcohol or alcohol-related conditions over all these years is devastatingly sad..yet marijuana is still illegal.

My ENEMY is alcohol especially when done to excess.

Fight it Patrick....many care for you.

[httpwwwnews]

When I was reading about Patrick Swayse, I was scrolling down and was very shocked to see that he passed away, by CNN Breaking News. My heart and prayers go out to Patrick Swayze''''s family. I loved Patrick Swayze''''s Movies. He was brilliant!
Linda Cooke
Fayetteville, Ga.

CNN has a video on it''s site showing Swayze talking about his illness, no death notice. I don''t know where you read that at, but it wasn''t on CNN.

[daiseylu]

It is so scary that so many people are really nuts, but just tune in to these comments, and they come crawlilng out of the woodwork..do any of you have any idea that when you write some of the things you say, you pay...what goes around , comes around??? Back to Patrick Swayze, my prayers are with him and his wife, good people, so hard to see them go thru this,,Blessings.

[khanghi-2009]

I have to wonder how many of you KOOK KNOW-IT-ALLs posting here have ever been diagnosed with and BEAT cancer yourselves?

Until you have (like me) keep some of your stupidity to yourselves!

[fl551]

Yes, do not believe everything you read. You might be better off NOT reading any of the comments because it all turns into Dems vs. Republicans because people apparently have nothing better to talk about. A bunch of ignorant and arrogant BS.

[nirak2-2009]

Linda Cooke
Don''t believe everything you read here.
Some of those posting here are not right in their mind.
Patrick is alive

[lindlou]

I hope and pray that rielle62, is not right about information about Patrick Swayze.
There are angels watching over Patrick and his family.

[lindlou]

I truly hope that Patrick Swayze, has not passed away.
He was young and vibrant in his movies. My heart and prayers go out to his family. God will be with you through tough times.

[lindlou]

When I was reading about Patrick Swayse, I was scrolling down and was very shocked to see that he passed away, by CNN Breaking News. My heart and prayers go out to Patrick Swayze''s family. I loved Patrick Swayze''s Movies. He was brilliant!
Linda Cooke
Fayetteville, Ga.