Prostate Cancer: A Survivor's Guide

James Metz, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Author: Don Kaltenbach with Tim Richards
Publisher: Seneca House Press
ISBN: 0-9640088-2-3
OncoLink Rating:

Don Kaltenbach is a prostate cancer survivor who has written this excellent reference guide in conjunction with TimRichards. Don was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1989 and was frustrated by the lack of information readily available onthe various treatments. He gathered a wealth of information during his journey through his diagnosis and treatment. Hehas written this book to help guide the newly diagnosed patient on the available treatments.

Don takes the reader though the history of his diagnosis and search for a treatment for prostate cancer. He provides thereader with a wealth of information on all the important aspects of prostate cancer. He describes the treatment options basedon each stage of disease. He also details experimental therapies for prostate cancer. There is extensive discussion ofradiation seed implantation of the prostate gland, which is the treatment that Don chose.

There are excellent chapters on the "diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer", "evaluation of treatments by stage", and"when your husband has prostate cancer." There is a glossary of medical terms and explanation of diagnostic tests in theappendix section. A resource guide is also included in the book.

Don Kaltenbach has written an excellent reference for the newly diagnosed prostate cancer patient. Confusing medicalterms are well defined. The book is easy to read and understand for patients without any medical background. Althoughthere is some bias toward radiation seed implants, the book can serve as a valuable addition to the library of any patientdiagnosed with prostate cancer.