"Dirty Dancing" star Patrick Swayze was apparently diagnosed in late January with pancreatic cancer. That is an aggressive cancer that may mean that he has less then a few months to live according to the National Enquirer. CNN has also confirmed the diagnosis but not necessarily the prognosis. Apparently, Patrick, 55, has been traveling to Stanford University's prestigious cancer center in Palo Alto for radical chemotherapy. Swayze apparently remains optimistic that the treatments will be successful. Swayze's doctor, George Fisher, states that Patrick has a very limited amount of the disease and appears to be responding well to treatments. Dr. Fisher adds that all reports stating a time frame for Patrick's life expectancy are erroneous.
According to The National Cancer Institute, there will be 37,680 new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2008 with 34,290 deaths in the U.S. According to their statistics, only five percent of patients live more than five years after being diagnosed. Swayze and his Doctor are optimistic as to his prognosis.
According to Perez Hilton, Swayze has " been at rehearsals for a new cheer leading movie at Century City studio frequently lately, and ... if he is gravely ill, he is hiding it very well."
Pancreatic cancer has also inspired an inspirational speech by Randy Pausch. The speech Pausch gave to Carnegie Mellon is a great guide on how to live life the right way and to stay optimistic. Randy encourages others to follow dreams, live life to the fullest, be honest, be humble, and most importantly have fun. I encourage all to follow the link to a better life.
Paush's advice on achieving one's childhood dreams can truly change any one's negative attitude into a positive disposition! Thanks Randy.
Update 5-28-09: Randy Pausch gave an inspirational speech at Carnegie Mellon's graduation ceremony on 5-19-08. It is worth listening too! LINK
Update 7-25-08: Randy Pausch passed away early this morning at his home in Virginia. His battle with pancreatic cancer has now come to an end. Randy was wise beyond his 47 years of age. He wanted to be remembered as a healthy energetic father. Let us honor that memory.
Update 7-29-08: Donations to help fight pancreatic cancer may be sent in Randy's memory to LINK
Update 9-15-09: Patrick Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last night. May he rest in peace.
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58 comments:
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I saw the Pausch video before on Oprah and he is awesome.
Liked the short version so much I am going to watch the long version.
Good find L.P.!
Shell
What advice would you give your young children or even your friends if you knew you only had a few months to live?
This is sad news. Does Patrick really only have a few months to live???
PS I really enjoy your blogs
comedysecrets.blogspot.com
Secret, The National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 37,680 new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2008 with 34,290 deaths in the U.S.; only five percent of patients live more than five years after being diagnosed. This is grim news in most cases.
However, according to Swayze's doctor, "Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far." Swayze's physician Dr. George Fisher goes on to say that, "All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."
That being said, it is a nasty disease and I have followed Randy Pausch's ups and downs (he posts his progress on a web site.) Consequently, in my opinion, Swayze may have several months of pain free normal life; however, ulitmately he will succumb to the disease. Will it be 6 months or 60months? It just depends upon how he reacts to the chemo, in my opinion. Nevertheless, one should admire Patrick's positive "I will beat this attitude."
Thanks for your update. I picked up on the "may" only have months to live. As always, L.P. is on target often with better sources then Fox and CNN. Keep up the great work.
LP,
this hits really close to home. My mother who was my best friend died of pancreatic cancer. When I read this on Drudge last night, it broke my heart.
My mother did not have an easy life but she was a true optimist until the very end. I like to say that anything I've ever learned that meant ANYTHING, I learned from her.
Once, she told me that I lived my life in the FUTURE (I was always worried about finishing grad school, licensure, etc., as I worked and went to night school for years), and that my father lived in the PAST. My father you see, was stuck in the way things used to be . . . (my parents lost everything during the revolution in Cuba and moved to the US in 1961) she tried to live the PRESENT. She did this by enjoying her family; planting in her garden; walking at least three miles a day; being a great wife, mother, sister and friend and always having a great sense of humor. She managed to do all of this and always remain groomed and dressed like a movie star from the 50's. Man, I miss her.
If I were to give anyone advice it would be not to waste one second of your life. It's such a cliche, but so true that we have to tell each that we love each other and be there NOW not later and that past is not going anywhere... Give your loved ones a hug and be there for them because it just goes way to fast.
Sorry if I got a little carried way ... just my 2 cents.
Sounds like a wonderful woman. Excellent advice. I encourage everyone to view Randy Pausch's talk concerning how to live a better life.
Simply inspirational! Thanks.
Jen
Ms. C, I would have enjoyed knowing your mom! She sounds like the kind of person who could have lasting impact on the lives of even casual acquaintances - gently, joyfully, planting seeds of Awareness.
