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It's hard to say because they usually put you on Lupron with Casodex so the side effects blur together. I didn't like that combination. The side effects included fatigue, hot flashes, sleeping problems, weight gain and a rise in cholesterol. Personally, I wouldn't go back on it.
FRED,
If any remaining cancer cells are local to the area then the presumed further treatment would be radiation. But if your doc thinks it likely that they may have left the area then a systemic treatment like Casodex is perhaps most appropriate. On the basis of your pathology report you should discuss this thoroughly with your doc before doing anything, I would think.
And look for research on the web that might directly pertain to your situation.
Like Paul who replied to you I had Lupron and Casodex in combination, with side effects so severe that I hope to never return to it. That being said I must admit that all the nasties remained even after Casodex was discontinued.
Casodex is an antiandrogen and will help block the production of hormones in the adrenal glands that feed cancer cells.
I suggest you call or write for the excellent primer on prostate cancer put out by the American Cancer Society entitled 'Complete Guide to Prostate Cancer' it is available free or at a minimal charge. In my opinion it is must reading for all of us. Pages 285 - 286 will be an immeasurable help.
Eight years ago after RP my psa started climbing. The side effects of ADT convinced me to look for an alternative treatment. I did not consider radiation as the hospital where I would have had to have it, had terrible results. I opted for Casodex 150mg plus Proscar. Since then I have been doing this intermittenly. The longest off period was three years. I wait for the psa to reach 5. The only side effects have been a diminished libido and the enlargement of the breast that I treat with Tamoxifen.
If your doctor is worried about the cancer having escaped the capsule then thirty days of Casodex is not goingto make any difference. Your best bet might be Radiation. Has your psa started rising?
I wander if doing sugery with a Gleason of 10 is not considered Malpractice? In the case of your psa rising I would find an oncologists who specializes in prostate cancer or at least has experience with the disease
