Book Review: I Left My Prostate in San Francisco. Where's Yours? by Rick and Brenda Redner

Facing a prostate cancer diagnosis was tough enough for Rick Redner, who had only visited the doctor to refill a prescription. After robotic surgery, Rick and his wife Brenda found their lives changed in unexpected ways that put their marriage to the test.

Personal stories are a favorite of mine. I also like it when they have meat and don't just gloss over the details. I Left My Prostate in San Francisco. Where's Yours? by Rick and Brenda Redner definitely fits that bill. Primarily told from Rick's point of view, the Redners share the journey through Rick's diagnosis, treatment options, surgery, and the post-surgery changes that created challenges for both of them.

With humor and candor, Rick tackles difficult to discuss topics such as living with a catheter, urinary incontinence, depression, erectile dysfunction, and penile rehab. In addition, there are informative chapters about how to share the news with others and how to cope with their reactions, what to expect during the process, why he opted for surgery, insurance questions, dealing with lack of sleep, returning to work, and more.

From Brenda's point of view, she discusses her fear over losing her husband to cancer, the power of prayer, grief and loss over the life they once had, coping with the change in her husband's personality, and the impact Rick's surgery had on their sex life.

This is truly a powerful book because it shares so many aspects of coping with prostate cancer, surgery, and post-surgery issues that might be embarrassing to discuss. It is a straight-shooting story, but it also encourages and inspires. Each chapter ends with a series of helpful questions, meant to be discussed with your spouse, your doctors, or others. In less than 300 pages, the Redners provide a strong foundation for couples facing a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Recommended.

Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: WestBow Press A Division of Thomas Nelson (January 18, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449779611
ISBN-13: 978-1449779610

This is the 4th book I've read for the following challenge:

I received an unedited galley proof of this book from the author's publicist. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.