Since "I gather all the news I need from the Weather Report" these days of new normal - I usually miss TV promos and shows. I did catch an amazing one today for tonights Barbara Walters ABC special - Patrick Swayze saying that despite his stage IV pancreatic cancer, he still smokes. "It's not like quitting smoking now will cure the cancer" or something like that.
Guess I will have to watch - Plus now I have another rejoinder to the sympathy/blame crowd (So did you smoke?)- " Huh? didn't ya see Swayze's TV interview- smoking only causes pancreatic cancer."

When I was treated (for lymphoma) back in '91, many, if not most, of the chemotherapy/infusion nurses were smokers. They all acknowledged how stupid it was, but the addiction was that strong.

I read the article about that. I was pretty shocked at it. Seems like he went thru chemo, smoking the whole time and working too. Somehow he was able to work full time only missing a handful of days while battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I was left wondering how that is possible. Why he is stupid enough to still smoke and brag about it.

Smoking was the hardest addiction that I ever kicked, and I have kicked a couple of others too. Smoking was the only one that even when they tasted bad I still wanted them, even if I had bronchitis and could barely breathe. It just doesn't make sense. Now I can smell a cigarette a mile away sometimes if I'm in a parking lot or walking into a store. Even though I would not start again, sometimes they almost smell good to me. It is sad that something that is this bad for us was ever allowed to be sold legally and promoted the way it was/is. Also sad that Patrick Swayze is a role model of sorts and is so public about continuing to smoke with cancer. The cancer institute here gave me some literature to read when I was first diagnosed and there was one article about a lady with H&N cancer that the doctors finally refused to do any more plastic or cosmetic work on because she would not quit smoking.

I smoked for 45 years and tried quitting many times over the years. Nothing seemed to work. When my husband was diagnosed with OC, I threw out my cigarettes and I have not craved one for a minute. He was a chain smoker and hasn't had one in almost a year also. I don't preach to anyone that smokes, but when I see someone smoking, they look so stupid ! When I smell it , it makes me sick. Spending all that money to kill yourself.I have lots more money in my wallet now also. The only bad thing is that I gained 30 lbs (which i didn't need in the first place). That's my story. My son chews and I say to him......"look at your father suffering ". I guess noone ever thinks that it's going to happen to them......Clod

I had been a 40 year smoker up until 4/27/06 when I got my diagnosis results of BOT Squamous Cell. Quit cold turkey with no prior history of even a slight attempt to quit. I was up to 2 packs plus per day and felt like the most addicted person on earth. The cancer diagnosis was the most sobering thing to hit me at that time at 59 years of age. Now, after almost 3 years, I never once touched tobacco again although I will not say it has been easy. It WAS easy to quit but the continued urge and desire still haunts me from time to time now. Only recently has the smell of nearby outside smokers begun to smell bad to me. Even so, the urge to smoke still hits from time to time. I simply etched into my brain the simple conclusion that to ever smoke again will assure a recurrence in my case. That seems to be working so far.

Bill D.

My wife and I watched the show together last night and I've revised my opinion of Patrick Swayze upward. for a major Hollywood star to be sitting next to his wife of 33 years - and choked up about leaving her and her crying about being angry at him for getting it yet dreading losing him brought home the equal opportunity nature of cancer. We cried during the show as it seemed like they were expressing many of our feelings. After seeing the show and understanding that he's still fighting even though a "victory" would include still having the cancer but being there for his wife - I think back to my Dad's WWII Navy days mantra: "smoke 'em if you got 'em". Again, I had no idea that smoking could also cause pancreatic cancer. Guess being rebellious and deciding never to smoke,chew,or sniff tobacco because my parents did was a good choice although it didn't stop me from getting cancer. My lungs show clear in all the tests

Tobacco products are linked to virtually every form of cancer.

I recently saw a movie, that was made in 1955, where the actress stated (lighting a cigarette) that her doctor told her they weren't good for her and that was LONG before the Surgeon Generals mandatory warnigs on packs of cigarettes.

In the UK graphic images are also required on cigarette packs and a cottage industry had grown up of replacement labels to stick over the warnings -talk abour denial.

