Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer

Dr. Patrick Walsh is urologist-in-chief at Johns Hopkins whose urology department was ranked #1 in the country in a recent U.S. News & World Report analysis. Dr. Walsh is also known for his pioneering work in the development of the anatomic approach to radical prostatectomy, which involves nerve-sparing techniques that have reduced the possibility of impotence and incontinence. This procedure is widely regarded as the "gold standard" for prostate cancer treatment. So, the information in this book is simply the best available material on this subject.

Does the book always recommend radical prostatectomy surgery? Definitely not! It offers useful information on radiation -- both external-beam and radioactive seed treatments. It discusses the use of hormone treatments. It helps you sort out which procedure is right for your situation. It also covers basic information about the prostate, prostate enlargement and prostate infections.

Perhaps most importantly, it provides tips on maintaining a healthy prostate and testing procedures for detecting prostate cancer. And if prostate cancer is caught early enough, the book emphasizes that it is completely curable.

A must-read book for all men and for the people who care about them!


The Only Book You Need to Win the Battle of Prostate Cancer   November 6, 2004
Susan Brown (Kansas City)
25 out of 27 found this review helpful

When my significant other announced that he had prostate cancer, the shock and fear riveted through me. I decided that we were at war with cancer and every step we took would determine Tom's fate(not his real name for his privacy.)My next step was to learn everything I could about the disease and available treatments. Tom was ready to follow any direction his urologist advised without any research. I believe that anyone facing cancer, owes it to themselves to understand the type of cancer they have, their options, and the consquences of the treatment course they choose. Dr. Walsh's book provides all of the above.

His book was by far the most detailed, current, and progressive of the dozen that I reviewed. Key points included nerve sparing techinics to prevent impotence and incontinence, clear explanations of all present treatment options, with objective listings of pros and cons. By the time we started the interviewing process, I was armed with advanced information that allowed me to ask key questions which helped us decide if the Dr. being interviewed was up-to-date enough to get the results we wanted and had a successful track record, which included - Complete cancer removal,as well as Tom remaining continent and potent(able to have/maintain an erection at the level he had prior to surgery). We selected Dr. Bradley Thrasher, at KU Medical Center, because he uses Dr. Walsh's surgical techinics. Without, Dr. Walsh's book as a guide, Tom, would have elected seeding, because it was the least invasive procedure and was recommended by his urlogist. Instead, Tom, went for the gold standard, had his prostate and glands removed, and has had a complete recovery. After 18 months, his PSI remains undetectable, he has not experienced incontinence, his sexual drive is normal and he can maintain erections. He is 67, and thanks me often for encouraging him to become informed about his options and the disease, to ask questions, and take control of his medical course. Tom was lucky to have caught the cancer early. Not all outcomes are as successful due to the patient's age and stage of cancer. But for that very reason, the book becomes more necessary as the patient fights for his life and the quality of life he will have. Dr. Walsh and Dr. Thrasher are true heros. In addition to prostate cancer, medical procedures/treatments for other prostate conditions are thoroughly explored as well. Well worth your investment. Once read, share with male friends to aid in increased early detection and cure. Susan



Must Have for PCa Victim   November 30, 2002
Stephen R. Kramer (Cincinnati, OH United States)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

At 46 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa), a disease that grows in men my age at an accelerated rate, and a disease that took my father at 50. The shock was tremendous. I opted for radical prostatectomy and denial. My wife, on the other hand, read Dr. Walsh's first book "The Prostate: A Guide for Men and the Women Who Love Them." I cured my denial in time to read his newer book "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer." Both books are extremely informative and have gone a very, very long way in helping me with coping with this disease and understanding that it does not have to be terminal and that even if it is, I can live a much longer life than I fretted over. In the newsgroups I now attend, it is considered by most to be THE definitive work on prostate cancer.


A Great Resource   November 24, 2004
Neal (Washington, DC USA)
24 out of 27 found this review helpful

I did not find any ego or significant bias in this book. I actually found it remarkably wide-ranging in identifying and describing the available options, and setting forth the pertinent facts from a number of scientic studies (someone might see the statistics in it as self-promotion, but I found that all of the doctors that I spoke with had their own statistical arguments). As I learned more it was clear that the procedure with the highest probability of success was the radical prostatectomy. It is, however, the most invasive with the longest recovery period. So I took that route and am now in the recuperative process. My cancer is completely gone and the nerves controlling continence and potency were saved. Before I read this book, I would not have understood the significance of that. Bottom line? Read as much as you can, but this book is a must in that process.


Be an informed patient...   December 21, 2002
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

An extremely well written book referred to me by my urologist. Many of my friends also referred this book to me once they learned that I had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. While cancer is fearful, knowledge will lessen that fear and provide you with a course of action. Reading the book will enable you to more readily understand and validate the advice of physicans. Understanding this disease will also help you in asking the right questions about what you will be facing in the future.

The book is written for the lay person to easily understand prostate cancer. The subject matter is organized in a manner that will enable you to initially skip some chapters depending at what stage of the disease you are at when you acquire the book. For example, if you already know that you have cancer as the result of a biopsy, you can go immediately to "your options to fight the disease" without first reading what the prostate gland is and where it is located. You can save the basics for a later date. Even if you don't have prostate cancer I would highly recommend this book to any man. If nothing else, it will inform you why your annual physical consists of a digital exam and a PSA analysis of your blood. Knowledge of the prostate is important to all men...be informed.

I am greatful to my urologist and friends that they recommended this book to me. In return, I have recommended it to other friends and I recommend it to you. If you have prostate cancer, I wish you the best. It is highly curable.