Merkel Cell Carcinoma: I'd like to hear from others

@penlandtr1, I can understand that you are concerned that you have to wait until January 8. Whenever there is a cancer diagnosis, waiting is the hardest part! As you live in a small city, I'm wondering how far it is to the nearest Cancer Center of Excellence. At least one consultation, either in-person or a virtual, might benefit you greatly as you seek the best treatment options.

Have you considered getting a second opinion (either virtual or in-person) at well-known cancer center?

Just checking in to see how you are doing. I'm hoping well!!
I have completed five immunotherapy treatments using OPDIVO and as of yet no side effects. After fourteen radiation treatments to the left side of my face there are unpleasant but tolerable side effects.
The words, "This too shall pass" have taken on a special meaning to me!
Here's hoping your holiday season is filled with love and peace.

I will be praying for you to have strength and peace as you go through this.
Please feel free to text me anytime, we are in this together.

I liv s in a small city in the Pacific NW. about 50 miles from Seattle. So far all that has been done is the ultrasound biopsy of the lymphnodes that have formed a little mass under my right arm. I'm not scheduled to see another doctor from Franciscan cancer center until the 8th of January. It doesn't feel right to wait that long but I'm not sure what more I can do at this point.

Hello @penlandtr1 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I see that you are interested in connecting with others who have Merkel Cell Carcinoma and that @lbrockme and @rogermcintire have responded to you already. On Connect we have other discussion groups on the topic of Merkel Cell. If you would like to meet others on this journey, I'd encourage to read posts in the following discussion group:

On Mayo's/merkel-cell-carcinoma-1/ website, I found this information:
–Merkel Cell Carcinoma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/merkel-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351030

I would like to invite @dreams and @redneckchic501 to also share their experiences with you.

What type of treatment is being planning at this point?

Thank you for your message 🙏. I'm still waiting for everything to set in. I had a tumor removed 2 years ago from my R forearm. It was confirmed as MCC. Then, about a month ago a lump the size of a tennis ball seemed to pop up over night. The biopsy was done and 4 of the 6 effected lymph nodes 4-5 cm and confirmed as MCC.

Welcome to a club we had rather not belong to. I was diagnosed with Merkel under my left eye last July. I have had surgery to remove the cancer and two lymph nodes (one of which tested positive for Merkel). Currently I have five immunotherapy treatments completed and thirteen radiation sessions. I'm hopeful since the cancer was caught very early everything will be ok. If you would like to share information or to ask any questions, please feel free to do so.
I am an 81 year old male married sixty two years and overall in fairly good physical condition.

Try searching this Mayo connect site . The search function at the top showed me a previous group and comments.
I hope you find done helpful information soon. Praying for your next steps

I'm finding it hard to find more current information about merkel cell carcinoma. It's traveling from my forearm and up into the lymphatic system under my right arm.

I was hypothyroid before I started treatment and was taking 100mcg daily and my numbers were good but after six months of treatment my tsh jumped from about 3 to over 20 so they increase the dosage now I’m taking 200 mcg but my tsh has returned to normal. I am feeling well and have been traveling quite a bit over the last year but must be sure to get back for treatment every three weeks.