Beating Prostate Cancer Without Surgery [Paperback]

James D. Priest (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2005

Surgery is the most common means of treating prostate cancer, but many survivors later suffer from embarassing quality-of-life issues, including incontinence and impotence. In this book, a retired surgeon and prostate cancer survivor discusses treatmennt options with less risk of these and other side effects.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

This book is a personal diary about my experiences, feelings, and choices after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. It's also an informational guide for those who have the disease or wish to learn more about it.

This book is intended for the one out of six men who will develop prostate cancer, as well as for their partners. When a physician tells a man he has prostate cancer, the man is often stunned, overwhelmed, and confused, and may comprehend little of what's said next. He may lapse into a period of shock or denial lasting days or even weeks during which he is unable to think clearly or make rational judgments. But important decisions have to be made, and it's often the partner and other loved ones in the man's life who gather the information and help him make an appropriate decision about what to do.

All prostate cancer treatments can lead to complications, the major ones being incontinence (inability to hold urine) and impotence (inability to perform sexually). If men and their partners are prepared for these possibilities ahead of time, they may be able to deal with them more easily. Additionally and more importantly, it is helpful to know in advance that some treatments are better than others at preserving sexual function.

Whether you yourself have just been diagnosed with the disease, or you want to better understand and support someone else who has prostate cancer, this book is for you.

About the Author

James D. Priest, M.D., served as a U.S. Army physician during the Vietnam War and practiced orthopedic surgery in Minneapolis until his retirement. He has authored 30 medical articles, four novels, and dozens of travel essays. He currently divides his time between his homes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Koloa, Hawaii.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Fairview Press (August 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157749153X
• ISBN-13: 978-1577491538
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,088,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended book, October 8, 2005

By 

Donald Lathrop (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beating Prostate Cancer Without Surgery (Paperback)

I really, really liked this book! The writing style is so easy to read and to follow the author's lines of reasoning. I'm now convinced to favor radiation over surgery, although I hope I never have to make the decision. I've already recommended this book to a friend who is facing the problem right now. The summaries of the medical information, anatomy, physiology, etc. are very clear. The journal of the author's thoughts, emotions, and side effects he experienced during his treatment were so interesting--more so because they were personal. Congratulations on a great achievement. I hope it sells well. It certainly deserves widespread distribution.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read If Treatment Option is Radiation, August 23, 2006

By 

Zman "Zman" (Lafayette, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Beating Prostate Cancer Without Surgery (Paperback)

This is the fourth book I've read on prostate cancer and easily the most upbeat and practical for a prostate cancer victim who has the option of choosing radiation treatment, specifically 3D Conformal Radiation. Dr. Priest is an excellent writer who takes you through the day to day process of getting 3D conformal radiation treatment, which is a two month process. What he describes is the reality of going to the hospital every single day for two months and dealing with the minor episodes that occur. Although the process is not without its problems, they are far less than a typical surgery patient goes through. As Dr. Priest explains, doctors know better than anybody all of the problems that can occur with any major surgery - and prostate cancer surgery is major with the potential for some serious side affects. Radiation therapy is not a walk in the park but it is far less threatening than surgery. The day to day diary approach Dr. Priest takes makes for some very easy reading. The processes that he describes, including the drinking to of water before each and every treatment are exactly what I was told my my radiation oncologist. I haven't started my treatments yet, but this book did a lot to ease my fears. Intertwined in the diary are sidebars covering some of the prostate cancer technical issues which seem to be up-to-date. If you are considering radiation treatment using 3d conformal radiation, this book is a must read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beating Prostate Cancer without Surgery, March 10, 2006

By 

Philip Evans (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beating Prostate Cancer Without Surgery (Paperback)

This is not just another medical book of complicated facts and terminologies.

Instead, this is a clearly written book of personal experiences which the author, Dr Priest, leads the reader with great care so as to clarify the process of dealing with prostate cancer. Dr Priest explains typical human feelings that are common during a period of fear, uncertainty and indecision. This is a journal which follows his own ordeal through his medical care comparing all modern day procedures which are now available to deal with prostate cancer.

The book is easy to read and certainly captured "this" readers' attention from page one till the very last. It opened my eyes to information that I previously found confusing.

I read it once and I will no doubt read it again and again. This is a great reference book that every man and woman should read and keep.

Thank you, Dr. Priest, for such up to date and concise information and putting it all together in a clear and readable form.