Patrick Swayze Gives Up Medical Treatment For His Cancer

Cancer-stricken star Patrick Swayze has given up medical treatment. The 56-year-old "Dirty Dancing" actor - who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year - reportedly abandoned chemotherapy and other treatment when doctors told him there was nothing they could do to stop the spread of his disease.

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A family friend told the National Enquirer magazine: "There's nothing more doctors can do for him. We are down to the wire and the goal now is to keep Patrick comfortable."

"His condition is inoperable and they have stopped the chemo. He's still losing weight and he's very weak. He's taking morphine. That and the cigarettes seem to keep him functioning through the pain."

The actor, who recently said he was determined to fight his illness, was admitted to hospital with pneumonia earlier this month. He was released on January 16, but friends say the chest infection left the star weakened.

In a recent interview, Patrick spoke about his prognosis and his hopes for the future.

He said: "I'd say five years is wishful thinking. Two years seems likely if you're going to believe the statistics."

"There's more I want to do. Lots more. I want to last until they find a cure."