Tuesday, 27 May 2008

Patrick Swayze: I'm responding well to treatment

Battling pancreatic cancer, he tells PEOPLE he's keeping a busy schedule that includes birthday shopping

Patrick Swayze is responding positively to treatment for cancer

Patrick Swayze is sharing his "great news" with PEOPLE: His positive response to treatment for pancreatic cancer has allowed him to live a full and busy life.

In addition to attending a Lakers game over the weekend, the Dirty Dancing star has traveled, socialized and on Monday got in birthday shopping for wife Lisa, ordering a diamond pendant from a jeweler friend in Nevada.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE readers, Swayze says:

"Thought I'd give you guys a little update. Lisa and I have been back and forth from New Mexico enjoying the arrival of spring and new baby calves. This past weekend, we spent a fun time with friends in Reno for Lisa's birthday, where I took her jewelry shopping at Kenny G & Company and (we) were able to find her something really special and much deserved! In the meantime, I am continuing treatment at Stanford and the great news is I continue to respond well."

Swayze, 55, who announced in March he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, is undergoing treatment at Stanford University Medical Center.

Reporting by JULIE JORDAN