A MINOR INCONVENIENCE
On January 14, I found a lump,
It really put me in a slump.
I went to Dr. Jeff Baker who said he was sure
It wasn’t a cyst, but a little morel.
His nurses, Mary and Cheryl, said “Do not pout-
When this is over, we’ll eat out.”
Next, Dr. Bleznak, the surgeon took a look,
Then gave me the news and I really shook.
He said, “Jean Witmer’s your cancer partner for now,
Listen to her – she’ll guide you somehow.
Jean and Mary Goodwin were a wonderful help,
Anything I needed, I just gave a yelp.
Sherry set up exams and a blood test,
It was time now to get rid of the pest.
When I was under anesthesia, and didn’t give a hoot,
I said to my daughter, “Isn’t Dr. Bleznak cute?”
First came the lump, and then the nodes,
And as usual, the lymph came in loads.
31 nodes all as clean as can be,
Now, what more could you ask of me?
Judy Underwood came in pink
Are you from cancer or Mary Kay, I think
The surgery went well, that’s for sure,
But, there was a surprise for me now in store.
This minor inconvenience made me sad,
An infection, a blood clot--a good one, not bad.
I had a great surgeon who came in the snow,
To aspirate me on Sunday when it was 10 below!
After many aspirations done daily by Molly,
It wasn’t real pleasant, but she made it jolly.
I can handle having cancer OK, you see,
But, infections and rashes are upsetting to me,
On to the oncologist by the name of Dixon,
If you’ve got cancer, he’s the one to do the fixin’
Another infection and quite a rash,
I could have screamed ‘cause it means more cash.
But, Dr. Kozminsky said “do not fret”,
He knew another rash had me upset.
Just a “minor inconvenience” to cause a delay,
I was not happy, but what could I say?
The radiation techs had lots of charm,
It was nice to hear them say, “Relax your arm.”
Drs. Derdel, Rogers and Janet in radiation did all they could,
They always helped to make me feel good.
Dr. Shrock’s classes meant a great deal,
It makes a difference in how you feel.
Friends and family really came through
Any need you had, they took care of for you..
My sister and cousins met me for lunch,
Their love and support helped a big bunch.
Everyone I work with couldn’t have been better,
They supported me completely-down to the letter.
My boss was cooperative with my every request,
He said, “Do what you need, and keep me abreast.”
On to the healing process right now,
I’ll lick this darn thing, by gosh and somehow.
It’s been a “minor inconvenience” and caused some strife,
But, strangely enough, it’s made a difference in my life.
B. Smith
May 1994
A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE
For five years, I was cancer free—
And then it came and attacked me
Four tumors were found and weren’t very nice—
So then I had to pay the price.
I went to get my lymph nodes checked—
And to say the least I was a wreck.
One node was clean and one was bad—
I didn’t like hearing this and it made me sad.
Things moved fast and gave me no rest—
I always felt I had to get something off of my chest.
I knew Dr. Bleznak would take good care of me—
He was may surgeon before, you see.
Nancy, his nurse is just one of the best—
He does the surgery and she takes care of the rest.
My daughter said my stitches were fine—
Dr. Bleznak could do counted cross stitch anytime.
I had such a support group that didn’t pry—
But were there for me when I had to cry.
My daughters were helpful in every way—
And they did everything without any pay.
My son-in-law Steve and husband Blair—
Were great care-givers and always there.
All my friends really came through—
It means so much when bad things happen to you.
Sometimes you want to say “Why Me?”
But then we must say “Why Me?” for our blessings, you see.
Courage is when “fear says its prayers”, I read—
This meant a lot to me and helped keep away the dread.
Prayers and cards kept coming my way—
This is what got me through day by day.
On to Dr. Wolfe, the oncologist and that sounds wild---
But I understand he’s very kind and mild.
I’ll try to take my treatment like a pro—
Because if you know me I want to be on the go.
I could sit home and really pout—
But I’d much rather be out and about.
I do not know what the future holds, that’s for sure—
But I do know who holds the future and that means more.
This is not a pleasant experience and has caused some strife—
But as I’ve said before when I had cancer, it’s made a difference in my life.
B. Smith
November 1999
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