Customer Reviews

Man to Man: Surviving Prostate Cancer

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I don't think I would have wanted to read this book before my surgery. Even making allowances for Michael Korda's self-absorption and wealth, the plain facts of his case are scary. On the other hand, it was illuminating to see Patrick Walsh in other than uncritically worshipful light.

Readers should understand at least a couple of things: (1) This book is at least as much about Michael Korda as it is about prostate cancer. He is candid in his description of his own shortcomings, but there is still a strong look-at-me undercurrent. (2) The technology and practices have changed dramatically since his diagnosis ten years ago. My nerve-sparing surgery was triggered by a PSA of just 4.6 and a thorough biopsy. The incision was only 4 or 5 inches, with dissolvable stitches. Anesthesia was general, with minimal blood loss. I was home two days after the surgery. Recovery (I'm less than a week post-op) has been uncomfortable but quite doable, with a terrific wife but without private nurses or special privileges.

There are better, more thoughtful books out there, though this one was fun to read after my surgery. There are also many helpful Web sites.

The advantage men have today is that there are many alternatives in treatment. This can also pose a great burden; it can be hard to make the final decision amid all the conflicting advice. The books and Web sites help. Just don't use Korda's book as your only guide.

I bought this book for my father shortly after his diagnosis. What a mistake! It frightened us all unneccesarily. What he went through was nothing like what Mr.Korda experienced. I realize that every man will have a unique and different experience. That said, I have to say my father is doing quite well at two weeks post surgery. He has been relatively pain free for 10 days and recouperating nicely. This book would have been funny to read AFTER surgery, but by no means should it be read in those scary, dark days after you have been diagnosed. It will cause alot of anxiety and stress. From all I can gather, many men do really well after surgery. Don't let your love one read this book. It is one man's extreme experience.

Unless you are especially interested in Michael Korda, I strongly agree with those other reviewers in recommending that you DO NOT read this book before you decide on treatment or before you have surgery. The author of this book is a very sad case and far worse off than most opting for surgery. This book is worth reading AFTER surgery and you have begun to recoup a little. You'll at least feel good that you're not as bad off as this self-centered schmuck.
For good personal accounts of surviving prostate cancer read Bert Gottlieb's and William Martin's books. Both of these books are deeply reflective and filled with hope and useful information. Also Robert Young's Phoenix5 web site has very useful personal accounts.

It's unfortunate this book is so one-sided, and so reflective of a person who obviously has lived a very sheltered life. While there is useful information in it, it is too colored by the author's personal fears and worries. I'm a survivor of this surgery, and doing quite well after one year. As a matter of fact, 3 days after surgery I was walking, slowly, 3.5 miles around the block, and I'm a certified couch potato. Also, my cancer was quite well along, but still within the prostate capsule, thank heavens. There are other books by much more qualified people available to the man diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is up to the individual to find them (it's not hard, try to get a few, hopefully written by doctors), read them and make informed decisions. The best of care is available in a lot of places in this country. No need to let a frightened bunny influence your personal decisions, or scare you into frantic searching for help. It's part of life, for heaven's sake. Again, this book is a disservice to men seeking unbiased, informed, rational information.

I had my surgery four weeks ago and found Mr. Korda's book fascinating to compare with my experience. It's an easy book to read and goes into the details and fears that other books mention in passing. Although Mr Korda's experience was a bit more dramatic than mine (I experienced relatively little pain and came home to an empty house after 5 days in the hospital)it was still interesting to me to compare how the surgery is done by the leading expert in the field at Johns Hopkins with how the surgery is performed at Baylor hospital in Dallas and to compare post surgery advice etc. Simply because he recounts an experience that was difficult for him is no reason to avoid reading this book. If nothing else, it gives the reader an idea of some of the questions to ask your surgeon. I was given a copy of the book by a stranger sitting next to me at my first cancer support group meeting and have enjoyed reading it.

This is a gripping book that starkly conveys his emotions upon learning of prostate cancer as well as his experiences deciding treatment and the process. I could not put it down, but can understand how others find it a disturbing read ahead of dealing with this problem.

The author gives a very misleading and harmful view of the operation and its normal recovery period. He scared me to death and the reality was really great. He may have had a most unusual time with his surgery, but he seems most interested in journalistic shock and not the true normal situation. No wife should let her husband read this book until four weeks after his surgery.

I received a copy of this book from a relative that knew I recently had a Radical Prostatectomy. I read the book, cover to cover, in 24 hours. Korda's book tells it like it is - the fears, the tears and the hope one finds on the way to recovery from prostate cancer. It should be read by all men over 40 and their significant others. The battle is not glossed over; it is one man's story of the struggle, and he details the emotional and physical complications of having your maleness attacked by cancer. I especially related to his description of how slow a response you get when you push a nurse's call button in a hospital - and Michael was at prestigious John Hopkins. I thought my wife and I got grumpy! I laughed until my stitches hurt when his wife faced off his famous surgeon. I really admire their courage in the face of the medical establishment. Two points of concern with the book. Michael Korda is wealthy; he gets more done with money than I certainly could in a VA hospital - private medical planes, home nursing, etc. My wife took care of me; and readers need to realize the author was not your average patient in the USA. Also, Michael never mentioned a faith, a religious support system from friends, priests or clergy. Prayer made a difference in my healing. Readers will need to look elsewhere for spiritual guidance during their cancer battle. Still this book is a must read for all men, daughters of men, and wives and friends of men over 40. Let it scare you into a PSA test!

I bought this book for a relative about to undergo prostate surgery. I am so glad I read it before giving (I decided not to) it to him. It is all bad news..........mostly complaining about the catheter/bag after surgery. Certainly not a make-you-feel better book for someone in this situation. However, it does give good doctor advice and terminology.

Michael Kordas book helped to understand what I am going through in post prostate surgery. I thought my problems were unique to me and was totally depressed until reading the book. The only negatives that I have regarding Mr. Korda's experience are the fact that he was privelged to have all the medical assistance following surgery. Many of us can't afford the extended nursing care that he received. I tried to email Mr. Korda to tell him how much his book helped me understand my own recovery, however Simon and Schuster would not furnish the address. I am still in recovery and I am extremely optimistic due to Mr. Korda's accounts following his surgery. Again, I have recommended this publication to all the members of my cancer support group.