Merkel cancer update

Wow that is good news for you.
I have a similar yet different situation. Merkel showed up on my forehead, had surgery and at the same time removed 42 lymph nodes in my neck and under chin. Then 30 rounds of radiation. Merkel spread into my bones and was able to do pin point radiation on my sternum, Feemer and Adrenal gland. Waiting for my next PET/CT on April 2. No immunotherapy yet.
I had a liver transplant 2019 so immunotherapy will be a tricky thing to implement considering anti rejection meds.
Good luck to you and stay positive.

Great news Roger. I finally finished my 30 treatments of radiation, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Finished on Tuesday and starting to feel a little more energy. Hoping the other side effects will start to heal soon. My doc said 7 to 10 days. I didn’t completely lose my taste so he said that will come back faster. My nose is a mess and my mouth and throat. Eating is a challenge. Mostly liquids. Anyway great news for you. Golfing weather must be here for you.

Hello Lynn, great to hear from you and I'm glad you are finished with your radiation treatment.
Here's hoping you are quickly over the nasty side effects and can return to a degree of normalcy.
My taste is slowly returning and my nasal passages are healing. I fully agree with you that radiation treatment is no easy process!
Spring may take a while but soon you can get back to your walks in the woods. I have been able to golf a couple of times and look forward to more outdoor activities.
Keep in touch and let's hang in there with hope and positive thoughts.

Hello MKhighpoint, thank you for your response and sharing your Merkel situation. It sounds like you have been through a lot and it appears you have maintained a positive attitude. I sincerely hope your April 2nd tests are favorable!

Thank you so very much rogermcintire,
I have been diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma January 2024, So many PT, PET, MRI, Biopsy, Blood Drawn, Referrals, Dr. Here, Dr. There, God give me the strength.
Yesterday, a Dr. told me he had a patient who was cured of the Merkel Cell Cancer, I thanked him so very much because what he said, gave me the first affirmation since 2023.
And you have validated this for me, I was at the point where, either I will be alive or with God, either is good with me. God be with us all.
The Dr. Did a Very Good Job though!

I hope the best for you.

Hello Cindy, thank you very much for your response and update on the Merkel Carcinoma you are dealing with. For sure it is a difficult and scary time for most of us and if you are like me, I tend to always think the worst.
But there is hope! I have met and talked with two local men who have had Merkel for several years and are still alive and kicking! I found this very encouraging and hope you will too.
I agree that your surgeon did a great job and you appear to be healing nicely. What is the next course of action in your treatment plan?
Amen on God being with us all !

Hello Lynn, I'm hoping this finds you well and having received good news regarding your PET scan on April 2nd. I'm also hoping your healing process from the 30 radiation treatments continues to improve.
Since our last communication I have had a CT scan and a PET scan. The CT scan must have caused some concern because it indicated a thickening of tissue in my throat resulting in the PET scan. I am thankful to report there was no sign of Merkel cells in the PET scan. I don't meet with my oncologist until next week to determine if my self diagnosis of fibrosis is correct.
I still haven't regained all my sense of taste but enough to maintain my weight.
The improving weather has me back on the golf course and hopefully you are enjoying the walks in the woods.
Take care and I pray all those dealing with Merkel cell cancer are hanging in there!

Hey Cindy, just checking in to see how you are doing - well I hope!

Great news Roger. Glad your PET scan was clean. I’m slowing healing from the radiation treatments. Fatigue is still hanging around and my sinuses are slowing improving. Taste is weird. Some things are just fine and others taste terrible. It’s ok I can find things that taste ok. Chocolate doesn’t taste good. My Dr. said sometimes that is the last thing to return….can take up to 18 months. That’s ok too. Meeting with an oncologist who specializes in Merkel cell and immunotherapy tomorrow. He will eventually follow me. Have an apt with my surgeon next week. Not sure of the plan. My lacrimal tear ducts are not open so my eyes are constantly tearing. They are talking about reconstruction but I’m not ready for anything yet. lol. Thankful to be at this stage with radiation behind me. I have a scan the first of June.
Glad you are golfing. I’m getting my walks in most days. Got to see the eclipse this week. It was exhausting to travel but I’m so glad I went. It was amazing. Take care. God bless.