Patrick Swayze's family support

Mar 13, 2008, 13:35 GMT

Patrick Swayze - wife © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Patrick Swayze's friends and family have come forward to lend their support to the actor.

The 'Dirty Dancing' star - who revealed last week he is battling pancreatic cancer - has received worldwide support from his fans, and his 81-year-old mother Patsy said he is "determined to beat it".

She said: "Patrick doesn't deserve to get this. He just doesn't deserve it. He's got such a big heart. He's been such a good and generous and thoughtful person. It breaks my heart to know he's suffering. But he bears it and he's determined to beat this. He's hanging in there and getting the best treatment he can."

Patrick's brother Don revealed the 55-year-old star took the news well, and is now trying to remain as healthy as possible.

He said: "Patrick noticed some weight loss and jaundice and decided to go to the doctors. It was almost like, 'Hey, it's time to get a check up anyway, this would be a good time.' The diagnosis came out of left field because it seemed like he would know if there was something really drastic. I was looking in his eyes and I didn't see a flicker of fear.

"Now I'm buying him gourmet chicken pot pies and we're putting them in the blender. He wants to keep his weight up, and now he's back on solid foods."

Patrick's sister-in-law Maria Haapaniemi added that 'Ghost' star Patrick is determined to remain optimistic about the situation.

She said: "I've never seen him scared of anything! He deals with everything the same way. He's determined, enthusiastic, full of energy and hope."

(C) BANG Media International