Patrick Swayze Says He's Winning Cancer Battle, Will Sit Down With Barbara Walters
Actor responds to rumors; will give Barbara Walters first intv. since diagnosis.
Dec. 2, 2008— -- Those reports that Patrick Swayze's health is failing? Consider them false. In a statement to ABC News, the "Dirty Dancing" actor, currently working on the new A&E series "The Beast," said he's waging his almost-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer and plans to win.
"I'm very proud of the work I've done on my new series 'The Beast,' and I am happy to be back home for the holidays."
In his first television interview since being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, Swayze and his wife Lisa Niemi will speak exclusively to Barbara Walters. The interview is scheduled to take place at his California ranch and will air on Jan. 7 at 10 p.m. ET.
Watch Barbara Walters exclusive interview with Patrick Swayze Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET
In the statement, Swayze said, "It's a great feeling of accomplishment to say you're gonna do something and do it."
"The only thorn in my side being that many tabloids have been consistently reporting lies and false information about me and those close to me," he continued. "And latest, they're reporting that I'm on my last legs and saying goodbye to my tearful family!
"Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease, and from the moment I was diagnosed, I knew I was in for the fight of my life. It's a battle, and so far, I've been winning. I'm one of the lucky few that responds well to treatment. It's upsetting that the shoddy and reckless reporting from these publications cast a negative shadow on the positive and good fight I'm fighting. For me, my family, and those close to me, it amounts to downright emotional cruelty. That makes me angry when hope is so precious.
"As always, I appreciate all the love and support people have sent and continue to send my way," Swayze concluded. "I thank you."
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