Doctor disputes grim prognosis

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 3/5/08 – “Dirty Dancing” star Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but his doctor insists that the actor is responding well to treatment of the normally terminal disease.

“Patrick has a very limited amount of disease, and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far,” said Dr. George Fisher in a statement released Wednesday.  “All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue.  We are considerably more optimistic.  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” and the “New York Post” claimed earlier that Swayze, who learned he sick in January, was not responding to chemotherapy and that the 55-year-old actor had been given just a few weeks to live.

Because the disease has usually spread to other parts of the body by the time symptoms arise, pancreatic cancer patients usually have few successful treatment options.  According to the World Health Organization, less than 5 percent survive five years or longer with the illness.  The average patient is given three to six months to live.

Swayze recently completed filming “Powder Blue,” a drama also starring Jessica Biel, Kris Kristofferson, Lisa Kudrow, Ray Liotta and Forest Whitaker.  The movie, still in post-production, is expected to be released sometime before the end of the year.