Radiation. Therapy and Merkel Cell Carcinoma

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I am 84 yrs old and 12 treatments in on a 33 treatment plan for MCC.

i have a large tumor on my scalp, and numerous spots (PET scan) on lymph nodes in Rt cheek and  neck.  Treatment plan includes Radiation followed by immunotherapy.  Surgery was rejected due to age , locations and size of scalp tumor. Radiation is focused on just scalp tumor and lymph node in right check just forward of the right ear lobe.

Side effects so far are mild; fatigue, loss of taste, mouth/gum sensitivity, mild head ache.  Scalp tumor has shrunk, and is. Essentially flat,  1” x 1.5”. Tumor in right cheek has also shrunk.

i am interested in finding out what to expect as treatments progress.  The radiation to my cheek exposes my mouth to the radiation.

Anything shared would be helpful.

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

    That's great to read that your tumours are shrinking. I don't have the experience you're looking for but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list where it'll be easier for other group members to see.

    I've done a group search to see if there are any members who have posted about MCC and found that  and  posted a couple of years ago. Tagging them into my reply means that they'll get a notification and will hopefully pop on and share their experiences with you.

    While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select '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.

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     "Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

  • Please note that I have updated my profile per your tecommendstions.

  • Hi  

    Thanks for updating your profile and I hope everything continues in the right direction for you.

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     "Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

  • Hi My husband has been diagnosed with MCC he is 81 years old and generally in goid health Alto he has had bladder cancer successfully treated and currently has a treatable but not curable patch of cancer in his ureter He has his pet scan last Thursday and we are seeing the consultant to discuss the results on Monday Your post and profile are extremely interesting Thank you for sharing I will post again after we have seen the consultant 

    Best wishes 

    Wilbert 

  • ps seems crazy to say husband is in generally good health To clarify he is asymptotic enjoys life we both keep ourselves fit love to eat out and holiday He has recently changed a bedroom light fitting planted 75 sweetpeas and made the frame for them to climb up and replaced the faulty washing machine door x

  • Had meeting with consultant no spread to major organs but slight something in lymph nodes showing Because my husband has a blocked artery in his heart (some 20 years standing and doesn't affect him in anyway)he is going to.do a needle biopsy to confirm if it is or isn't cancer He is arranging an appointment with a consultant anaesthetist for my husband to get his opinion on a general anaesthetic for lym0 removal If it isn't cancer in the nodes he will remove tumour under a local anaesthetic If it is and anaesthetist says OK He will remove nodes and tumour at the same time.under a general anaesthetic If anesthetist says no tumour removal under a local followed by a course of radiotherapywhich he says is extremely effective treatment So we live to fight another day I  must admit I was terrified consultant was going to.say my husband was "riddled " with cancer A stupid term that seems prevalent when cancer is discussed in the press Thst dealt with at Christie Manchester on to the Alexandra at Cheadle to sort out removal of temp stent and cystoscopy on Monday Then a very late lunch with a nice bottle of red wine xx

  • That sounds good news overall  and celebrating with a good bottle of red wine with lunch sounds perfect Slight smile

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     "Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"