Casodex (Bicalutamide) versus Chemical castration?

Donelson,

By an astounding coincidence, when I was more or less in your situation and was looking at radiation plus two years of androgen deprivation therapy, I was not that keen about the prospects either. As I type this my stomach is rather sore from my last monthly shot of Firmagon and I will have finished my two years of Casodex and chemical castration this time next month. The androgen deprivation is easily the most flavorful part of the big three-scoop 5hit sandwich that I was served -- surgery, radiation and ADT. But it looks like I will make it through to the other side and so will you. I don't expect you to like it very much. I haven't.

Now that I have cheered you up I will comment that the side effects you mentioned are pretty much inevitable either with Casodex, or Lupron, or both. (My doctor added Avodart for good measure.) Casodex by itself poses a higher risk of effeminization (breast growth and tenderness) and is less effective in making the radiation more effective.

My advice, do what your doctor tells you and exercise as much as you can. Join a gym and spend as much time as you can lifting heavy objects. I helps with the muscle and bone wastage, the fatigue, and depression. As for libido.... *sigh*

You said...
Some breast growth, but in an overweight, 60 year-old man, it's hard to tell, honestly.

Yes, I have exactly the same concern. I have plumped up considerably on ADT with a somewhat dismaying amount of the flab deployed in the general boobal area. I invited my oncologist to give them a quick feel and he tells me I am just fat.

kSargent

Thanks, and good luck to you!