cover image Prostate Cancer: A Doctors Personal Triumph

Prostate Cancer: A Doctors Personal Triumph

Saralee Fine. Paul S Eriksson, $24.95 (256pp) ISBN 978-0-8397-6808-1

After Saralee and Bob, her husband of 40 years and a practicing radiologist, learned that Bob had a low-volume cancerous tumor of the prostate, she insisted that they keep a tape-recorded journal of his experiences. Although their alternating accounts present a good deal of worthwhile information, the Fines' extensive, often tedious conversations with their doctors, which appear to be reproduced here with minimal editing, require a strong interest in the subject. The three treatment options that were offered to Bob--prostatectomy (radical surgery), external beam radiation and radioactive seed implantation--thrust the Fines into an agonizing decision-making process. After personal research and consultation with other physicians, Bob, with Saralee's enthusiastic support, opted for the latter approach, which, according to his physician, is effective when the cancer is limited to the prostate and entails fewer complications than other treatments. Both Bob and Saralee were anxious to avoid surgery because of the common side effect of impotence. Although their frankness about their sex life is at first disarming, their persistent references to it rapidly slide into cloying cuteness. However, their detailed descriptions of the actual medical procedure will be reassuring to anyone who is contemplating it. Since the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer continues to grow (200,000 were diagnosed in 1997), this account, though awkwardly crafted, will find an audience. Bob, now retired, is recovered and doing well. (Oct.)