Hello, I'm new to all this and a bit nervous about sharing my problems but I guess we're all in the same boat and it might be easier opening up to strangers rather than friends and family?
I was diagnosed with Merkel Cell carcinoma last September and had surgery to remove a large lesion from my arm. However the cancer had spread to others areas .
Came as a big shock, but I suppose we all say that!
After radiotherapy and chemotherapy I'm just starting immunotherapy.
My specialist has told me this now offers long term improvements to about 1/3 of patients.
Does anyone have experience of Merkel and what survival rates can be expected?
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your Merkel Cell diagnosis.
A rare cancer diagnosis like this brings many questions but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer treatment journey will help you navigate this challenging time.
The Community is organised into support groups so can I first recommend you join our Skin cancer group as this will be a good place to connect with patients and families possibly navigating the same type of cancer journey.
I was diagnosed with a very rare Skin Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in 1999 so appreciate the challenges a rare type of cancer can bring. I see from your profile that you also are on Watch and Wait for CLL. We do have a CLL, SLL, HCL group, again a good place to connect with others and you may also be aware of Lymphoma Action, a small UK Lymphoma Specific Charity.
To join a group just click on the links above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also join in with existing ‘Discussions’ by clicking on 'reply'.
Once you join the skin cancer group you could do a search for Merkel Cell posts using the search tool.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listening ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best
