'Farrah's Story' Screens To Tears, 'Heavily Medicated' Fawcett Stays Home

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — "Farrah's Story," an unvarnished look at Farrah Fawcett's struggle to overcome cancer with her dignity intact, was shown to a somber audience that included longtime companion Ryan O'Neal.

"This is truly Farrah's evening. She wasn't up to making it, but she's here in spirit," Alana Stewart, a close friend, said in introducing the video diary Wednesday at the Paley Center for Media.

Stewart was a producer on the project, which airs Friday on NBC, and filmed Fawcett as she endured chemotherapy and other grueling treatment. Fawcett was diagnosed in 2006 with anal cancer that has spread to her liver.

Fawcett is doing "OK," a guarded O'Neal said. He's shown in the documentary as a steady presence as the actress goes through highs and lows, although the two ended their long romantic relationship in the late 1990s.

Asked if the former "Charlie's Angels" star was aware of the concern about her, he replied, "I'm gonna tell her."

Jacqueline Bisset, Melanie Griffith and Paul Le Mat, who starred with Fawcett in the 1984 TV movie, "The Burning Bed," attended the screening that drew applause and tears.

In an interview earlier Wednesday, O'Neal said he planned to watch Friday's broadcast (9 p.m.-11 p.m. EDT) with Fawcett at her Los Angeles home.

"She's heavily medicated," O'Neal, 68, said. "We're going to take some of these medications down so she's lucid and sharp to watch herself. I think she'll take great pride in this."

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Fawcett, 62, is in a "very rocky place," O'Neal said. "We put on a brave front, always, when we're with her. She doesn't know how scared we are."

In the film, he expresses concern about how the loss of Fawcett would affect their son, Redmond O'Neal, 24, just admitted into a court-ordered drug program.

The documentary is unsparing but infused with Fawcett's grit and good humor as she faces pain, setbacks and, as the treatments grow harsher, the loss of her trademark lush blond locks.

"If you liked her, you're gonna love her" after seeing the film, said O'Neal.

Fawcett shares intimate thoughts in the documentary about her illness, the tabloid that stripped away her privacy and the paparazzi that bedevil her.

"I do not want to die of this disease. So I say to God, `It is seriously time for a miracle,'" Fawcett says.

The actress, so identified with glamorous Hollywood make-believe in her frothy 1970s TV show, is bringing the cold slap of true reality to TV. But fiction and fact can't help but mingle.

At one point, when German doctors seem to have made a breakthrough for Fawcett, a tearful, smiling O'Neal says, "I thought I was in another `Love Story' movie" _ a reference to the 1970 film in which he plays a young husband who loses his wife to illness.

"Farrah's Story" started out as a personal record, intended as a "success story" for family viewing, O'Neal said, and to keep track of her treatment.

Although a private person, Fawcett realized her experience could inspire others, Stewart said in an interview.

"Farrah's Story" will show her "incredible strength," Stewart said. "Her big message to people is don't give up, no matter what they say to you, keep fighting."

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Comments

[Sallysmart]

Part three
protect is the difference you don't see. Anyone here find that if they are ready for the camera they like the picture better then if some stranger snapped a shot to post on a wall when you were having a bad day? I sure don't like surprise shots and I have the ability to make sure it does not happen to me, she does not. And don't gimme that "she's a celebrity stuff", everyone should be asked if a camera shot is ok today!!!
I am just glad I never waIsted a penny on those tabloids,,­,,Ever!!!! My mom used to read them but she stopped when the Dianna incident happened because she felt it was our ignorance and "selfish need to know" that killed Dianna. Still not sure about all that but news is one thing, tabloids are another.
Anyway, all my best wishes to Farrah and all of your family through this, I just hope you all are not reading the negative stuff on here, it only shows that we do have a dirty side and this is not a time for any of you to see it.. Keep fighting and keep the hope and thanks for the help and hope you have given to all of us when we face something this terrible and we will,,,,

[Sallysmart]

Part two
Ok so I was never a really big fan enough to try and follow her life but I did like her acting and I always thought she was pretty and it still makes no difference to me that she was stricken by this, we all have it in our bodies to find cancer our illness and yet some think it was a bad idea to take a camera on a trip like this. I feel she did a great thing, especially for those who are facing the same terrible trip she is right now.
I see her telling us there are meds that work and we need to have them available to us. No it did not help in the long run, so you think, but are you so sure if these meds were available without all of the tiring trips to Germany she might have had a better chance?
People are whining about why she did the show when she complained about the poperatzzi, She complained about her medical files being violated and her chosing to do a show and being able to hold dignity that those other cameras do not

