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Merkel Cell Carcinoma: I'd like to hear from others
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) | Last Active: 29 minutes ago | Replies (88)Comment receiving replies
Hi. I’m a 72 year old male. I was diagnosed with Merkel cell on my right forearm 11 years ago. It just appeared as a bump under my skin. Luckily I already had a dermatologist appointment scheduled a week later. The biopsy revealed Merkel. Even more rare at that time, there was no specific treatment. I had a PET scan that showed a few affected lymph nodes under my arm. We did surgery almost immediately, followed by 30 radiation treatments. Other than some fluid buildup under my arm I had no other complications. The incision on my arm took almost a year to heal because of the radiation treatment I get scans every 3 months due to this and another cancer. No signs of any reoccurrence. I wish everyone diagnosed, the same good outcome I had. And RIP JB 🏝️
Replies to "Hi. I’m a 72 year old male. I was diagnosed with Merkel cell on my right..."
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.
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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.