See http://www.fakefags.co.uk/category_stickers.asp

I guess the thing that stuns me is why our governement, who is supoosed to protect us, has allowed the legalization of tobacco products for so long. It's harmful effects are no longer anecdotal and have been scientifically proven. The tobacco companies have shamelessly lied about it's addictive effects for decades. There will be a special place in hell for them to be sure.

My 47 year old sister died from smoking (even after going to MD Anderson for Tx). My stepmother died from smoking - and that was after she had quit for many years (but she had smoked heavy for 25 years and after that it really doesn't changes the potential cancer outcome - heart attack and stroke - yes). I have seen lung cancer death up close and personal and it is about an ugly and painful form of death as it gets.

Yet when I worked for Siemens Medical Labs, manufacturer of Liner Accelerators, used for radiation therapy, many employees smoked. I had to go on the road and work on LINACS in many different hospitals and after witnessing patients actually dying in the middle of treatment, or near death (grey and gurgling on the gurney), it left a lasting impression. In total I smoked less than 5 years. I was a 2 pack a day smoker in the end. One morning I got up (and it took sveral attempts prior), threw them in the garbage and never had one again. The smell of smoke disgusts me now. I am glad I live in a state that has very strong anti-smoking rules.

It is very sad about Patrick Swayze. I have always admired his acting ability and enjoyed his movies. I have lost several friends to pancreatic cancer and it's about the worst cancer you can get - 5% five year survival rate (and extremely painful). I am equally surpried at Steve Jobs "survival". He is looking very gaunt these days and I am sure that Apple isn't revealing the whole story.

My next door neighbor, who survived breast cancer, died from pancreatic (she was never able to stop smoking). All the people I know personally with pancreatic cancer were dead within 6 months of diagnosis.

It has been proven that tobacco products additive qualities have been enhanced by the tobacco companies. There are countermeasures and smoking cessation programs. You really only have to stay clean for about three weeks and the worst is over. But -the key to any addiction is that you have to WANT to quit.

See this link: http://www.sptimes.com/News/61599/Floridian/He_wanted_you_to_know.shtml

Yes cancer is an "equal opportunity" disease but quitting tobacco products is still the most preventable method of cancer death in the world today.

I was very touched by Swayze's interview and shed a couple of tears also Charm. I had not thought of cancer as an equal opportunity disease until you mentioned it here. I was especially moved by his reply to Walter's statement that she would be back in a few years for another interview "I'll be here. (long pause) "or I won't." The uncertainty of cancer. Sorry one of those days when I should go do something very physical so I will let some of this out.

Patty

It was a very touching interview. My one grandfather died from pancreatic cancer that spread to his other organs. It was a devastating death...it was actually the gangrene that killed him. Watching him rot away at the limbs was horrible. He was a nonsmoker, but he was a functioning alcoholic until the age of...maybe 70, he died at 83. The disease killed him in three or four weeks from dx.

I did not know that Swayze's cancer had spread to his liver. It's a sad tough situation and it was not easy to watch. I am also very surprised about Steve Jobs' survival.

My husband's best friend just died of pancreatic cancer (he lived 17 months after diagnosis basically because he was so healthy when he was diagnosed). He was a non-smoker and light drinker. He was diagnosed a week before my husband was diagnosed with H and N cancer. I am really mixed about continuing to smoke when you have cancer. My sister-in-law (early 40's) was a heavy smoker and got lung cancer. She continued to smoke until about a week before her death. Maybe she thought it wouldn't make any difference in the cancer outcome and that she needed what smoking gave her just to cope. I do know that her children and husband felt really angry about her smoking and felt that she put her addiction to cigarettes above her feelings for them. They didn't know what to make of it- did she feel hopeless? Invulnerable? But in their eyes it will always be the cigarettes that defined her death which is sad.

A lot of members of my family smoke...nothing will make them stop. Smoking has to be one of the hardest habits to quit. It never appealed to me, smoking does not smell or taste good to me. I still remember that cigarette smell on my grandmothers hands when she would hug and kiss me....yuck.

