Early last year reports surfaced that Patrick Swayze may only have weeks to live. Now almost a year later, the actor opened up to Barbara Walters last night in a TV interview that was, at least for Swayze fans, riveting. He didn't flinch from questions about why he continues to smoke even though he has cancer, discussed the tabloids unkind predictions about his demise, and even talks about faith in the afterlife. Even the most cynical celeb watcher had to see that this interview was more than just a promo for Swayze's new cable series "The Beast," but rather a serious reflection on life and death.
While Swayze admits to feeling anger towards tabloid reporters who have said he is on his deathbed when he has already beaten the odds for living with this disease, for most of the interview Swayze was upbeat and passionate. Swayze described in detail his painful regime of treatment, but never asks for pity. He also made it clear that he realizes that despite good results from the treatment, perhaps another two years of life is likely and five years is "wishful thinking."
What was most inspiring to me about Swayze's comments last night was not what he had to say about cancer-- though that was moving. I appreciated the way the interview celebrated his marriage of over thirty years to wife Lisa and the way he eloquently described his own faith and thoughts on life after death. Swayze admitted the disease is testing his faith in a higher power but that he still believes in angels and miracles and the power of prayer. But the most moving words of wisdom Swayze uttered last night might be when he told Walters, "Hope is a fragile thing in anyone's life." It's so true, and yet watching him bravely fight this cancer, I am sure he is giving many others the very hope he refers to.
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i got breast cancer in 2008 and its not easy to deal with i agree with everything you said in your interview lets keep fighting as long as we can we know when we go we will be in a better place knowing we did the best we could love you and take care i will fight with you
god be with us love ya
Patrick has long been an idol of mine; who can forget the tender love scenes in "GHOST?" He's an extraordinary actor and person, and I wish him all the luck and God's love in the future, how ever long that may be. He's facing tough challenges, and I think that him tackling a TV show for 13 weeks is AMAZING! May we all watch "The Beast," and be reminded of how truly gifted Mr. Swayze is. God bless you, Patrick, and good luck!
I speak to your cancer Patrick, and tell it to dry up in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! We all stand in together and curse this cancer! We pray for you a new strength to fight the good fight of faith. We all love you and are praying for you. Pray everyday Patrick, "For his strips I AM HEALED!! He died for our transgression. I hope we can all stand in for a fast for one day for our dear brother who is in need. In our fathers name we pray. Donna
on march 15 of 2008 I lost my husband from lung cancer and emphazma. He had a heart attack in 1998 and a triple bypass but couldnt go back to work because of the jobs high stress He was a counsaler for drugs. he was sober 23 years himself and his annaversy was march 3 and he wanted to make that goal. He wanted to pass at home so I became his care giver with hospice to help for over 2 years. His lung cancer was found in 2000 and had part of his lung removed. He held meetings in our home until the week of his death. He had started a new meeting where people
could talk about any addiction without critizism. It is called the free at last group. Starting this summer there will be a motorcycle poker run in his name with money going to supply help at a rehab for someone without money.This man was an inspiration to many as you are. Many people said he showed them how to die as well as live. The last few weeks we had some doubts about faith but was reminded of what Jesus said on the cross and he stayed strong. 2 weeks after he passed I was told I had cancer. My sister is a survivor of cancer twice but my brother just got the same news but with 3 years at tops.. The emotions run crazy. I carry a coin that he gave me just before he passed with the inscription this to shall pass. Hang in stay strong ask for help when you need it. We are here to do gods work of loving and helping each other.God be with you and your loved ones now and forever. God has big shoulders so if your angry with him you can tell him. He knows anyway. peace be with you
Dear Mr. Swayze, The "C" word seems to "rewire" our brains when given a diagnosis---but there is hope----there is well researched information about dealing with cancer----you can look in the book Cancer Free by Bill Henderson as that is a great start. I have survived ovarian cancer from 1998 and only did "natural" stuff---just wish this book was around then -----it would have been much easier figuring "things" out about how to go about fighting cancer----and I have been successful to this point. If you have already taken Chemo treatments---you can still be successful with treating your cancer with natural stuff---you will need to do Theraputic Living Clay to detox the chemicals so the body can "work" with what you give it. Hope you do look at these things and take heart----you can get well. Dee
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