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.
posted January 8, 2009 at 12:46 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Swayze and wife Lisa.
posted January 8, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Thoughts and prayers to Patrick and Lisa Swayze. Patrick gives hope and life back to those fighting cancer and helps put a new perspictive on their disease.
posted January 12, 2009 at 7:38 am
I hit my 5yrs free from colon cancer on 2nd april 2008 and i also believe in the power of prayer and life beyond this earthbound one.Just keep being positive and your belief will bring it’s own reward.The cheno was worse than the cancer, but is soon over with, then in a few short months you wonder how you got thtough it all.Then you remember with everyone’s prayers,and theirs and GOD’s good love.GOD bless you and your family and my prayers are with you,keep fighting,and stay positive,lots of love and best wishes from myself and family.
posted January 12, 2009 at 10:49 am
I am close to 6 years in remission from colon cancer. When first diagnosed, the doctor said I had about a 35% chance of survival and to get me affairs in order. I went to my lawyer with my husband to make some document about life support. I told him, ” do not take me off life support unless there is absolutely no brain function.” I told him that I was going to beat this disease, with the faith and love of God who I knew would protect me…….
Now I am doing well, take all the tests and blood work to stay ahead of anything, but in my heart, I know my faith got me through.
My lawyer died unexpectedly last year. Only God knows the plans of our life. Faith will get us through. Never, ever quit.
posted January 12, 2009 at 3:28 pm
My prayer’s go out to the Swayze family, and also my blessing’s. Patrick, you are so brave and a great example to all people struggling with cancer it is a terrible disease that I pray they will find a cure for. It is a devastating illness which tear’s family’s apart but Love is the best solice as well as hope and you have inspired both in all people. Especially to those of us who have lost loved one’s to this horrible disease. You are an inspiration—Your guardian Angel’s are with you God Bless
posted January 12, 2009 at 7:40 pm
My aunt, Roney Jensen, was a very good friend of Patsy Swayze (Patrick’s mother) and I knew Patrick from summers spent in Houston many years ago.
I have cancer (supposedly terminal)also. I watched Patrick’s interview with Barbara Walters and was very touched. Now we have learned that Patrick is hospitalized with pneumonia.
Keep fighting, Buddy!! We are all hoping and praying for you and Lisa! Your tenacity, faith and high spirits are inspiration for us all!
posted January 13, 2009 at 12:47 am
I have known Patrick from all the “Arabian” shows in Kentucky. Your incredible Horsemanship & all your wonderous talents. Your beliefts will keep you safe, despite this small set back.
Our mutual friend, Leslie Wagschall, gave into his cancer & is know longer with us……in this Physical world. Your intuition, spirtuality, prayer & zest for life……will keep you safe & with us.
Do Not give up my friend, Patrick, as I know you will not. All our prayers are with you…& that is ALLOT of prayers from all your Family & your endless friends all over the world.
God is on your side & will keep you safe……you still have not completed the reason he sent you here………so Live On Patrick ! ! !
posted January 13, 2009 at 10:17 am
I LOST A BROTHER TO PANCEACTIC CANCER IN MAY 08,IRONICLY HE AND MY FATER OWNED THE JEWELRY LICSECING FOR DIRTY DANCING IN THE 80′S,AND WS SAID TO RESEMBLE PATRICK. HE MADE IT ONLY 90 DAYS AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED, DURING WICH TIME I LEARNED ABOUT SOME NEW TREATMENTS,IT WAS TO LATE FOR HIM, BUT MAYBE THIS WILL HELP SOMEONE ELSE.ONE IS AT THE NORTH CAROLINA INSTITUTE OF TECNOLOGY,IT REQUIRES NO SURGERY, AND IS BASED ON ORAL PATHOLOGY,IT MAY HOLD SOME OF THE KEYS TO THIS AND OTHER CANCERS. IT IS NOT APPROVED BY MAJOR MEDICAL INSTITUTIOINS BUT IS AND INTERESTING CONCEPT, EVEN IF ONLY AS A LAST RESORT, JUST DONT WAIT. THEIR WEB SITE IS http://WWW.NORTHCAROLINAINSTITUTEOFTECHNOLOGY.COM BEST OF LUCK TO PATRICK
posted January 13, 2009 at 11:41 am
Dear Patrick,
You should be very proud of your ‘fight’ against cancer. Keep up the good work, as it is very inspireing to others who ‘battle the beast’. May God give you strength.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
posted January 13, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Hi Patrick
Keep up the good work. Keep your faith and following God closely.
I lost a father to lung & throatt cancer about 11 years ago and then
I lost a brother who had 14 brain tumor surgerys before we lost
him in 2007. He fought for 14 years from the first day they diagnosed him with cancerous brain tumors. Only God knows when he will take you, so live by your faith and trust in God for your guidance.
We all Love you and God Bless you and your family.
posted January 13, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Blessings Patrick,
I so admire your strength, faith and wisdom. I cannot imagine what you are going through. What an awesome human being you are. I lost my husband to kidney cancer 7 years ago. I have been a hugh fan of yours (always wanted to meet you) for many years and I just love you and all the things you do!! You have touched my heart and soul with your talent and work! You are genuine, from the heart. God has a special plan for us all and whatever that plan might be, know you are loved and admired for the person you are. No truer words to be spoken than “Hope is a fragile thing in anyone’s life.” Such insight! You keep fighting Patrick…Never give up! I am so proud of you, as we all are!!
You, Lisa and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep the faith!
God will bless you even more!!
posted January 13, 2009 at 7:42 pm
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
posted January 13, 2009 at 9:53 pm
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!
posted January 14, 2009 at 12:15 pm
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
posted January 15, 2009 at 2:01 am
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
posted January 19, 2009 at 10:59 pm
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