Welcome -- My name is Sheri Scalley Solomon
I am a cancer survivor and poet
When Cancer Called My Name is a collection of free verse poetry tracing one woman’s journey through lymphoma cancer—from diagnosis to chemotherapy, remission, and beyond.
Written for patients, caregivers, and loved ones, this book offers quiet companionship through one of life’s most difficult seasons.
How this book came to be …
Five years ago, I never imagined that my name would appear on the cover of a book like this — nor that I would be weaving words about my own journey with cancer.
On May 1st, 2021, I went to the emergency room to have a small lump on my neck checked. That day, I first heard my name linked with cancer: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Stage 2.
That summer became a season of hospitals and hope — hydration visits thrice a week, six rounds of chemotherapy, over a hundred appointments.
On September 8th, 2021, I rang the hospital bell, declaring myself cancer free. What a journey!
Now, on the fifth anniversary of that diagnosis, I am releasing this book — part memoir, part poetry, part conversation with anyone who has walked beside cancer in any way.
This is not a path I ever expected to walk, but it is one I feel called to share.
Whether you have just stepped onto this path, walk it as a survivor, or hold the hand of one who does, I hope these pages will speak to you and touch your heart.
My hope is that these words might be a quiet companion on your journey.
May they lift you, encourage you, and remind you that you are not alone.
Take only what you need, and leave the rest for another day.
These pages were shaped through the support of friends and family—helping me endure, rise, write, and share this journey.
If these poems have spoken to your heart, you may also enjoy the companion volume:
When Cancer Called My Name:
Selected Poems
from the Original Collection
A beautifully bound hardcover featuring fifty poems
chosen from this complete collection,
along with pages for readers to write, reflect,
and make the journey their own.
Excited to add some music to my words.
My Friend, Alf, from Sweden, has, with my permission and thankful heart,
taken a few of my poems and with his artistic flair, has turned them to SONGS.
I am overjoyed !
The first one I am sharing with you today --- "Hey You, Red Buckets"
and now adding --- "My Life" and "It's Ok to Look"
AND two more songs this week "My Sister Margie" and "We Know Not Our Later"
Below you will find a few poems -- read by Me, the author, *smile*
The first recording is a little prologue
My latest book, When Cancer Called My Name is a collection of free verse poetry tracing my journey through lymphoma cancer -- from diagnosis to chemotherapy, remission, and beyond.
On May 1st 2021, I went to the emergency room to have a small lump on my neck checked. That day, I first heard my name linked with cancer: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Stage 2.
This book is written for patients, caregivers, and loved ones -- offering a quiet companionship through one of life's most difficult seasons.
My books are dedicated to my family and literally thousands whom I have woven words with over the past decades. Thank you, Charles, for the chance to weave words, dance, meander phrases, collect, and collate ... so this book could be born ... and my rambling words preserved.
Thank you, Kate and Emmalee, for allowing me to discover, grasp, and try practicing my mothering skills with both of you. It has been a delight to watch you grow into wonderful humans ... Often in spite of me. You both are truly my inspiration, and when I grow up, I wish to be just like both of you. Strong Women, Declaring Self, and Walking Your Own Wonderful Paths of Life! My greatest blessing on this earthly realm is when you call me Mother.
Growing up the eldest of seven siblings and moving each time my father was promoted, led to many 'home towns'. Starting my life in Moses Lake WA, then Garland UT, Pocatello ID, Sandy UT, Toppenish WA, and back to Moses Lake. With college years at Ricks and BYU. My career was spent working in public libraries, with Preschool Storytimes and the rural bookmobile being my favorite aspects! (Continuing to fuel my love of words).
My married life then began in Washington State ~ Kennewick, Spokane, Tacoma, back to Spokane and once again returning to Kennewick.
My latest book, When Cancer Called My Name is for anyone walking beside cancer - patient, caregiver,or loved one. These pages offer presence, not answers
A place to rest, reflect, and feel a little less alone.