Photo: amazon.com
I should be working — editing nine posts for That’s Fit so they can publish tomorrow — but I’m too sad at the moment, because I just heard that 57-year-old Patrick Swayze has died of pancreatic cancer. He battled the disease for 20 months, which is a lot longer than many folks get (the survival rate for this type of cancer is just 4 or 5 percent for five years), but still, 20 months is not good enough. And so my mind is scattered by the news of his death, and the realization (again) that cancer is a nasty and evil opponent. And while I’m lucky that my chance of surviving breast cancer is 93 percent (November 2009 = five years), I feel more vulnerable right now than I do on most days.
Doesn’t help that I also just read that former “ER” actress Maura Tierney just had surgery for breast cancer and has dropped out of NBC’s new show “Parenthood.” The star’s spokesperson says that 44-year-old is “deeply disappointed” not to be participating in the show, and that “Ms. Tierney and her doctors remain confident that the outcome of her treatments will be positive.”
I’m confident too, because really, my hope is a lot stronger than my fear, and so I just need a bit to recover from the sadness. Then I can get to work.
Tags: breast-cancer, maura tierney, NBC, pancreatic cancer, parenthood, patrick swayze
I really like your blog. Several members in my family have been affected by cancer, and I’ve started a contest/project in memory/honor of those who have been touched by cancer. Please consider participating. Thanks. http://www.thoughts4gifts.org/2009/09/contest-in-honor-of-anyone-who-has-been.html
It’s debilitating to hear such awful news of the loss of brave people to cancer. Stay strong and positive. I wanted to share a heart-felt video called “Stand Up To Cancer”— http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9avVoQB2_rQ> . This video highlights the importance of managing your cancer treatment and avoiding infection. Please watch and share with all your loved ones.
Best of wishes,
Katie
This one really threw me for a loop too. 3 years ago I lost my mom to gallbladder cancer and she survived longer than the doctors thought she would too. When Patrick’s new show first came out I caught part of an episode but had to stop watching because I could see nothing but the toll that the cancer had taken on him. Such an evil desease. I wanted to say thank-you again for giving me hope when I was diagnosed with IDC right after my mom’s death. You are still doing a great job here and on the other site. I am happy for you and your loved ones and your 5th anniversary coming up – all the best to you.
Liane