Hello Lucky Man! I was very happy to read your post regarding Merkel. I am an 81-year-old who was diagnosed with Merkel in early August. I had esophageal cancer caught early and removed four years ago and two years ago had prostate cancer removed robotically. I have to admit that Merkel has me concerned because of its aggressive nature.
I am currently undergoing immunotherapy every two weeks and had surgery to remove the cancer site (just under left eye) and two lymph nodes from my jaw area; twenty-eight radiation treatments are to begin next week. Merkel cells were found in one of the lymph nodes that was removed.
I believe the cancer was detected early so I am very positive but concerned.
Your post helps with the concern and I am very grateful you shared your situation.

Thanks for your story! I had a biopsy done on a small bump on my nose a few days ago. Waiting for results, but my dermatologist, who professionally can’t make a diagnosis yet, casually asked me about my late aunt’s Merkel Cell cancer (it’s in my chart as family medical history) after the biopsy. I think she suspects that’s what this might be. I’m currently 75, have had skin checks yearly since age 50, though am now going every 3 months since I had surgery for stage 1a melanoma on
my leg last October. I also had basal cell 15 years ago on the same side of my nose where this non-bleeding bump was just biopsied. The bump isn’t at all like the basal cell lesion. Anyway, I’m trying to prepare myself for a possible MCC diagnosis. My aunt was diagnosed at age 92 - she was in good health, played golf everyday. Unfortunately, her dermatologist discouraged her from radiation, saying she was too old and she’d lose her teeth (her MCC was on her chin). She eventually insisted on radiation and managed through it, but it was too late in the disease process to help her. So, if I’m diagnosed and I end up having to have radiation, I don’t know how to best prepare. I live alone without family around and I don’t want to ask friends to stay with me. I have slight balance issues (don’t require a cane or walker yet, but am a fall risk obviously). I’m leaning toward temporary respite care at a local assisted living if I need radiation, but it’s pricey (I do have the funds, but prefer not to spend them if not necessary). Can you tell me how you managed with radiation - do you think I would be better off in respite care with help around if I need radiation? Paying for an in-home health aide is rather costly and they don’t do 24 hr shifts. Thanks.

Hello. It's wonderful to hear that you've been living with the Merkel Cell for 11 years. Like you, but on his left arm just below his elbow, my brother-in-law noticed a bump in April of 2024. He didn't go get it checked out until August 2024, where it had tripled in size, and was growing very aggressively. They started infusions, where it wasn't reducing it's size at all! In October it was the size of a grapefruit, and very disgusting to see, however; the doctor's still hadn't scheduled surgery. So, he got another opinion, and was scheduled for surgery just before Christmas.
The chunk of flesh that was removed from his arm was shocking. Also, they had to do a couple skin graphs from the top of his thigh which he complained was more painful than the mass itself. The mass got to the point of continually bleeding just before his surgery. I guess I don't understand why they disfigured his arm instead of removing it at the elbow, because it still looks like the mass is still present? He is 70 years old but would like to live the remaining days of his life cancer free. I pray that his recovery is quick and pain free, but the lack of cases for this rare cancer doesn't offer very much hope of it Not returning to other parts of his body. I'm hoping any and all information shared could help in the research. God Bless all those suffering from this cancer.