All we have is Now.
I once knew a women who could find the negativity in any situation. She'd feed it until it overshadowed what could have been lovely.
Once I said to her 'Isn't it a beautiful day!' (it truly was!) She said 'It's supposed to rain tomorrow.' I said 'Yes. But it's beautiful NOW.'
Carpe diem. It's all we have.
Awesome. Thanks.
An update from Randy's blog reads in part:
On Thursday Jai & I met with nephrologist (kidney doctor) Thomas Whelan, who is terrific. Based on lab work and my symptoms, he recommended that we use a combination of diuretics and a "tap" to get rid of the fluid around my lugs... so I went into the hospital Thursday night.
... we believe that the chemo drugs ended up putting a huge strain on both my heart and kidneys. That led to the buildup of fluid around my lungs. Friday morning they did the "tap": - inserting a needle in my back, between my ribs, and piercing the outer lung sac, but not the lung itself. They then siphoned off more than a quart of fluid, which lab tests showed was unremarkable. Within an hour, my breathing was feeling normal... Most importantly, I could lay flat and really sleep for the first time in 2 weeks.
...My left lung also has about a quart of fluid, but we'll get that out with diuretics rather than do another needle stick...
They are tweaking the high blood pressure medicines and the diuretics, in order to find a good combination. The doctors are fairly confident there isn't any long-term damage to my heart. That's less clear with my kidneys, but I can live okay with them in their current state. ...
I'll probably leave the hospital tomorrow (Sunday), or Monday. It will take about a week to get me really robust again... The fluid tap, by the way, works almost identically to a beer keg, in terms of the physics!
The ... longer term strategy of how to continue treatment of the cancer, given my new constraints, is something I'll have to figure out this week.
Thanks for the update. Randy Pausch is an inspiration to those of us not only fighting disease but also to those of us who are healthy.
Another Randy Pausch update, he is out of the hospital and has obtained permission from his doctors to travel to Washington, DC, to testify before congress about the need for more funding for pancreatic cancer research. Maybe the testimony will help future patients. Ironically, Randy blogs: "Oh, and in the "never a dull moment" category, we had a pretty serious car accident on the drive up, but everybody was okay. How ironic it would have been to go that way!"
The man's sense of humor remains!
Open note to Patrick Swayze. Please use your fame and popularity to take Randy's message even further. Research on this dreaded disease is needed now. It does not have to be about you. It is about taking steps to improve prevention and treatment of this dreaded disease.
Randy is still hanging in there pretty good almost a month later...
For those following Randy's struggle, he is apparently going to the University of Maryland tomorrow to be evaluted for possible Theraspheres treatment.The treatment would apparently be aimed at specifically killing the bad tissue while preserving the good.
Good Luck, Randy, we are all pulling for you.
Don't ever give up the fight, you're one remarkable man!!!
Randy Pausch is still hanging in there. He is battling heart failure. The Doctors apparently gave him some blood pressure medication that has helped his heart function better but it apparently leaves him weaker then he likes.
What a wonderful, positive role model Randy remains for all of us.
Randy Pausch is still fighting the good fight. His lecture has become a book that is a best seller. Randy is once again recovering from congestive heart failure. By the sounds of things, he is very fatigued but remains in good spirits.
Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky. All we do, is only for a moment and the moment is then gone.
Randy is apparently feeling a little better as they adjust his blood pressure medication.
I know how tough it is to face cancer, as I was diagnosed 20 years ago and thought I'd be in a pine box by now. I learned to visualize my immune system beating up on the cancer cells and so far I am well. The mind body connection is powerful and I believe it can make a difference in quality of life and quantity of life after a cancer diagnosis.
Maya good observation. I hope both Patrick and Randy read your suggestion. Best of luck to you as well.
Apparently a PET scan showed that Randy Pausch cancer has spread to his lungs and some lymph nodes in Randy's chest. Randy has been resting, trying to gather strength for perhaps another round of chemo.
Now may be the time to start praying for Randy and his family. He has been a real inspiration for those fighting disease and those who are trying to be better parents, teachers, and leaders.
Randy should be a inspiration to us all. What a zest for life. Especially for those who take life for granted.
I will never forget him and will always be grateful for sharing his knowledge. I have been watcjing R
Randy's home page ands his continued updates. I logged on tonight and it appears to be gone. I am so sad.
My prayers go out to Randy and his wonderfull family.
Randy, God has you place reserved for you in heaven.
You have touched so many lives and helped so many
people. You should be so proud.
Just to let you know....Watch the Good Morning America clip of Randy Pausch at the Carnegie Mellon Graduation... He gave the speech on May 19, 2008
He is still inspiring!!
