Swayze stops cancer treatment

By Ruth Doherty on Thursday 29 January 2009

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Marie Claire celebrity news: Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze has reportedly halted all treatment for his pancreatic cancer, after doctors told him there’s little they can do to stop it.

According to US paper the National Enquirer, Swayze made the decision because he wants to die ‘with his boots on and with no regrets'.

The Dirty Dancing star was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 12 months ago – and has already survived six months longer than most patients of this virulent disease are expected to.

A friend told the Enquirer: ‘There's nothing more doctors can do for him.

'We are down to the wire and the goal now is to keep Patrick comfortable.

'His condition is inoperable and they have stopped the chemo. He's still losing weight and he's very weak.'

The friend added: 'Patrick regards himself as a cowboy, and is determined to die with his boots on and no regrets.'

Swayze has been determined to fight this cancer from the beginning, even returning to work on TV show The Beast – which aired in the US this week - while undergoing gruelling rounds of chemotherapy.

Dr Judy Kuriansky, a leading clinical psychologist who has not treated Swayze, said: 'When you are as determined an individual as Swayze, you want to have some control over how you spend your last days. I am sure he will summon every last vestige of strength to fulfill his desire.'

The news comes as it was announced that Swazye and his wife, Lisa Niemi, are penning a memoir of his life.

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Thursday 29 January 2009

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this is very sad news xxx
Comment by Tom Borrill on January 29 12:35

This is very sad news to hear and my heart goes out to Patrick and his family!I fully understand Patrick's decision to stop treatment because like he says he want's to die with dignity.
Comment by Tracey Claxton on January 29 13:12

Jolly good luck to him-I have admired his acting and good looks ever since seeing him in the mini TV series North and South.Now I admire his determination and courage.
I m sure he will have no regrets other than that he has had his life expectancy cut short by this heinous disease which is the current plague of the planet.
I wish him and his lovely wife all the very best.My heart goes out to them both.
Comment by nikki on January 29 13:56

I'm sure that everyone wishes Patrick the best and I pray that when the end is near, that it quick and as painfree as possible. I lost my father to this dreadfull illness. I saw his pain. All the family was pleased when his suffering stopped.
Comment by Asusu on January 29 16:23

Always loved Patrick's films and my prays go out to him. Seems a very nice man and wish him well.
Comment by joan patterson on January 29 18:29

God bless him, and his wife - he's always attracted only good comments, seems like he's a really good man. I hope the doctors can control the pain, and the end comes in his sleep.
Comment by Susie on January 29 19:00

my gran died from this disease in july and i still cant imagine what he must be going through. best wishes to his whole family and i am sure that he will die with dignity and no regrets. xx
Comment by lauren on January 30 13:36

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