In 2005, I celebrate five years as a prostate cancer survivor. While I was in treatment in the year 2000, I began writing a book about my experience and the experiences of nineteen men in treatment with me. I thought our stories could be helpful to other men facing prostate cancer. The resultant book, "Battling the Killer Within" was released in 2001. The book has been nationally acclaimed and quite successful in meeting my goals, serving the needs of thousands of men. It has also enabled me to become very active in the War on Prostate Cancer. In 2004, I recognized a need to enhance and update Battling the Killer Within; in doing so, I also changed the title. "Battling the Killer Within and Winning" contains a new chapter entitled, “Winning,” two additional appendices, and updated data. Battling the Killer Within and Winning provides an increased focus on the psychological aspects of beating prostate cancer. It also emphasizes prostate health awareness and contains an important guide to help all men understand and manage their prostate health. Prostate cancer probably touches every family in the Unites States at some level, and many other families around the world. The word cancer brings fear and a sense of hopelessness to many of whom it touches. When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I endured all of the shock and fear associated with the big “C.” Because of my family history with this cancer, I knew it was a relentless killer. This perhaps led to an increased level of fear that caused me to make a treatment decision that I reversed at the last moment. I eventually chose a treatment that led me to spend seven weeks in Atlanta, Georgia, away from my home in Concord, Massachusetts. This turned out to be one of the most interesting and uplifting experiences of my life. My time in Atlanta was spent with men from throughout the United States and around the world as we battled prostate cancer together. In getting to know these men, I learned their stories—all of which were fascinating, each with their own important lesson in the battle against this dreaded disease. I wrote much of this book during my period of treatment. It is my story and a summary of stories from some of the men I spent considerable time with on our journey of hope—to be cured from prostate cancer. It outlines how we chose our treatment options. It illustrates how doctors are at odds over the best treatments available, and how many of these men made decisions about treatment after doing their own extensive research, outside the opinions of their doctors. Our stories came together in Atlanta, Georgia, during the summer of 2000, where we had chosen Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia for their specialized radiation treatment. Each of us believed that this clinic provided the best treatment available for us. However, this book is not intended to promote Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia’s treatment. It is up to each individual to select a treatment that is best for them. Battling the Killer Within and Winning is intended as a valued resource to men, their wives, loved ones, or other family members who may be responsible for helping to manage their health care. The book will educate and make you aware of prostate cancer risk levels and screening guidelines. A personal “Prostate Health Management Guide” to help you understand, record, and interpret your prostate health monitoring results is included as an appendix. For men newly diagnosed and facing prostate cancer or men on the survival journey looking for renewed hope, this book will help you conquer fear. It will assist in your understanding of various treatment options and which may be best for you. I also hope that Battling the Killer Within and Winning helps you to become aware of the raging war against prostate cancer and encourages you to join in this war. THOMAS A. FARRINGTON Author