[Sallysmart]

To all those who came here to drop cold ignorance on the thread, you are the darkness in all of our colors that make the world we are but everyone has a right, Right?.
To all those who are sending kind well wishes, I am glad to see we still have it in us.
I think people are missing why we are making such a big deal out of this.To me it is not at all because she is a celebrity, it is because I got to know enough about her through her acting that she became a part of my life, the shows and movies I watched and yes I did the hair thing too but I know if she was just a simple neighbor I would make the same big deal but I would not find this neighbor on a web site to be able to say anything to her from here, it would be face to face and in the presence of her family and friends. Can anyone see it now??? We all make a big deal it just does not look like this when it happens on our doorsteps.

[Shayrae]

I watched Farrah's Story and was moved to tears. I so admire your tenacity and your courage.

[truenet]

Dear Farrah get well soon! .... We are praying for you,

Farrah did you hear that a lady doctor in California last year found a cure for cancer ... it is so very simple too, a 94% success rate!
She said it is a deficiency in Vitamin 'D', and found that if the level of vitamin "D" was increased, the cancer cells died.

Also Farrah, please accept the Lord Jesus as your personal savior, You know, He died for your sins, He did all the suffering for you on the cross, so that you can be with Him in heaven, then if you got to leave us, Psalm 16 v 11 says "In His presence is fullness of joy; and at they right hand there are pleasures for evermore"
So Farrah, just come to Jesus Christ to day! Yes, Come NOW! ..... He says "they that come to Me I will in no wise cast out"

Just as I am without one plea
But that Thy Blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God I come!.... I come!

On the cross He said "IT IS FINISHED" John 19 v 30. This means there is nothing more to do! You don't add anything to a FINISHED WORK!..... Please just take the Lord Jesus as your Savior and Lord to day ..... Come to Him now!

Our prayers are with you at this trying time!

Jim & Helen
Nova Scotia

[scotia626]

boy oh boy; lots of judges and juries on this website. the film is beautiful and poignant. i dont agree with all her choices but it is NOT UP TO ME to agree or disagree!!! we all make choices we can live with- and in her case die with- the judgemental spew on this site is incredible. even if you personally have anal cancer spread to liver at this moment you are NOT Farah Fawcett with this diagnosis with all personal baggage- good and bad- to color her choices. I saw a beautiful human being doing her best against an unfair foe with always her humanity and dignity intact. no more no less. I cried and i cringed. and i felt privledged that she shared this sombre tale that caused me to pause, give thanks, and think"what would i choose?" the film is a GIFT for all of us to treasure. and by the way i was never much of a fan of "Farah the celebrity"; but Farah the person- NOW THATS A STAR. may she and those who love her find peace!!

[StellaWafers]

"personal baggage- good and bad- to color her choices"
what is this code for? talk about a judge and jury.

[scotia626]

this is code for nothing- we all collect things by virtue of being alive- and some of it might be good and some of it might be bad- defined by us- not the world, i am not judging anyone- except perhaps you who feels the need to read an agenda other than my utmost respect for a person brave enough to tell her story her way!!

[BunnyMama]

Make sure you get your HPV vaccine if you don't want to get anal cancer, folks.

[StellaWafers]

Can anyone tell me if they noticed this according to the movie?

Did Ms Fawcett choose to not have a colostomy for her treatment early on? Why would she do this AND also not opt for chemo-therapy- that would have her hair fall out as a side-effect, until 2 yrs into her diagnosis?. This does not seem to support her argument for wanting to live? Please enlighten me-- wouldn't she have chosen all options--unless quality of life trumped certain options? I didn't hear that mentioned. Explain please, my sister is fighting a malignant cancer now.

[Lombard1006]

Back in 2006 she did the standard route of treatment; surgery to remove the tumor, chemo and radiation. My impression was that when the anal cancer returned one of her treatment options would have been to have a colostomy which she did not pursue opting instead for alternative treatments in Germany.

Farrah's reasons for not having a colostomy are her own. I think she honestly hoped and prayed that the treatments would cure her without having to remove her anus and rectum. Sadly, it sounds like her cancer is so aggressive that nothing seems to work to combat it. Would a colostomy have helped? Seems like it might have, but who knows? Even if she had it, the cancer cells may have already migrated to her liver.

Just a truly sad situation faced by many everyday. Blessings to your sister.