Ray I am like you a lot of my family members smoke...except my parents and my side of the family...but my kids, husband and close friends all smoke that is how I met most of my friends in smoking areas where we were shipped off to to have a smoke. Smokers seemed to bond quickly lol....but now I have quit and it is quite different feeling for me...and really not all that easy

I have made my 1st year of being smoke free. My lungs feel better, body and clothes smell much better . The only thing that bothers me about smoke is the smell. Let em smoke and learn I guess. They sure won't listen.

i too was moved by swayze's interview. you can see the toll it has taken on him, yet his eyes still show he is very much alive ... i wish them the best and for as long as possible.

i think when someone has a treatable cancer and they still continue to smoke, then they are T Totally stupid - plain and simple. They are putting the nails in their own coffin when they have a chance to prolong life and with quality too ... but if some is in last stages when it is found and doc says this is it ... then I can understand someone holding on to their habits as this will be their coping mechanism and chances are stopping will not change anything....

of course family members will have a hard time with it because they are not living the reality in the same manner as the patient and they think in the terms of IF ONLY and MAYBE IF ... but the patient is the one who feels the need to have the vise to make it thru the mental part of the trip they are on ... so i can see why they do it, even if not good. Quitting is hard when healthy - think of trying when they tell you, you have 6-12 months to live ... that would be tough and you would think WHY QUIT NOW ?>??

Some listen, so I never give up trying. After I question a smoking patient if the "want" to stop, I give them the resources and reasons to help them stop.

About 2 weeks ago a young man, who happens to be the son and brother of two of my employees, came in smiling to have me check his cheeks. I had been after him for about a year to stop chewing and he finally did. He had been watching the corrugated look of his tissues changing back to a normal, healthy pink color and he was very proud of himself.

I have to say, this is one of the most rewarding things that can happen to me.

Jerry

I wish I had been able to see the Swayzee interview. Sounds like I missed a good program. Did he mention what his lastest prognosis is? Im interested in if he is one of the very few lucky ones who can beat that type of cancer, sure hope so.

I worked with a girl who wasnt so lucky. She was mid 30s and diagnosed around the same time as I was. Poor thing was Stage 4, she died shortly after she went thru treatments unsuccessfully. Very sad for somebody who was so full of life.

[quote]but my kids, husband and close friends all smoke that is how I met most of my friends in smoking areas where we were shipped off to to have a smoke. Smokers seemed to bond quickly lol....but now I have quit and it is quite different feeling for me...and really not all that easy [/quote]

Addicts tend to surround themselves with other addicts -- The result is that what they are doing is "normal" because everyone around them is doing it! That's also why it can be very hard to dump an addiction because it also means a lifestyle change, not just chemistry!

I first noticed that when I was working with a bunch of retired military alcoholics in Germany, where most of the new hires were alcoholics chosen by an alcoholic

Im a former smoker myself, 20+ years with several breaks of up to 1 year of being a non smoker. It wasnt easy to quit, but mindest is a major factor in success or failure.

Between running around to appointments, the recent cancer diagnosis and concern for my children, my stress level hit a new all time high. Internally I felt such guilt and overwhelming remorse that I killed myself and my children would be left without a mother to raise them. There was no one else at all. Then the anger set in and I threw them right out the window and never smoked again. It was not easy at all. I was not about to let cancer get the best of me when I did have some control over that part of my illness. My attitude was its the cigs or its me and the cigs arent going to win, it was a choice and it was my choice!

For those of you who missed it, the entire interview is available (in 5 parts) on Youtube. Forget ABC, they are already selling it for 30 bucks...

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=swayze+interview&search_type=&aq=f

In the preview I saw of the interview, it was said that the doctor had told Swayze that if he quit smoking it could give him 2-3 more years. I think that with his money and talent, he could accomplish a lot in that time, plus give his wife that much more time to be with him. I know that sounds judgemental but I just have to wonder where his priorities are. My wife is an RN and used to work in oncology at our local hospital. She tells me of people who would have burns on their faces from pulling aside their oxygen masks to smoke and the oxygen would flair up. I know how hard it is to quit, having done it myself, but I'm not especially strong or wise or really, anything special so if I can do it... Oh, well, I'll climb down off my soapbox now and wish Patrick Swayze all the best.

