There are three stories that flow through this book. A beautiful young woman discovers that she has not only cancer, but one of its deadliest forms - melanoma. This discovery begins a long journey through the heretofore unknown field of medicine, oncology. From the early days of finding a physician who orders the proper treatment for the various phases of the disease to the final reckoning of the efficacy of the treatment, the story plunges into hope and despair, humor and tragedy, acceptance and understanding. The second story is the relationship between mother and daughter. From Ainsley's early adulthood, mother and daughter are estranged emotionally. When the mother attempts to be closer, Ainsley asserts her independence. With the diagnosis of melanoma, the relationship takes an abrupt turn, becoming loving and close. They journey the long, painful process of illness together. The third story involves bereavement that begins not only with the expected but mourned death of Ainsley, but with the discovery of her writing that describes her reactions to the many aspects of the disease and its treatment. This discovery results in not only the desire to tell Ainsley's story, but also to present the writing that so poignantly describes her daughter's innermost thoughts as she travels through the medical maze of unforeseen results, skilled surgery and frequent operations and procedures.