Patrick Swayze: Working Man, Hero

Back to blog

To Patrick Swazy

9 years ago I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. When the doctor cut into me he found that it had grown into my colon. I actually had ovarian and colon cancer at the same time. Either one can be deadly. He removed every female organ and 14 inches of my colon and sent me home to die within 6 months. I took chemo for 8 months with 14 other lovely ladies who also had Ovarian cancer. One by one I watched them die and yes for the first 2 years I always thought I would be next. Then there was a bad wreck in our town and 4 teenagers were killed. One boy survived. It was then I realized that boy and I were truly God's miracles. It wasn't our time to go. When our time comes to die it is going to happen even if we are in bed sound asleep and in perfect health. And you Patrick are going to live as long as God chose for you to live when He made you. We are all only a heartbeat from meeting our Maker. I had never thought about dying until I came face to face with cancer. The one great thing that came out of this is that I have a truly great relationship with the Lord.

Chemo was terrible. My hair fell out but came back beautiful. I had no energy and now I stay busy as a bee. When I turned 70 last March I went around all day telling everybody how old I was. I was so happy. I cherish every day. I will be married fifty years to my wonderful husband in another month. Do exactly as the medical personel tell you to do. Eat cranberries, lots of dark green vegetables, and grapes, both green and red. They keep the chemo flushed out of the kidneys. And keep up your spirits. That is so important. I turned down disability. The lady at the SS office said I was the first person she had ever came across in 22 years who turned it down and I told her, "I am going to get well and I don't want to be on disability." And I willed myself to get well. I see my doctor twice a year. No sign of my cancer. Memorial Hospital wrote me up in their magazine last year.(Chattanooga) God can heal you too. Good luck. You are in my prayers.

Patricia Taylor in TN

Patricia Anne Taylor (Mrs. Louis E. Taylor) of TN @ Jan 07, 2009 20:59:45 PM

Praying For Patrick

Dear Mr. Swayze:

I want you to know I'm praying for you and I know if you will let our good Lord into your heart, He will hold you in His arms as you battle your affliction.

You've given the world some wonderful moments through your films and I know you will give us a lot more.

God bless you!

William M Pacelli of NY @ Nov 06, 2008 19:06:01 PM

Patrick Swayze

Patrick you are an awesome actor. Have faith in yourself. Cancer is a tough battle.

Our thoughts, and prayers are with you.

The Franiak family.

Kara

Jackie

Kathy

Ed

Of course our family dog Taylor

Kara of IL @ Nov 05, 2008 19:24:31 PM

Patrick Swayze

As someone also diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, I am happy for Mr. Swayze but disappointed that he has not used his celebrity to bring more attention to the 4th leading cause of Cancer in this country. 37,000 Americans are diagnosed every year with Pancreatic Cancer and 35,000 will die from it. Less than 5% of those diagnosed will live past 5 years from diagnosis. I too have been working full time since being diagnosed 1 year ago. It's no miracle nor heroic feat. It is the will to live and persevere. Most of us do not have private planes that can shuttle us back and forth to our oncologists. We can appreciate what Mr. Swayze is going through but there are thousands of us out here struggling too.

David Lew of CA @ Nov 05, 2008 18:38:50 PM

inspiration

I have wayched al your movies and always admired you, with your determination,to beat cancer,have inspired us all. May God bless you and your family Patrick.

morningdove of KY @ Nov 05, 2008 12:00:04 PM

We Are Praying for U Patrick Swayze

Hello there patrick,

Hi my name is Julie I am one of your fans. I like the movies that u played in especially ghost and road house. I am continually keeping you and your wife in my prayers and to let you know that u both arent in this alone u have people that care and are praying for you.

Take Care,

Babygirl198126@yahoo.com

thats my email address patrick and wife

Julie of OH @ Nov 04, 2008 18:44:46 PM

Dear Patrick,I really enjoy watching all the movies you played in.And I am sure I will enjoy the rest that the Good Lord allows you to play in.My daughter Deanna and I think you are a very Handsome man she is 11.Our prayers are with you.And May God Bless You and your Wife. Forever a Fan, Alicia Brewer

Alicia Brewer of NC @ Nov 03, 2008 21:28:49 PM

Dear Patrick

My prayers are with you and your family. I hope you finish all the projects that you want to do. I loved all of your movies, your are one of my favorites.

God Bless you and your family

Rena Sansone

Rena Sansone of NV @ Nov 02, 2008 12:13:22 PM

Patrick Swayze

I'm writing to say you are not alone in your battle. Famous or not, health problems are traumatic. Sometimes we think the "celebrity" has an advantage for just about anything cause of the ability and the resources to get what you need when you need it and where ever you need to go to get it! Sometimes people forget you are human too. I'm not going to claim to be the greatest fan ever, but I am a fan of any fighter. You keep fighting, Patrick, you will be rewarded. Always remember..."If 'God' brings you to it, he will lead you thru it!" I'm praying for you and your family and have been since the day I found out your diagnosis.

Keeping you and your family in my heart,

Mrs. Lana A. Dunivan

Lana Dunivan of @ Nov 02, 2008 09:41:17 AM

patrick swayze/bravery/faith

You are an inspiration to all of us, Patrick. I don't even know if you get this or the other bloggers do, but I have admired Patrick, and all the"famous" people who share their medical help and recovery. Bless everyone reading this, too, who may have his or her life saved by reading about the experiences of another. My father was ignored by his physicians until it was too late, because they figured he was elderly and bound to die anyway. We must advocate for our own health care, especially when, as with my father, we pay medical insurance premiums for the best available plans and may still be discriminated against due to age or education level. Thank you.

kit of WA @ Nov 01, 2008 18:38:21 PM

Back to blog

Add Your Thoughts
About You
The Inside Job

The Inside Job

You're taking a break from your job-hunting and job-hopping ways and have decided to stay put in your current position. Liz Wolgemuth’s careers blog will show you how to make the very best of your job, each day.

advertisement

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!