Patrick Swayze Falls Victim to Cancer at 57 Years Old

Patrick Swayze who broke into movies as part of the 1980’s "Rat Pack" in the cult classic "The Outsiders"(1983), died Monday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Swayze was known best for his role as Johnny Castle in the enduring romance drama, "Dirty Dancing"(1987) . He went on to star in the tear jerking romance film "Ghost" (1990) with Demi Moore. Who can forget that scene with the potter’s wheel? Our favorite Swayze movie was the action drama directed by Kathryn Bigelow, "Point Break"(1990).

Something of a favorite with the ladies because of his rugged good looks, it was sad to see him in his last role as Charles Barker on the A&E series "The Beast"(2009). The impact of the disease was evident as physically he was a shadow of his former self. His performance nonetheless was very courageous as despite the advancing cancer and the toll it was taking on him he refused pain killers while filming as it would have "taken the edge off his performance". Swayze will not only be remembered for his performances, his courage in battling cancer, but his outspoken stance as an advocate for more research and funding from government to help find a cure for that insidious disease. He was 57 years old.

Comments

[cancer syndrome]

Breast cancer: A lump or thickening of the breast; discharge from the nipple; change in the skin of the breast; a feeling of heat; or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm

Colorectal cancer: Rectal bleeding (red blood in stools or black stools); abdominal cramps; constipation alternating with diarrhea; weight loss; loss of appetite; weakness; pallid complexion

Kidney cancer: Blood in urine; dull ache or pain in the back or side; lump in kidney area, sometimes accompanied by high blood pressure or abnormality in red blood cell count

Leukemia: Weakness, paleness; fever and flu-like symptoms; bruising and prolonged bleeding; enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, liver; pain in bones and joints; frequent infections; weight loss; night sweats

Lung cancer: Wheezing, persistent cough for months; blood-streaked sputum; persistent ache in chest; congestion in lungs; enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Melanoma: Change in mole or other bump on the skin, including bleeding or change in size, shape, color, or texture

[cervical cancer]

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women. It is much less common in the United States because of routine use of Pap smears.

Cervical cancers start in the cells on the surface of the cervix. There are two types of cells on the cervix's surface: squamous and columnar. The majority of cervical cancers are from squamous cells.

[Electronic Cigarette]

Point Break is a great movie.