12/6/11: 6 mo. after 1st Post Liver Check-Up
December 6, 2011
by Dr. Lita
LitaSix months has passed since I had my first annual post liver check up at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix Arizona. At that check up I was give a good and clear bill of health. My recovery from the transplant was coming along well. Since that time my family and I have spent the summer back on the pow wow trail. Our travels took us to events from coast to coast. We traveled over twenty five thousand miles.
My return to the dance arena was a dream come true for me. This was my goal in recovery. In the beginning the dancing and the long distances traveled in our Black truck was a bit much for me. But as the summer progressed, I rapidly gained my strength and stamina. It was a great and exhilarated journey. Seeing and dancing again in the many pow wow arenas with others was great. You have no real idea how good something is until you nearly lose it. the sound of the drums for me is a part of my healing. On November 22nd, I returned to the mayo Clinic for a dermatological skin exam. The purpose of this exam is to check my body for signs of skin cancer. the only medication which I am prescribed to take for anti rejection of my new liver has a side effect which may cause skin cancer.
To my joy and delight the exam showed no signs of skin cancer. I heeded my doctor’s warning and through the entire summer I slapped on the sun screen and added the wearing of a hat during the daytime hours at the outdoor pow wows. The summer was a time for me of reflection and thanks. If it was not for the prayers and ceremonies by those who were concerned for my health and the generous donation of my donor, my life would have been over by now. As we traveled, I met many Native and others who have also successfully had organ transplants. I also met and spoke to others who now are waiting for a donor. I have dedicated my life to encourage everyone to consider becoming an organ donor. Truly, as I see it, the gift of organ donation is a gift of life. This gift from the generous donor is a major part of our continued circle of life. To all those who have become donors, they are heroes. As we now move forward through these winter and spring months, I am excited about the 2012 pow wow season ahead. It begins for me with the 2012 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. I truly believe that the “Gathering” is a place of healing for those who attend. I hope to see everyone and to greet them again at the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow.