What does increasing blood cell counts mean after Merkel cell carcinoma surgery?

Changes in blood cell counts after cancer surgery can have various explanations, and it's completely understandable to feel concerned about these results. The good news is that increased blood cell counts don't automatically indicate cancer spread - they can result from your body's healing process, infection fighting, or other non-cancer related factors. This is definitely something to discuss thoroughly with your oncology team, as they can interpret these results in the context of your specific situation and recent procedures. Many community members have found that writing down their questions beforehand helps ensure they get all the information they need during their next appointment.

Diagnosed Merkel cell in November of 24. A growth high on my cheekbone just below my left eye. Had surgery and then 6 weeks of radiation. Have been working with two different oncologists over the past year. Have had ultrasounds and pet scans every 3 months and still clear thankfully. But to this point none of my oncologists have requested blood tests for cancer screening. Yes with my regular GP annually I get blood tests but it has not been an issue. Hopefully you're doing well. Be glad to help with any other questions if I can.

Because my DNA blood test showed an increase in merkle cells density, I had another PET. It showed the nodule in front of my ear was hot and a biopsy was done last week. There is a small tumor in the gland. I met with the surgeon Monday and first he explained what a removal of the nodule would entail. There are a myriad of unfavorable outcomes, including paralysis on the left side of my face. At 80, I'm not going to consider it. I asked about radiology and he agreed it was a viable alternative as was immunology. I asked him if, given my age, I was being foolish and he agreed that my decision was reasonable. I believe Merkle is simply too unpredictable to think/hope the nodule removal would result in remission. I start radiation in 2 weeks. Discussion on immunology soon too. (I'm part of a study with the Merkle/Melanoma Clinic at the U of M)

I am most certainly not a doctor but have talked to many different doctors since it started. From what I have learned Merkel is very sensitive to radiation. Yes there are most certainly side effects to radiation but it is a very viable course to pursue if you have not had radiation before. To me, immunotherapy has come a long way but that is an option that maybe considered if it has spread to the point of surgery and radiation is not the best option. That being said I also considered applying to be a study at University of Michigan but mine had not progressed far enough so thankfully in some ways I was not a candidate. I was diagnosed at age 57 which is relatively young for this cancer, so I may have a different perspective. In the end the most important thing is to stay positive and enjoy life, a positive attitude is difficult for cancer too overcome.

An update, my merkle has been detected in my parotid nodule via a PET followed by a biopsy. I have elected no surgery but 20 days of radiation. U of M merkle clinic advises surgery then radiation offers best curative but, at a very active 80, I don't want to spend this year recovering from some very invasive surgery that may or may not cure. Im now on day 4. Radiation is killing my left salivary gland which i was cautioned would occur with or without surgery too. Drinking tons of water. My DNA blood test now detects zero! It was drawn within 10 days of the biopsy - go figure.

If it helps to know, I had radiation for 28 days to the entire left side of my face and neck area and had the same effect where i was very dry in my mouth on the left side. Almost 1 year later since radiation I am still dryer than the right side of my mouth but has recovered some. I found the last 2 weeks of radiation was particularly difficult so be prepared for that but you will make it through. Just stay positive. I did find that XyliMelts do help get through those tough dry days.