My husband was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer in March...and he to is doing well.. It is amazing to watch a positive hopeful outlook.
ENJOY the MOMENTS...
That is all we each have!
Randy's last public appearance that I am aware of was Carnegie graduation on May 19, 2008. I am waiting on a confirmation of whether he was seen in public after that date. He is truly an inspiration whose flame has been nearing the end of the wick for some time.
On the other hand, Patrick Swayze has made several public appearance and is very optomistic in his battle against this dreaded disease.
It is worrying me as Randy has not updated his page in 3 weeks, last time was May 13th. I hope everything is okay as this is the longest gap I see looking back at all of his posts.
My bet is that L.P. will get in touch with someone in the know and let us all know. In the interim, I suspect Randy is trying to enjoy some of his last remaining days with his children and wife.
Randy may choose to end his updates on his perfect day, which was the graduation ceremony. The remaining time that he has may be spent with his close friends and loved ones. If I learn any information that can be shared, I will post it promptly.
In the mean time, Patrick Swayze is dancing away from his health obstacles. Swayze's television project has just been approved by A&E. Filming will begin this summer.
Swayze says he has responded well to treatment for pancreatic cancer. The A&E drama "The Beast" will feature Swayze and Aussie actor and former "Tarzan" star Travis Fimmel.
Randy attempted a round of Chemo which made him very sick. In fact, he was apparently bed ridden for the last few days in May. As of May 30,2008, President Bush sent Randy a letter telling him how he has inspired a nation.
The last two weeks, Randy has been struggling to get side effects of the chemo treatment.
Randy is at home with his family. He is recovering from the last round of chemo. A recent PET scan showed that the cancer continues to grow, but it is a slow growth which is obviously better than the alternative. Keep him in your prayers.
With each chemotherapy treatment, it takes Randy longer to recover.
It appears no more chemo will be done. He may try some immunuotherapy-based apporaches that would have less side effects. In the meantime, his tumor marker numbers continue to grow.
The hour glass is running out as it does for all sooner or later.
Sand Man
Thank you Sand Man. Yes, I knew...
Update 7-25-08: Randy Pausch passed away early this morning at his home in Virginua. His battle with pancreatic cancer has now come to an end. Randy was wise beyond his 47 years of age. He wanted to be remembered as a heathy energetic father. Let us honor that memory.
Rest in Peace Randy. I am sad that you are gone, but happy that you have no more physical pain to endure. my heart goes out to Randy's wife and children, and all extended family members and friends, he was one of the good ones.
"Virginia" "health"
"Celebrate that he lived, mourn not that he died."
R.I.P. Randy!
For those wondering:
Randy and his wife, Jai, had three children, Dylan, Logan and Chloe.
The family will be well provided for... donations to help fight pancreatic cancer would have been welcomed by Randy and his family.
GOD BLESS JAI AND HER THREE CHILDREN! MY HUSBAND WAS DIAGNOSED IN SEPT.15, 2006 INOPERABLE PANCREATIC CANCER! STAGE 4 PALLITIVE CARE ONLY! WE ARE RAISING OUR TWO YOUNG GRANDDAUGHTER'S WE ADOPTED IN 2003! HEAVEN IS SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE! RANDY MY HUSBAND WILL MEET YOU SOON UNDER THAT BEAUTIFUL MAPLE TREE! WE WILL SURVIVE KNOWING WONDERFUL PERSONS LIKE YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US!
L.P. Thanks for keeping us informed. Seems like Randy become one of us. We celebrate his life as part of our learning and as part of Legal Pub.
God bless the family!
Randy lived the last months of his life his way. It should be an inspiration to all of us!
It was an inspiration for me!
Thanks L.P. for keeping it real.
Randy became a legend who will live on forever in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
I truly admired Randy Pausch's enormous strength and humour, and was prayering that he would beat this cancer. I was deeply saddened at his passing, and may he rest in peace. I lost my own daddy on May 28th, 2008 to Pancreatic Cacner in Barbados. I now own a copy of Randy's book, and I read it when I am feeling sad or angry. I will forever hold Jai, Dylan, Logan and Chloe in my prayers. I hope that Patrick Swayze will also use his frame to bring more awareness about this deadly cancer.
Erice, thanks for sharing. I am now a better person for having read your post.
Jim
Patrick Swayze looks really sick based on the last photo that I have seen of him. Hope sometimes is the greatest tool in the battle for life.
Update 9-15-09: Patrick Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last night. May he rest in peace.
Patrick is now dancing with the stars in heaven!
A year later and pancreatic cancer is still a lethal killer.
May they both rest in peace.
Just like the wind through my trees...
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