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March 12, 2008

Swayze Smoking Controversy

A frail-looking Patrick Swayze, currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer, has been spotted smoking – and it’s raising new questions about his health. Noted L.A. oncologist Dr. Amin Mirhadi tells "Extra" that any history of smoking can spell trouble. "People who smoke have a significantly higher -- probably a two to three times higher -- likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer." But while Internet reports are claiming Swayze smoked three packs a day, his brother Don tells People that Patrick’s habit never reached that level.


"Extra" has learned that Swayze is coupling an experimental new cancer drug designed to shrink the tumor by cutting off its blood supply with a four-week cycle of chemotherapy. People’s J.D. Heyman detailed his treatment for "Extra," explaining, "He is also trying to keep his weight up. His wife [Lisa] is making sure he's doing a lot of juices and he's eating foods high in fat."

As Patrick struggles to recover, cancer crusader Katie Couric (who lost a sister to pancreatic cancer and her husband to colon cancer) told "Extra" she has high hopes for the "Dirty Dancing" star. "There are a lot of great things that can be done. Some pancreatic cancers are curable if they’re limited in terms of where they're located."

Added Dr. Mirhadi, "People are starting to beat the odds more and more -- more than we expect."

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my family and I pray daily for his recovery. Patrick, dear, you must stop
smoking in order for your therapy to work
properly and efficiently. smoking stands in the way of a better prognosis. you are truly in the top 5 of my favorite actors. i love the chippendales skit with you and farley. just saw it the other night. you should go to church and have as many people praying for you as possible.
i love you patrick. get well!!!!


- christine margosian
Posted 05/18/08 01:51 AM
 

I was given 6 months to live when I was 18. I had a cancer similar to Patrick’s. Oncologist used all the standard chemotherapy and surgeries on me as well as some experimental. It took 3 years, but it did the job. I also stayed on an extremely healthy diet and took every vitamin that I could find that supposedly fought cancer. That diagnosis was 24 years ago. Patrick can beat this.


- Alan Aubele
Posted 03/12/08 08:44 PM
 

when i first herd about patrick’s diagnosis my heart fell to my knees, i have been a huge fan of his for many years now.my prayers are with him and his family! i love you!


- stefanie
Posted 03/12/08 04:50 PM
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