Hello Lynn99, I am Roger McIntire, also a Merkel Cell Carcinoma fighter. I'm 81 and in fairly good shape. My cancer was discovered on July 2nd of this year just under my left eye on the upper cheek. A total body PET scan on August 21st showed no spread to any area of the body.
I had surgery September 21 and learned there were Merkel cells in one of two lymph nodes on my left cheek that were removed.
I started immunotherapy on October 23 using Opdivo every two weeks. As of yet I have had no adverse side effects after seven treatments.
I also started 25 radiation therapy treatments December 5 and just finished on January 11th. The radiation is not pleasant but tolerable. I am still dealing with some of the radiation side effects such as sore tongue, throat, blistering on the left side of face and neck. The loss of taste is a real bother for someone who likes to eat like me, but I'm told it should return.
I have a very positive attitude and would be willing to share my experience thus far with you.
At this point I pray you have strength and peace to deal with whatever comes!