Merkel cancer update

Hello Lynn. Sounds like you are hanging in there and still keeping a positive attitude. Radiation treatment has a long-lasting effect on the body. I am going to have to have speech therapy because of a thickening in the throat area. It sounds like there are exercises I can do that will make swallowing easier and to keep the situation from getting worse. I still do not have whiskers on the left side of my face yet so I guess one positive result is my shaving time is reduced to half time.
I too try and keep a positive attitude and am so grateful for the recent PET scan showing no signs of Merkel but must admit to a looming dread of its return.
In the meantime I am thankful for every day as a gift.
Take care of yourself and keep in touch.

Hello Cindy, just checking in to see how you are doing. I wanted to share some positive news about my recent PET scan. The results indicated no Merkel cancer present after the surgery and 25 radiation treatments along with continuing immunotherapy infusions every two weeks.
I continue to be grateful for every day as a gift!
Take care of yourself.

Roger, hopefully the exercises they show you will help improve your swallowing. Good news about your PET scan. I’ve lost most of my facial hair too. lol. Also half of my eyebrows. I’m still dealing with gunky sinuses and some lymphedema in my neck. Have an apt with OT coming up. I found some exercises on line I’m doing. My face and eye is still swollen. But it is all slowing going towards getting better so I’m happy about that. Some days I have a little bit of energy. Keep your positive attitude. We need to fight this nasty disease. Praying for you.

So happy for tou

Hello @mktz49 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I see that you are interested in Merkel cell carcinoma. Have you been diagnosed with this as well?

As you are new to this group, please share as you are comfortable doing so, a little about yourself.

Yes, I have recently been diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma and have not yet received results of my PET scan but will be having an infusion for findings in lymph glands and surgical removal at site on forearm .
Interested in what others have experienced and success rate of this diagnosis .
Thanks

Hello @mktz49 I am happy to make contact with you as we share similar connections with this Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Today I had my 15th infusion of
OPDIVO and so far, there have been no adverse reactions or side effects. I am 81 and feel great as I remain active and continue to think positive. The 25 radiation treatments to the left side of my face and neck have affected my salivary glands and taste buds but I am noting some improvement. I have direct contact with two men about my age in this area who have survived Merkel for several years.
I am encouraged by how well they have done and hope you will be encouraged by their success.
If there is anything I can share with you or answer any questions you may have just let me know. Stay positive and know you are not alone!

Hello Lynn99, here is hoping you are continuing to improve with the Merkel situation and its aftereffects. I am still having problems with the taste buds and saliva glands. Eating and drinking is not the same yet and is resulting is slow weight loss. I am still active playing golf and taking care of the yard.
Today my overall situation was complicated because I received my EGD results.
Four years ago, I had esophageal cancer that was detected early, and surgery was successful in taking care of the problem but today I was informed the cancer is back in the esophagus where it joins the stomach. Not sure yet how this will be treated but a positive attitude and reliance on the Almighty will see me through whatever it may be.
Take care of yourself and keep in touch.