Breast radiation

My Dr wants me to have my breats radiated (3 treatments) in advance of going on Casodex. Plan is to have me on Casodex for up to 2 years. I know Casodex can cause breast enlargement. Is this standard treatment?

BB,  I found this article on the PCRI web site:  http://www.prostate-cancer.org/pcricms/node/197.  

"Radiation to the breast (usually just around the nipples) before the start of testosterone deprivation therapy can reduce the risk of breast growth and tenderness by as much as 65%.¹⁷ This is especially important for a man to discuss with his medical provider prior to starting monotherapy with Casodex® or Eulexin®, because of the high incidence of breast growth and tenderness with this type of testosterone blocking treatment."

I'm glad you keep asking these questions because I need to learn everything I can, just in case.  Hope this helps.

Carlos

BB,
I was on Casodex for 2 and a half years. I only experienced some tenderness towards the end and after I stopped the regimen. I no longer have the tenderness. We don't know what long term SE's of mild radiation of the breast area as I know of no study that monitors for morbidity. I do know a few guys who did the procedure and they have no known issues. John's recommendation may be a good one, but I didn't know about it when I started out and I likely still would have avoided taking anything to prevent breast enlargement.

Tony