Merkel

Hi and welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to hear that you've just been diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma.

I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma 3 years ago so, although I don't have the same type as you, I do understand how devastating the news you'll have received is. 

If you type 'merkel' into the search bar in this group you will find a few people who have mentioned it in previous posts. I don't know if any of them are still active on the forum but it might be worth your while responding to any of their posts which you feel are relevant and see if you get a reply.

If you don't get any responses from this group it might be worth your while to also join the neuroendocrine tumours group as MCC is also called a neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of the skin.

I don't know how much you know about this rare form of skin cancer but I've found this information for you from Cancer Research. 

When you have a minute it would be really useful if could pop something about your journey so far into your profile as it helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

x

Hello, we are in the same boat. But I feel normal just look lumpy from lymph nodes swollen on my neck. The doctors want to throw immunotherapy at it, but that only guarantees a diminished quality of life during treatment and it is not a cure with only a 20% chance of suspending the advance. I have come to peace with it and focus on being grateful for today and less selfish by doing what I can to make this world better for my children and future generations.

Hi Raretez,

I was wondering how you are getting on since your Merkel diagnosis 2 years ago.

My dad was diagnosed about 3 years ago and was doing ok but it has returned and given his age and other health concerns they will not operate this time.

I hope all is going well for you.