His Prostate and Me: A Couple Deals with Prostate Cancer [Paperback]

Desiree Lyon Howe (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0970152574 | ISBN-13: 978-0970152572 | Publication Date: March 19, 2002 | Edition: 1

HIS PROSTATE AND ME addresses from a woman's point of view the prime issue that obstructs men from seeking treatment for prostate cancer: will I or won't I be able to function sexually for the rest of my life? Desiree Howe, who met and married husband Dick Howe after his prostate cancer surgery, answers that question with a resounding yes as she offers a frank and information-rich examination of her husband's and her experience with this "dangerous disease. The keystone of the book is Dick Howe's story, from diagnosis all the way through successful treatment for post-surgical side effects, including incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Dick Howe, former president of Pennzoil, reacted to his diagnosis by immersing himself in an on-going effort to learn everything possible about the illness that threatened his life. So effective has he been in this endeavor that he is now widely considered the leading lay expert on the disease in the country. When he began courting Desiree Lyon, like him recently widowed, she realized that she would be enlisted in this mission, as well. With courage and humor she embraced the challenge, joining her husband in bringing open and honest discussion of every aspect of prostate cancer treatment to as many people as possible, either by appearing before groups or through individual counseling. In clear and readable prose, she accompanies their personal story with up to the minute, understandable, scientific information on the medical issues involved, including details of the many new and effective treatment options available. A comprehensive appendix lists information resources around the country. Every wife, partner or loved one of a man diagnosed with prostate cancer will derive tremendous insight and guidance from the Howes' experience along with vital information to aid in navigating the complexities involved in confronting and surmounting this disease.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Desiree Howe uses the perfect approach--interweaving pertinent medical information within a heartwarming, human interest story." -- Dr. John Mendelsohn,M.D., President, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

"She takes a difficult subject...and with spirit, hope and knowledge makes it more bearable...an information-rich resource." -- FAMILY UROLOGY, September 2002

"This book is a must read for couples facing prostate cancer." -- Arnold Palmer, Golfing Legend

"This book will greatly improve the ability of families to deal with the side effects of this important disease." -- Bob Dole, former U.S. Senator

"provides accurate information and shows how the lot of couples facing prostate cancer can be turned from tragedy to triumph." -- Dr. William Catalona, M.D., Professor of Urology, Washington University

Howe deftly answers questions about prostate cancer and assesses the treatments...(and)leans heavily on the ultimate need for communication. -- New York Times, Books on Health, Dec. 31, 2002

This is one of the most informative discussions of the impact of prostate cancer on a relationship I have read. -- Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach,M.D., Director, National Cancer Institute, Prostate Cancer Survivor

From the Publisher

Prostate cancer is one of the most common—and most survivable—of cancers, if it is caught early enough. Thanks to new testing methods, early detection via the PSA blood test is now quite easy. Unfortunately, however, fear of cancer and especially of treatment side effects can prevent men from monitoring the health of their prostates, and even from seeking treatment for the disease, if diagnosed.

In HIS PROSTATE AND ME: A Couple Deals with Prostate Cancer, Dee Howe removes one important barrier to better prostate health. She met and married husband Dick Howe after his surgery and in the midst of side effects they would triumph over together. She tells their story along with providing in depth up to the minute medical information that is useful to anyone facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. Dick Howe has devoted his post surgical life to helping prostate cancer survivors enjoy the active good health that can follow successful treatment.

Patients, survivor groups and physicians alike will benefit from reading the Howe's story.

One chapter of the book offers a who's who of the prostate cancer medical world. Other chapters describe the multitude of treatment options available. And a comprehensive appendix gives names, addresses and websites of support resources for patients and survivors.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Winedale Publishing; 1 edition (March 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970152574
• ISBN-13: 978-0970152572
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,597,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars For me it was shallow, January 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: His Prostate and Me: A Couple Deals with Prostate Cancer (Paperback)

I am a female and though I appreciated Ms. Howe's comments about certain aspects of prostate treatment effects, and what one could do about impotency (technically), I was overall disappointed in this book. I expected more depth/detail about the emotional and physical aspects of treatment options. As a female I wanted more information about the devastation we feel as a couple towards our sex life. I found this book to be more of a catalog of "who is who" in Cancer institutions and research facilities. To illustrate my point I got much more help and understanding from the book entitled, Adams Burden.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank You, Desiree!, May 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: His Prostate and Me: A Couple Deals with Prostate Cancer (Paperback)

It is so refreshing to hear from someone willing to be honest and vulnerable about living with someone you love who has prostate cancer. Every Urologist and Oncologist who treats this disease should read it and refer it to their patients!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His Prostate & Me - A Couple Deal With Prostate Cancer, April 4, 2002

By 

Mrs. S.K. King (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: His Prostate and Me: A Couple Deals with Prostate Cancer (Paperback)

A most informative book regarding delicate and uncomfortable questions that most couples have when faced with the diagnosis of Prostate Cancer. I would highly recommend this easy read to anyone who faces the challenge of living with Prostate Cancer and maintaining a healty relationship.