Mahony’s Cancer

I was saddened to learn that Cardinal Roger M. Mahony has been diagnosed with prostate cancer (May 29) and I certainly wish him a complete and speedy recovery. However, I must take (mild) exception to the cardinal’s contention that it is the concern for sexual performance that dictates the choice for radiation over surgery.

I am presently undergoing external beam radiation for the same disease and my choice was determined by what many feel are the fewer overall side effects associated with radiation. Yet, I will admit that if, according to the cardinal, one of the side effects to be avoided is impaired sexual performance, who am I to complain?

RABBI BERNARD LIPNICK

Idyllwild