There have been many reports today about Patrick Swayze being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer today and some have been very grim including some prognoses stating that he only had 5 weeks to live. This made me a bit reluctant to jump on the story and I wanted to hear more from his doctors and less from the tabloids. Finally, it seems that we have some more credible information available to us, and, thankfully, it seems considerably more optimistic than what was originally stated. Specifically, People Magazine says:
"Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far," Dr. George Fisher says in a statement. "All of the reports stating the time frame of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."
The actor's rep adds: "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.""
As sad as this story is no matter which way you look at it, if what these statements made by his doctor are true, then he might actually beat the cancer out. Needless to say, I hope that's the case. Personally, I think Swayze's a legend. Sure, he was a lot bigger in the 80s and 90s than he is these days, but that doesn't mean that he's not an all-time legend on the big screen. Plus, I think that scene in Ghost with Demi Moore and the clay is one of the more memorable moments in movie history, and Swayze should always be recognized for being a part of that film and many other famous films during the 80s and 90s.
Honestly, I hope that these reports are actually accurate and everything else about him dying soon was just the tabloids trying to stir up controversy with no facts to back up their statements. Nevertheless, it's shockingly tragic to hear that a 55-year-old apparently healthy man can be faced with such a devastating diagnosis and my thoughts are with Patrick and his family. Of course, we will keep you posted on any further developments as they become available.
