Its been a year since my last post on here and just to let you know that is the good news. No recurrence of MCC is a blessing for me. Each day begins with a prayer and the hope that I am cancer free another day. The statistics for Stage III Merkel Cell are a little scary at first but for now I am one of the fortunate ones to be well. The knowledge of what may happen with MCC never leaves that little tiny spot in my brain that says don't get cocky.
In the mean time my arm has reduced in size to almost normal and I have about 90% of normal movement and use back for my hand. I have what is known as "woody edema" of the arm from my armpit to my palm. My armpit still feels strange with the gap left by the removal of the axillary lymph node pod and the outer side of my right breast is still tender to the touch. It is also numb I guess due to the loss of some nerve connections.
I've had PET scans, ultrasounds and x-rays during the past year and fortunately no MCC has reared its head. However, I had the left side of my Thyroid gland removed due to a node that had grown in it. After a needle biopsy the doctors were questioning some cells that they saw that didn't look right. After the excision of the gland the node was declared benign. So now I take Synthroid every day to make up for the loss of the gland. According to my blood tests the level of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is still not at an optimal level. The doctor began my dosage of Synthroid at 0.050 then raised it after several months to 0.075 then again raised it to 0.1 where I am today. I don't believe it is at the right level yet but that will be determined at my next blood test and doctors follow up.
So, I would say I've had a very good year for a 66 year old man in my shape. I hope and pray that MCC will be conquered sooner than later and that all those contending with this cancer find relief and a cure sooner than later.
