I completed my third treatment on Christmas Eve. I felt pretty good through the holiday weekend but started to fade a little by Sunday. The major side effect at this point is fatigue. As most of you know taking a nap doesn’t always help, but still feels good.

Despite the treatment we are on, we all live with anticipation of our next PSA test. Will it be up or down? It definitely has an impact on our frame of mind. My PSA started at 4.9 before chemo and is now at 2.9, so it appears that the chemo is doing it’s job.

I am waiting for the results of my last PSA test to find out what is my current level. The goal right now is not so much to keep it from moving up or down, but to keep it below 10.0. Apparently that is a number which can be associated with the disease spreading. I am fully aware of where this journey is headed and have had those conversations with my doctors. The idea now is to play the game as long as possible.

The other major side effect I am having is increased neuropathy in my feet and hands. My hands have become numb. I do hold ice packs during treatment to lessen the effect. Also, the simple things tire me out. I planted some flowers a week ago and I had to take one of my coveted naps.

I have decided to take some time off of work (short term disability) and focus on my health. I seem to fight depression more and more even though I take medicine to combat it. Maybe the depression will lessen now that Christmas is over.

It is thinking about my kids that truly gets to me. I am sure some of you have similar thoughts and if you are not taking an antidepressant you should talk to your doctor about whether you would benefit from some medication. It also helped me tremendously with the emotional ups and downs of Hormone Therapy.

We are all in a fight and we need our family and friends’ support to get us through each day. Don’t be afraid to talk to them.

I wish everyone a safe and Healthy New Year!

Scott Goodwin