http://omg.yahoo.com/patr.../news/7209

Patrick Swayze Fighting Pancreatic Cancer

Patrick Swayze is fighting pancreatic cancer, a rep for the actor has confirmed to Access Hollywood.

"Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment," a rep for the actor said in a statement released on Wednesday. "Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects. The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family."

The National Enquirer was the first outlet to report the tragic news, claiming the 55-year-old actor's condition was so severe, he had only five weeks to live.

However, according to the statement from the rep, Swayze's condition may not be as dire as what was initially reported.

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

Despite the encouraging words from Dr. Fisher, oncologist Maurice Berkowitz told Access Hollywood the outlook for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is generally not good.

"Typically it's not a slow growing tumor, so people develop symptoms quickly and, if left untreated, the symptoms get worse," Berkowitz explained.

However, Berkowitz said there are new treatments providing hope to those afflicted with the disease. "Some strides are being done and some people are doing very well," he added.

According to the American Cancer Society, the one-year survival rate is 20 percent, while the five-year rate is only 4 percent, for patients with pancreatic cancer.

"Unfortunately, by the time most people [realize it], the tumor is at a stage where it cannot be easily taken out. So at that point, it's looking at symptom control and increasing how long somebody lives on the therapy," Berkowitz said.

According to The Enquirer, Swayze (the star of such films including "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost") has been undergoing treatment at the Stanford University Medical Center. However, they also reported the cancer has spread and the actor has been told to prepare for the worst.

Damn, I didn't know he was ill. Too bad.

http://www.transworldnews...ryID=39204

He's one of my favorite actors of all time

I like Patrick, seems level headed. I grew up on that dumb but fun "road house" movie, anyone remember that?

don't really want to talk about it, but I know he's sick," Patsy Swayze told E! News. "But he has great doctors and a great prognosis and that's all I can say."

Since when do we start referring to the National Enquirer for legitimate news as a source?



He's probably doing much better than we know...

thesexofit said:

I liked his acting in THE OUTSIDERS.

I like Patrick, seems level headed. I grew up on that dumb but fun "road house" movie, anyone remember that?

Oh No...

He always looks so healthy and vibrant ( sp?) ... why?? Dammit

HowComeYouDontCallme said:

I REPEAT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/h...280533.stm

American actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his agent has confirmed.

However, his doctor said reports that the Dirty Dancing star had only five weeks to live were "absolutely untrue".

The 55-year-old is currently undergoing treatment and is continuing with his filming schedule.

Swayze, who also starred in the hit film Ghost, was diagnosed with cancer more than a month ago, the New York Post reported on its website.

His doctor George Fisher said in a statement: "Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far.

"All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue."

HamsterHuey said:

The Enquirer quoted a source close to the star as saying: "He was told he could have two more treatments, but his cancer was not responding. In short - they held out little hope for a cure.

"It's time to start praying for a miracle."

The source said: "He looks terrible. We don't think he's going to make it. Patrick's family and friends are so grief-stricken they can barely contain their tears and anger."