It’s been an anxious time at my house, and I’m happy that it’s in the rearview mirror. In January I got an unexpected melanoma diagnosis and had surgery three weeks ago. Last week I received the wonderful news that the pathology exam found no metastasis. Other than frequent check-ups for the next few years, I am done with this episode. PSA: Get your skin checked! Wear sun-screen and a hat! If you’re concerned about some change on your skin or anywhere else, speak up!
While swirling in the throes of uncertainty, I did not participate as much as I normally do in Laura Shovan’s February poetry challenge. But I did manage to write several poems. The theme this year was mysteries, and there were some wonderful prompts. I particularly enjoyed Marilyn Garcia’s challenge to take the lyrics of one of the Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour songs and make them make sense. I’m not certain I’ve made sense of Strawberry Fields Forever, but it was a nice outlet to celebrate my good news and good health. Here’s my poem:
My sweetheart and I did take a moment to celebrate after my post-op appointment. (He doesn’t read my infrequent blog posts, so he’ll never know I shared this photo! But I hope he does know how much I appreciated his support.)
It’s misty and warm tonight in Michigan. The spring peepers serenaded us when we walked the hound this evening, and the smell of skunk perfumed the air. Spring is on its way! As is Poetry Friday–visit Karen Edmisten’s blog to read her “shimmering rainfall of words” and all of this week’s delicious poetry treats.
Former lifeguard (pre-sunscreen) here chiming in with another “caught it early” melanoma story. The long scar and dent in my right forearm remind me to wear long sleeves, long pants and lots of sunscreen on all the exposed parts! I’ve used up whole tubes of sunscreen for the first time in my life. Glad you had a positive outcome, too!
I’m glad you got good news! I am now a frequent flyer at the dermatologist as I spend my childhood out in the sun. Love the celebratory poem!
Oh Buffy! I’m so glad you are okay. I feel that “going unhurried through each footfall of recovery.” Yes! I echo your plea for sunscreen and covering up! I had a melanoma diagnosis in fall of 2024 and it was terrifying (and another in fall of 2025). Also after surgery found no metastasis. I also get to hang out with my derm every 3 months and get carved like a pumpkin each time. But I’m all for it if we can keep things from progressing.
Yikes–I’m so sorry you had to go through this twice, Marcie. I hope you didn’t have to do the lymph node removal twice–that was the hardest part for me. And yes to keeping things from progressing.
Hooray for peepers! I’m sure they were delighted with your all-clear. I know I am! And look at you, getting Strawberry Moon into a lovely spring poem. Well done! Any weekend there’s poetry on this blog makes me happy. I so enjoy your poems.
Blessings of healing and gratitude, Buffy. Yes — there is wonder.
Buffy, I am so glad for your post-op good news. Melanoma is scary. I am a 34 year survivor of it. I love the line steeping in hot tea.
Well knowing you have survived 34 years is the encouragement I love to hear. Thanks, Jone.
From your title til the end of the poem, your words bring hope. Thank you for sharing. Glad your health scare resolved well for you 🙂
Thank goodness, Buffy! Those times of waiting are such a challenge. I’m so grateful for the wonderful news!
I love “I’m a steeping pot of tea, infused with warmth and flavor.” — Yes, savor it all!
Wonderful news, Buffy! Your poem is full of hope and celebration. Thank you.
Relieved and happy to hear your good news, Buffy. Thanks for the reminder to get checked. May the light and beauty of springtime hasten your healing and lift your spirits. xo
Dear Buffy, I love that you’re “a steeping pot of tea”, happiness added with cream & sugar, I’m sure. My challenge was not the same, but just had a mole with problem edges removed, all done, & I am glad. Your ending up in the Beatles’ ‘Strawberry Fields’ is a happy place to be!
Happy for your good news too, Linda.
Yay, Buffy! Wonderful news! And that’s a wonderful poem to celebrate with– “from fretfulness to fullness.” Let the fields bloom once more! *happy sigh*
Buffy, thanks for sharing your good news! Health issues have a way of disrupting everything, and often lead to new insights and discoveries about how best to spend our brief time on this planet. Thank you for the reminder. xo
Buffy, I am so happy for this good news. My mother-in-law who is 94 is on immunotherapy for melanoma. She is a survivor! I love the hopefulness of your poem and your sweet photo with your husband-hero. “There is wonder when the earth turns, the fog lifts.”
Wishing your mother-in-law a full recovery. And yes, those Jeffs are great supporters.
Buffy, so happy for the good news and your poem captures the feeling of renewal. I love the language and word choices, especially “hopeful from forelock down to phalanges,: and I giggled at “spinning infinite circles” because that sums up so amazingly my mind these days!
Buffy- I appreciate you sharing your story and reminding us to always check if something seems “off”. I’m so pleased to hear that you got it tested and that the future looks bright. You have always been a ray of sunshine in my life.
Sending healing energy and lots of love.