How's Your Prostate?

A Cancer Survivor's Candid Journey

Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
130 Pages
Reviewed on 09/17/2019
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

How's Your Prostate? A Cancer Survivor's Candid Journey by Kenneth Michaels is a non-fiction medical book on Kenneth’s own experiences with having prostate cancer. In this book, Kenneth has written about his own experiences as a man in his sixties who was diagnosed with prostate cancer, his medical procedures, and experiences with doctors and medical staff, his treatment options, surgery, recovery, etc. He also talks about the after-effects of surgery which can include urinary incontinence, usage of catheters and diapers among other options, the challenges of erectile dysfunction, and how all this can affect life and relationships. The book is divided simply into several chapters that cover these things and also has a list of references at the end along with an author bio.

In How's Your Prostate?, Kenneth Michaels writes in a humorous, witty, and yet serious style about what men should know about prostate cancer. Prostate cancer and its effects are still relatively unknown to the average person. Kenneth shines a light on this topic in detail through his own personal experience with it, which can be a huge help for anyone diagnosed with or having a loved one diagnosed with prostate cancer. Kenneth also makes passing references to his lifestyle which I liked and appreciated as well since it makes the book more personal and relatable. Overall, this is a good, educational read which is also humorous that I would recommend to everyone, especially men.

Mamta Madhavan

How's Your Prostate? A Cancer Survivor's Candid Journey by Kenneth D. Michaels is an honest and heartwarming account of the author's story of surviving prostate cancer. The author speaks about the physical and emotional challenges he underwent from the time of detection to recovery and will guide readers on how to deal with it when it becomes a reality. His journey is also useful when it comes to helpful information that will guide readers in making educated choices, and will help them understand the treatment and medical options available. The symptoms mentioned will also be useful when it comes to early detection of prostate cancer.

What makes the book appealing is the candidness with which the author speaks about his cancer and his journey to recovery. He handles the topic methodically and expansively, giving readers a clear picture of his journey and also the emotional and physical side of it, which is an important aspect when it comes to recovery and healing. The narration is simple and neat and that makes it easy for readers to connect with his words. The book gives good insights about prostate cancer in a very interesting way without sounding too preachy or instilling fear in readers' minds. This book is for all readers who are dealing with prostate cancer because the author's words and the journey will be useful. The author's positive messages on how he learned to appreciate life and how he used humor to live with the disease are empowering and will motivate and encourage cancer patients, cancer survivors, and those who are around them.

Dan M. Kalin

How's Your Prostate? is a first-person account of how one man survives prostate cancer, which was diagnosed and treated in the mid-2000s. Kenneth Michaels shares his experiences frankly from the beginning to the end. As a practicing psychotherapist, Michaels understood intellectually what was happening emotionally, but the experience and process provided new insight into himself as well as an enhanced empathy for what others in the same situation experience. The book starts with an off-the-cuff diagnosis by a colleague, which is soon confirmed by working through the labyrinth of medical gateways towards resolution. The medical community doesn't fare well in his account, and I would fully expect the process to be even worse now. From the urologist who does biopsies without anesthesia and isn't concerned once his billable event has been checked, to rude and obnoxious office staff, Michaels doesn't get adequate support until his surgical procedure is performed. He shares the fears and concerns every man would have when it comes to recovery and eventual remission.

I am very impressed by the candor Kenneth Michaels brings to his account. While his story is somewhat dated when it comes to the many surgical procedures available now, fear and uncertainty remain the largest issues for men suffering from prostate cancer. How's Your Prostate? is very well written and accessible to a reader audience, jargon is minimal and the explanations are easy to understand. Sometimes knowing others have gone through the process and emerged changed-but-intact is exactly what is needed. Michaels has selflessly performed a public service by writing this book.