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IN YOUR PRIME
PCa
In the pre-dawn darkness of a November weekday, I signed myself into a Decatur medical center where, over the next several
hours, I endured a surgery that resulted in 109 radioactive iodine seeds being implanted into my cancerous prostate.
By mid-afternoon I was able to limp home. I was, however, supported by both a doctor-son and my caring wife who, with nothing
tangible to guide her, vowed: “We’ll get through this.”
As the cliché goes, “Cancer gets your attention.” It got mine six years ago when these stress-filled days played out. For
now, the question becomes: “Am I cured?”
With the inquiry as our cue, and recognizing that November is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, let’s begin by introducing the
uncommon doctor who directed the surgery and, thereafter, my 35-irradiation treatments. He is Frank A. Critz, M.D.,
small-town Mississippi boy who today belongs, truly, to the international world of cancer crusaders.
At six Atlanta area centers, known as the Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia (RCOG), Critz and his team of specialists presently
treat 1,000 cases of prostate cancer a year. Further, Critz justifiably boasts of having treated 8,000 men over a 25-year
span. Significantly, his 10-year cure rate is between 96 percent and 85 percent, depending upon the severity of the cancer.
Dr. Critz also has authored 71 peer-reviewed research papers for cancer journals as he continues to build his reputation as a
pioneer of the innovative seeds-plus-radiation regimen.
Twenty times or more I’ve been in his company, yet I cannot pretend to ‘know’ this man. I can report that Frank Critz is one
dead-earnest scientist, a healer (radiation oncology is his discipline), and not much of a story-swapper: someone you coax to
join you for a beer or a white wine.
The man is unfailingly cordial, even a touch formal. For example, I’m addressed as “Mr. Lindeman” by this nicely groomed
physician, dressed in shirt, tie and conservative suit.
On one of my semi-annual visits I read in a waiting room magazine that patients should show appreciation by hugging their
doctor. So, I grabbed the ramrod-straight figure that is Frank Critz, wrapping him inside my arms. Plainly, he was
uncomfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
You see, my PSA (prostate specific antigen) reading stands at “less than 0.1” (ng/ml) validating that, at this time, I am
cancer-free. Moreover, I am neither incontinent nor impotent. Every year, 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed;
there isn’t a man among this legion of the luckless who wouldn’t happily accept my outcome as his fate.
Now, you may wonder: “Is this essay a recommendation to sign with Dr. Critz?” Negative. Every case of prostate cancer is
different; each patient is, well, unique. Therefore, I offer you the Critz dogma:
“The most important advice that can be given the man with prostate cancer is: 1) do your own research; 2) learn as much as
you possibly can about your disease; 3) listen to doctors (experts), and 4) then, make your own decision on treatment.”
This straight shooter also is willing to talk about other doctors. “Many, but not all, doctors are biased,” Critz suggests.
Thus, “doctors recommend only the treatment they offer.” Sure, surgeons understandably want to cut out the malignant
prostate; radiologists promise to burn away the cancer. (Both will assure you that they’ll “get it all.”)
After advocating the self-study program, and urging the newly diagnosed patient to take his time (prostate cancer, in the
majority of instances, grows slowly), Dr. Critz adds, “Most doctors who treat prostate cancer handle only a few cases each
year.” (Chances are they cannot achieve a cure rate approaching 85 percent, much less 96 percent.)
Summary judgment: shop around; play tough, for as Critz explains, “With few exceptions, a man will get only one chance to be
treated for cure of prostate cancer.” Moreover, you’d be wise to quickly join a support group. (The American Cancer Society
can refer you to a nearby Man-to-Man chapter.) Helpful, even vital, tips come from peers, computer-savvy men who’ve made the
disease their new vocation.
“These men,” says Dennis O’Hara, of Poughkeepsie, NY, a pioneer in the Man-to-Man movement, “know prostate disease from the
patient’s perspective. Best of all, they’re eager to help newbies.’ That’s what we call newly-diagnosed fellows.”
So, is patient Lindeman cured? Ask again, please, in four years. Both Critz and I accept that 10 years is when you properly
dust off the “cured” verdict. Looking closely at the demographics, Critz says that if cancer is to grow back again, it most
likely will reappear within 10 years, or certainly 15.
For now, label me one “happy survivor.”
(The Radiology Clinics of Georgia have a toll free number: 1/800 /952-7687. The web site: www.rcog.net. There also is a free
booklet, “Understanding Prostate Cancer.” The newest RCOG product is a video version of the 42-page book. The mailing
address: RCOG 2349 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur, GA 30033.)
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Outrageous Associations