[Mixpixlix]

The terrible truth is that Ms Fawcett wil not recover. She has a virulent form of cancer that resisted every attempt to eradicate it. The documentary was heartbreaking and there was time that I wished she just STOP the treatments. But that is an individual choice.

Where the documentary missed is in not talking about the cost of those treatments. Ms. Fawcett is in a financial position to afford whatever she needs whenever she needs it and I think that letting people see what it costs as well as what she endured, might open a lot of eyes.

The cost of healthcare is on almost everyone's mind and I thin it would very educational to see that no amount of money could change her outcome, but leaves behind a mountain of debt. And, yes, contray to what we've been told debt does matter.

Yeas ago Jill Ireland when battleing breast cancer said something like this: First they cut you (surgery), then they burn (radiation)you and then poison (chemo) you. When none of it works, they (the doctors) say the rest is up to you.

I wish Ms. Fawcett God's Speed and peace for those who love her.

[AngieMom57]

I agree, a poetic ending would have been the price tag.

[NevaforLeadership]

Another issue, which the documentary did touch on slightly, are the treatments, themselves -- barbaric and poisonous.

Every time Farah Fawcett came back to the United States and signed on to the treatments of the US doctors she got worse.

I believe cancer has become an industry, with thousands upon thousands of individuals counting the status quo for their livelihoods.

[RobinL]

One of her big questions was, "Why doesn't the medical establishment in the US offer treatments that have been proven to work in other parts of the world?" GOOD QUESTION!

God bless Ms. Fawcett for her courage and willingness to share these experiences in Germany. Her story made me cry many times. Two beloved family members have been ravaged and killed by cancer. I remembered their courage and will remember hers as well.
My heart goes out to her friends and family.

[grata2ude]

I worked in the " health" care industry for 25 years and I can tell you they make more money from treatments than they do cures.

Pharmaceutical companies run the health care industry. Cancer treatment is a very profitable business in the US.

[sandrarita]

My prayers are with Farrah. My 55-year old sister passed away this February of the same cancer as Farrah's. She was diagnosed in 2006, went through chemo, radiation. At the time, the cancer appeared to have been removed, but it recurred and she went through major surgery for removal of the anus, rectum and colon and part of her tailbone, requiring a colostomy bag. After two months in the hospital, she finally went home only to face another recurrence four months later with two more chemo treatments that knocked her on her butt. At that point, she refused further treatment and went under hospice care the month before her death. It is heartbreaking to know how much she endured only to succumb to the disease. She was courageous and a trooper and always had hope; and then knew she was dying. Unfortunately, both my sister and Farrah had an aggressive form of the cancer. Many treatments are successful when caught early; but when the cancer is this aggressive, it is unstoppable, regardless of the treatment. I think it is very brave of Farrah to want to show the realities of battling cancer.

[NevaforLeadership]

In Farah Fawcett we saw bravery, courage, love, intelligence, spirituality, hope, honesty and assertiveness. It sounds as if those adjectives belonged to your sister as well.

Thank you for telling us her story. So distressful for her, you and your family.

Personally, I question radiation and chemo treatments. I would like to see cancer research take a dramatic turn away from such treatments and to focus on prevention.

[loudyk]

My prayers are with the entire family during this terribly difficult time. Some people should reign in their venom. Just because no one can see you and you feel anonymous doesn't give anyone the right to be so cruel. There are truly a lot of a downside to blogging and some bloggers.

Farrah did this for a reason, she wanted it watched and she wanted to give some hope where possible, even though she herself is not going to survive the ordeal. She went way beyond what I would ever due for myself if I had received her news. I'm not sure it was worth what she went through. I would rather take six months to enjoy while I could, rather than the 2-3 years of hell she went through. It was a very touching documentary.

[addpoet]

Turn The Page Live

See your words your soul seek you know
Story told Farrah welcomed us on the ride
Beauty so deep open make change you do
Interview perceive me attentive alternative
Attack back in the team sent to beat primary c
Alice in wonder keeps hold in focus on well be
On your side RFO and Ryans compassion
Sweet time close brings why faith he only knows
One thing there is family I in this team we are
Feelings thoughts deep inside surface to fire words
Type hear inspire you to me blur my eyes cry
Have only one here on earth each other as one
Taught life’s lesson oh so deep tense yes so sweet
Pain has not a way with you courage you prove
Gift given by you return all every have I in PRAYER
Private war not only of yours we a soul of one return
Determination fly angel be free need we more of you
Embrace forever warning no alarm to sound bond hold
February Nineteen forty seven a day sent from heaven
Internal left you a tattoo on everyone’s heart art you
Never can we forget Dad and Mom thank you in true
Reason for every and all journey some good or bad
Choice for all to choose you can enjoy the ride or hide
This tell you the truth pure love and truth to the family

-Ronald Sorenson
A.D.D. Poet
May 15, 2009
www.a-d-d-free.com

[lillibelle]

Beautifully done.