I quit smoking one year ago and this after 50 years of smelling sweet. LOL I won't condone or try to tell others that have thid not to smoke. That is a personal decision. At this time I have a 2nd go rpund with an Abdominal Aortic appearing right where the last one was repaired. My tobgue, where it was removed on both sides fron OC is hurting more than it did after surgery. The surgeon that put Rad seed implants in mt tongue after having my teeth all removed and my getting 4 weeks of Rads & Chem then the implant, I see monday after I get a nuclear stress test to see if I can handle surgery to repair the anneurysm. I been there once and twice with OC so far , and if this stuff isn't going to be cured and fixed. I might just say the Hell with it and live as normal a life as I can until it's over. Good Luck Patrick Swayze and just do your best. I plan on it.

Obviously the doctor is not trying to take away Patrick and Lisa's hope but the grim reality is that the 5 year survival rate is still 5% for pancreatic cancer. I personally don't know of anyone who lived more than 6 months and some as short as 3 months from date of Dx. It is nothing short of bordering on the miraculous that Patrick and Steve Jobs have lived as long as they have. Especially, in Patricks case, where he has liver mets as well. Liver cancer, by itself, has a very poor survival rate. They are also downplaying the pneumonia issue, which is quite serious in a compromised immune system.

We humans have such a distaste and denial about death, especially from an institutional perspective. In Elizabeth Kubler Ross's book on Death and Dying she stated the creative ways that institutions refer to it. Patients don't "die" for instance, they "expire". Patients don't "die" in surgery, they are "lost on the table". It's almost a violation of the Hypocratic oath to "allow" a patient to die. I have had to lobby doctors to get them to write hospice orders, especially for my dad, who passed 2 weeks after the order was written. He could have had months of much higher quality time with home hospice care. I am still angry at the doctor about that.

There has to be a fine line between taking away someones hope and allowing and helping them to prepare for their death.

It is all very, very sad.

And, yes, there were people, undergoing treatment in radiation oncology, sneaking smokes in the bathroom as UCSF.

While going to radiation here at the Cancer Institute at St Johns there was a lady with breast cancer scheduled right before my treatments. Every day I knew I smelled cigarettes, but she had a man with her in the waiting room and I told myself that it was him. One of the last days of her treatment we met in the locker room while changing and the cigarette smell was very strong. I really wanted to ask her if she was smoking, but was afraid of an really nasty response so I did not.

Maybe some people do not believe that smoking causes cancer despite the evidence. Maybe some people just figure that it is pointless to give it up now. It is like being a drug addict and all that matters is that next fix even if it will kill you to some people.

In AA we say that "alcohol might kill you - smoking will kill you".

I know the argument - we've all had relatives who smoked like chimneys into their 90's and got away with it (although not in my family) - but that was before we had all of this other stuff mixed in with it, diesel soot, global pollution, radioactive fallout from above ground nuclear testing, pesticides, drugs, Aqua Velva ;-), Al Gore and God knows what else.

As Gary noted, pneumonia is also a factor here. Today's Washington Post TV column noted that Patrick Swayze had to check himself into a hospital with pneumonia yesterday. He missed the A&E press conference on his new series, the Beast where they explained they could not get any cast insurance on Swayze due to his cancer.

Speaking of insurance. I understand that you can't get life insurance until you have been cancer free for over 7 years.

I guess if there is an upside to Patricks condition, as least he was able to check himself in, vs. EMT.

My parents were life-long smokers -- Mom died of lung cancer -- Pop had an aortal aneurysm and emphysema when he died -- No autopsy, but I'd bet he literally coughed to death.

I know a woman that is in her second or third year post treatment for pancreatic cancer.

I found it so strange watching the interview that Patrick justifies his continued smoking by saying something like stopping would not change the outcome of his treatment. He seems very motivated and has surely accomplished an amazing feat by taping 13 episodes of what looks like a very active role in an exciting program. I think he just can't admit that he can't stop smoking.

An interesting name for the show. How many of us have referred to our cancer as "THE BEAST"?

Jerry

No but I used that term to describe the Tx more than once.

Patrick Swayze has done well, Steve Jobs got very lucky. 1% of pancreatic cancer cases are the cureable form that Steve Jobs' had. Rob

[quote=davidcpa]No but I used that term to describe the Tx more than once. [/quote]

No doubt! I felt fine until the treatments began