- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Vintage; 1 edition (April 29 1997)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0679781234
- ISBN-13: 978-0679781233
- Product Dimensions: 13 x 1.5 x 20.3 cm
- Shipping Weight: 386 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,217,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Although prostate cancer may well be "the male equivalent of breast cancer," as Korda (The Immortals) here contends, it has yet to acquire an equivalent canon of literature charting the physical and emotional tolls of the illness. This intensely candid, engaging and sharply witty memoir, akin in approach and tone to Norman Cousins's memoir of his battle with heart disease, The Healing Heart, bears witness to the soul-searching, medical options and singularly male difficulties associated with prostate cancer-and will prove an extremely valuable resource. Korda, editor-in-chief of Simon & Schuster, underwent a radical prostatectomy after being diagnosed with cancer in October 1994, at age 60. His is a particularly privileged case. After his surgery was performed by Patrick Walsh of Johns Hopkins ("the Michelangelo of prostate surgery"), Korda was medivacced to his home in upstate New York. But readers of any economic bracket will appreciate his frank and humorous treatment of the prostate troubles that preceded his diagnosis; his terror of surgical pain ("I approach a routine colonoscopy as one might a firing squad"); the maddening repercussions of his surgery, including severe incontinence and impotence; and the fraternity he finds at a local prostate cancer support group. "A deadly, silent scourge," prostate cancer strikes at the core of a man's masculinity; it can end a career and place extreme pressure on a marriage, Korda observes. Faced with an array of conflicting opinions and experimental treatments, men afflicted with prostrate cancer, Korda concludes, must be as well informed as possible, in part by learning the kind of communication and sharing that perhaps comes more easily to women-and should never give up hope.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Library Journal
For Simon and Schuster editor-in-chief and author Korda (Charmed Lives, 1979), it was devastating: on October 22, 1994 he was told he had cancer. Like Korda, over 200,000 American men are told every year that they have joined the prostate cancer club. The disease will take over their lives as fears of incontinence, impotence, pain, and death begin to spook their minds. Korda writes frankly of his experience and translates his sick-role ordeal into a read as artful as a novel. Although few readers will have Korda's entree to the medical establishment, his clear and practical not-to-be-left-to-the-last-minute logistical advice, frank and informative presentation of his prostate cancer trials, and follow-up advice on support groups make this moving personal account highly recommended. [See also Swanton's "An Rx for Men's Health Collections," LJ 1/96, p. 53-56; previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 1/96.]?James Swanton, Harlem Hospital Lib., New Yor.
-?James Swanton, Harlem Hospital Lib., New York
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
-?James Swanton, Harlem Hospital Lib., New York
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Out of date and self-centered,
By
This review is from: Man to Man: Surviving Prostate Cancer (Paperback)
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.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Tells more about Korda than about prostate cancer,
By A Customer
This review is from: Man to Man: Surviving Prostate Cancer (Paperback)
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars
To be read several weeks after your surgery.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Man to Man: Surviving Prostate Cancer (Paperback)
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.
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