'Resilient' Patrick Swayze

07-03-2008 07:05

Patrick Swayze "will be resilient" in his battle against pancreatic cancer, says his former co-star Lea Thompson.The actress - who starred alongside Patrick in the 1984 action film 'Red Dawn' - thinks the 55-year-old will beat the disease despite it having a survival rate of less than five per cent.She said: "I've known Patrick for so long. He's a really great guy and I love him so much. He was such a great dancer too. He will definitely be resilient - us dancers are tough!" Patrick's fellow Hollywood actors also voiced their sympathies for the star.'Ugly Betty' star Vanessa Williams said: "I lost my dad to acute pancreaticitis. The pancreas is a delicate organ that gives you no real warning. It's really unfortunate so my heart goes out to him."'Mary Poppins' actor Dick Van Dyke said: "It's so unfortunate. It's unfortunately quite a short span of time - in one way that's a blessing and in another way it isn't. But my ex-wife died of pancreatic cancer so I feel a little bit bad about that - it's hard to treat, very hard."However, 'Star Trek' legend William Shatner was more optimistic, adding: "My deepest sympathies go out to him, of course. He'll be fine - they'll get it."