In Prostate Cancer Guide, Merlin Sprague -- himself a prostate cancer survivor -- tells his first-hand story of dealing with cancer and its effects on all aspects of his life. Merlin's cancer was virulent and advanced but twelve years later, he's still here. In this book, Merlin gives men many recommendations on things they can do, what they should watch for, and tips on getting through the experience. And, finally, there is candid information on dealing with life afterwards. This book is not a dry medical tome where the disease and its victims are spoken of in the abstract. This book puts flesh on the bones. Prostate Cancer Guide is a war story told by a veteran who fought the battle.
In Merlin's own words:
"In writing this book, I wanted to let all men with prostate cancer know they are not alone. And there a lot of us too: One man in six, so they tell me.
"After I got my Digital Rectal Examination and test for Prostate Specific Antigen, I got the news. Oh, I got some information from my doctor alright, but not anywhere close to enough. On my own, I had to learn about many things -- things such as:
** Gut-wrenching fear.
** The many indignities one suffers.
** The practice of medicine.
** Coping with a life so changed it's almost alien . . . No, wait; it is alien.
** Finding out it's not as bad as you imagined.
** Finding out there are tons of workarounds.
"When I make recommendations, it's because I tried the things I recommend and they worked. At least they did for me, and I sincerely hope they work for you too.
"As I well know, prostate cancer is a heavy, heavy subject. To keep the book from being a mental, psychological and spiritual drain on your skookum, I tried to keep it light.
Prostate Cancer Guide is only 25,000 words. It can be read over a weekend, and it won't put you to sleep, I guarantee. By the way, it's pronounced pros-tate, not pras-tate; there is no 'a' in prostate."
