Patrick Swayze: struggling with pneumonia but will beat it, says source

Patrick Swayze is reportedly ok “but struggling” after being hospitalized for pneumonia on Friday.

The actor, who earlier in the week had filmed an interview denying claims he was close to death from pancreatic cancer, was scheduled to appear at a press event for his new television series The Beast on Friday but checked himself into hospital instead.

A spokesperson at the event confirmed that Patrick had admitted himself for observation while he was being treated for the lung problem after his immune system was compromised by chemotherapy.

A source close to the Dirty Dancing star added: “Pneumonia isn’t fun but he’s ok. He’s struggling but ok.

“His lungs are badly damaged from smoking but it’s taking even more of a toll on him than it would have done in the past.

“He’ll beat it but it won’t be easy.”

The actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the start of 2008 after a series of digestive problems. He has repeatedly denied rumours that he’s on his deathbed but accepts that it’s “pretty wishful thinking” to say he’ll reach the five year mark: “Two years [survival] seems likely if you’re going to believe statistics.

“I want to last until they find a cure, which means I’d better get a fire under it.”