[harriettubman]

Worldwide premiere? Stars come out? SMH... Farrah is heavily medicated to keep her comfortable. Her 91 yr old father flew in this week and that speaks volumes.

Griffin said in an interview that he hopes his father is doing this for the right reasons because Farrah has a large estate. If they get married on her deathbed, that will take the cake. Couldn't get married while illness evaded them?

This is one sad story but I do not care for leeches. If it hadn't been for Farrah's illness, Ryan would've still been in the news for getting caught with Meth the same night he and his son were arrested. Farrah was married once, to Lee Majors.

[ywcachieve]

What you said about Ryan is ridiculous. Ryan and Farrah have always been there for each other through the years. When he was diagnosed with leukemia, Farrah was the first one to his side. When she was beatup by a boyfriend, Ryan was the first one to her side. They have always been there for each other. Please don't try to make something dirty about this.

[Shayrae]

Please, have a little compassion here. That wasn't very nice.

[RobinL]

ugh...give us a break, harriettubman...

[Uppity1]

Thanks for your comment, harriettubman. It's right to have some reservations about how Ryan O'Neal is handling things. Unfortunately anybody who doesn't praise him in glowing terms is being vilified right now.

[arizonastudent01]

I don't know why, but I like Farrah. I really hope there is a miracle in recovery for her!

[CintiBlue]

I'm with you, arizona. I like her.

And, I don't question what is going on around her. Farrah is dying and I wish her peace in that journey.

[camanokat]

There is a fellow from Canada, Rick Simpson (Phoenix Tears website) who has helped people cure cancer and other diseases using hemp oil that he makes from potent hemp flowers. The dose is a grain-of-rice sized dollop twice a day...no high from the THC...just healing. There a multi=part video if it on YouTube called Run FROM the Cure.

[harriettubman]

And my neighbor claims she can cleanse the body of disease with some kind of water with minerals in it.

[ponderingmuch]

Snake oil is snake oil. ANd we are all going to die of something, someday.

Farrah is nearing death, as are many, many people.

Trying to fight it off with snake oil or exceedingly healthy thoughts and healthy eating once it is too late might just be the wrong thing to do to go out in peace.

Upon seeing this tonight, i made a pact with a pal to keep each other merry as long as possible with food, drink, smoke, music, whatever, and then just hold each others hand once the time has come, with no extra toxins in the system.

I have witnessed the fight, always lost, with too many friends and relatives.

Only one of them, I wished she had fought harder, only because her basic personality was WARRIOR, and she tried to be a Louise Hay more loving wimp before she went. Her last words to me were "I am sick of this s h*t, meaning the struggle to be meek.

I want to go in peace, not in fight. But she meant to go out raging.

"Rage, rage against the dying onf the light" suits some people for them to finally go in peace.

"Let me have as much fun and love as possible as I go" is another way, my way.

I am sure theere a many others.

May we all go the way we most wish.

[zizyphus]

If I was diagnosed with malignant cancer, I would try that hemp oil treatment first. It is harmless, and has cured many people already. It is the THC that kills the cancer cells.

[bushlies]

Watching a loved one die of this disease is possibly the worst experience I have had in my life. Believe me, Farrah KNOWS she is dying and has accepted it at this point. I will probably watch this show tonight, but it's going to be really difficult in light of my past experience. I think about it everyday even though it has been 26 years since my Dad died. Everyone needs to know what someone (and their family) goes through with in dealing with terminal cancer. They also need to know when it is time to say "ENOUGH" and let someone go in peace.

Think that is what Farrah's story is all about. We should watch it and accept the fact that not many of us are spared seeing someone we love go through this process. It is best to be prepared for it, and, finally........TRY TO FIND A CURE FOR ALL FORMS OF THIS KILLER!

[TheBlackCat]

agreed. It is so sad when people pressure loved ones to hang on and endure painful treatments that leave them with no quality of life.

I haven't had a close family member die of cancer but both alzheimer's and parkinson's runs in my family, so I know what it's like to watch a loved one die slowly of a horrible disease.

Not going to watch the show, but much love to Farrah and he loved ones and those like you who know all too well what they are going through right now.

[jnik]

I saw my father die of cancer and it is a slow, painful way to go. At least he knew he was dying and made his peace.