In a recent appearance on the Amy and T.J. Podcast, Lisa Niemi Swayze, the widow of the late actor Patrick Swayze, opened up about the devastating moment when her husband learned he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
With tears in his eyes, Patrick turned to Lisa and said, “I’m a dead man.”
Lisa, who had limited knowledge about the disease at the time, soon realized the gravity of the situation when her husband, who was more familiar with pancreatic cancer, expressed his fear and concern.
The couple’s world was turned upside down when the doctor confirmed the diagnosis and advised Patrick to get his affairs in order sooner rather than later.
Lisa, determined to fight for her husband’s life, immediately reached out to her sister-in-law, an oncologist in Houston, Texas, who recommended they enroll Patrick in a clinical trial and start aggressive treatment within a week.
Despite their best efforts to remain positive, Lisa described the experience as living in a complete nightmare 24/7.
The couple, who had been married since 1975, had to face the harsh reality of Patrick’s illness together.
In a particularly poignant moment, while walking on their New Mexico ranch, Patrick looked at Lisa with tears in his eyes and said, “I want to live.”
Lisa remains dedicated to raising awareness about pancreatic cancer through her support for events like the PurpleStride, a fundraising walk organized by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Patrick’s first symptoms were yellow eyes and persistent digestive problems.
Lisa knew something was wrong and insisted they see a doctor immediately.
After a CT scan, they faced an agonizing 24-hour wait for the results.
Their lives changed suddenly.
Lisa and Patrick’s love story began when they met at his mother’s dance studio.
They married a year after Lisa moved to New York City to perform with the prestigious Joffrey Ballet, aged 18 and 23.
As classically trained dancers, they often appeared in movies and TV shows together, even co-writing and acting in a play that became the 2003 film “One Last Dance,” which Lisa also directed.
However, the public nature of their relationship made it challenging for Lisa to cope with fans after Patrick’s death in 2009.
When she remarried jeweler Albert DePrisco in 2014, some of Patrick’s fans criticized her, calling her “evil” and questioning her love for her late husband.
Lisa, though tempted to respond, learned to deal with the negativity and move on, knowing that her love for Patrick remained unchanged.
Lisa emphasized that losing a loved one does not mean you stop loving them and that finding love again does not diminish the love you have for your late partner.
She considers herself and Albert lucky to have found someone to give that love to.
Despite the criticism, Lisa takes comfort in knowing that Patrick’s legacy lives on and that he remains in people’s minds.
She acknowledged that while he could be difficult at times, most people who knew him absolutely adored him.
In the interview, Lisa also touched upon the importance of drawing attention to pancreatic cancer and its symptoms, stressing that early detection is crucial in improving the chances of survival.
Her experience with Patrick’s battle has motivated her to raise awareness about the disease and the need for more resources to fight it.
As Lisa continues to navigate life without her beloved husband, she finds solace in the belief that Patrick is still with her in spirit.
Though he may not be physically present, she feels his presence every day and maintains a relationship with him that transcends death.
