Patrick Swayze Calls Chemo 'Hell on Wheels'

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Patrick Swayze is opening up about his cancer treatment and outlook towards the future.

In his first interview since his return to acting after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last January, the actor tells The New York Times that he's put 20 pounds back on since experiencing weight loss as he fought the disease, thanks to "muscle-building shakes."

Currently on location for his new TV series "The Beast," he has managed to defy expectations. So far he's only missed a day and a half of work. "I'm still fine to work," he says. "I haven't changed -- oh, I have changed, what am I saying? It’s a battle zone I go through. Chemo, no matter how you cut it, is hell on wheels."

Still, his progress is encouraging. With the support of top docs and Lisa Niemi, his wife of 32 years, there is already talk of filming a second season on his new show. "There is probably that little bird that flies through your insides and says, 'I sure would like to make a mark in life,'" he tells the Times. "I've made a pretty decent mark so far -- nothing to scoff at. But it does make you think: Wait a minute. There's more I want to do. Lots more. Get on with it."

Published 10/29/08 by the Insider

Comments (51)

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  • if i ever get this disease,i hope i fight it with the heart my mother and you have.
    Anonymous 4/7/09 Reply
  • We love the Beast...it is a great show. You would never know that you were going through what you are going through. Your co star is great too! We look forward to watching it...God bless you and give you good health. You are a fighter and keeping...
    Anonymous 3/8/09 Reply
  • hope u get well soon patrick love u
    SallyE3 3/7/09 Reply
  • Ten fe, que Dios es grande y misericordioso. soy una admiradaora desde hace 23 años. Derthydancela veo todas las veces q pueda. en su epoca la vi en todas las salas de cine, de Barqusimeto , Venezuela, todas tus peliculas m emcantan Goos,La q haces...
    Anonymous 2/24/09 Reply
  • my husband was also diagnosed with cancer roughly sametime as patrick and ys its hell on wheels.my husband was stage 2-3 and listed as palitive- hes 45
    Anonymous 1/10/09 Reply
  • Hello!I was pronounced and sent home for no hope because of cancer in the lungs in 1998.So I asked Jesus the son of Mary to lead me to God.My sister came home with a Qur'an and I read the first chapter only many time in a Day. After 5 days my sister...
    Anonymous 1/7/09 Reply
  • God Bless you Mr. Swayze!
    Anonymous 11/23/08 Reply
  • I hope all is well and that you fight through this very hard battle. My mother had the same cancer and did not make it. She battled the cancer for almost 2 years. I wass seventeen when she had passed. It is definitely one of the deadliest out there....
    Anonymous 11/23/08 Reply
  • I'm so glad to hear you are hanging in there, be strong and have faith and please keep fighting. My sisster was diagnosed with this cancer in Jan-Stage 4. She fought till the end, I wish she was here we all miss her. Take care of your self your one...
    Anonymous 11/18/08 Reply
  • my brother-in-law has pancreatic cancer and only 3 chemotherapy treatments just about killed him. Blood level was 0.5, he stopped chemo on his own, now they are recommending he try radiation, he is scared, nervous, hopeful (still smoking), what...
    Anonymous 11/17/08 Reply
  • Dear Patrick,
    I am praying for you, and just want to say thankyou for not giving up! Too many people who are handed things in life give up when it gets tough, and I admire you for hanging in there. I just want to tell you I think you're a...
    Anonymous 11/4/08 Reply
  • may god always bless you and your's
    Anonymous 11/4/08 Reply
  • may god bless you with a healing and may he bless your wife and children we have watched you from the time you started out and you are wonderful god bless you and your family always our prayers are with you and your family god bless
    Anonymous 11/3/08 Reply
  • Just let Patrick Swayze know nutition, getting his body to a 7.5 ph balance can help fight his Cancer. Scientist not Doctors proved there is a cure for cancer all the way back in 1932, The Phamacutical companies don't want people to know, In a 7.5...
    Anonymous 11/3/08 Reply
  • Cancer is the worst thing that can enter into a persons life. This changes your life upside down over night. Fight, fight, fight, never give in. Ask your God to lead you.
    Anonymous 11/3/08 Reply