Pat Paulsen was a famous American comedian and satirist who was known for his roles on several of the Smothers Brothers television shows, and for his humorous campaigns for President of the United States between 1968 and 1996. He was also a successful winemaker and a veteran of the Marine Corps. He died on April 25, 1997, at the age of 69, from complications of pneumonia and kidney failure. But what was the underlying cause of his death, and how did he cope with it?
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The Diagnosis: Colon Cancer
According to The Celebrity Deaths, Paulsen was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1995, after he noticed blood in his stool. Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). It is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and it can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults. Some of the symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, or pain
- A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Colon cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and location of the tumor. However, Paulsen did not opt for conventional treatment, and instead sought alternative medicine in Mexico.
The Treatment: Alternative Medicine in Mexico
According to Wikipedia, Paulsen traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to receive alternative medicine treatment for his cancer at a clinic called Hospital Santa Monica. The clinic was run by Dr. Kurt Donsbach, a controversial figure who claimed to cure various diseases with natural remedies and supplements. Some of the treatments offered at the clinic included:
- Laetrile, a substance derived from apricot pits that was banned by the FDA for being ineffective and potentially toxic
- Hydrogen peroxide injections, which were supposed to increase oxygen levels in the blood and kill cancer cells
- Chelation therapy, which involved injecting a chemical agent that binds to metals and removes them from the body
- Immune system boosters, such as shark cartilage, vitamin C, and ozone therapy
However, there is no scientific evidence that any of these treatments work for cancer, and some of them can have serious side effects or interactions with other medications. Moreover, Dr. Donsbach was accused of fraud and malpractice several times by authorities in the United States and Mexico. He was also convicted of smuggling unapproved drugs into the country in 1997.
The Complications: Pneumonia and Kidney Failure
According to The Washington Post, Paulsen died of complications from pneumonia and kidney failure on April 25, 1997, at Hospital Santa Monica. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Cough with phlegm or pus
- Fever, chills, or sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics if it is caused by bacteria, or antiviral drugs if it is caused by viruses. However, pneumonia can be life-threatening if it is severe or affects people with weakened immune systems.
Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood. It can be caused by various factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, or toxins. Some of the symptoms of kidney failure include:
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
- Decreased urine output
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion or mental changes
- Nausea or loss of appetite
Kidney failure can be treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation if it is chronic or irreversible. However, kidney failure can also be fatal if it is acute or untreated.
The Legacy: A Comedic Genius and a Cultural Icon
Despite his tragic death, Pat Paulsen left behind a legacy of laughter and satire that influenced generations of comedians and politicians. He was admired for his deadpan delivery and his witty commentary on the issues of the day. He was also respected for his courage and his honesty in facing his illness.
Some of his memorable quotes include:
- “I like to pour my wines for people. I watch their eyes; I can see what they’ll like.”
- “Should we continue to spend billions to subsidize foreign military dictatorships? Or should we concentrate on taking better care of the one we have right here at home?”
- “Only a cheap politician, greedy for political gain, would try to single out one individual for blame. The fault lies not with the individual but with the system, and that system is Richard Nixon.”
- “I think I’d make a pretty good president, and they have a great pension plan.”
- “I read an article that said one in five Americans thinks Elvis is alive. I want to find those morons and get them registered to vote for me.”
Pat Paulsen was a comedian and a satirist who made people laugh and think. He was also a human being who faced his death with dignity and grace. He will always be remembered as a legend in the history of American humor and culture.
