Wilma Mankiller, Winter term's Montgomery Fellow who was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer at the end of last term, is currently undergoing chemotherapy and said yesterday it is her optimism that keeps her strong.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system, according to the Cancer Information Service of New England.
Mankiller, the former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, said she has had two "pretty aggressive chemotherapy treatments" so far, and in the next few weeks the doctors will know how many more she needs.
She said after her first chemotherapy treatment in March, her doctors felt the tumor had shrunk some.
"Chemotherapy is no cake walk," Mankiller said. "But by and large I have done very well."
She said she is "optimistic that all this is part of a trade-off for wellness."
Mankiller said she has confidence in her doctors at the Deaconess Oncology Clinic in Boston.
"I am moving forward," Mankiller said. "I have always felt there was a definite real connection between the mental state and the biological and physical body."
She said she has changed to a vegetarian diet and has consulted with relaxation therapists to aid in her recovery.
Mankiller said although she is not as physically strong as she used to be, much of the time she is well and can even drive around and go out.
"I am still writing," she said, and she added she has bought a laptop computer.
For about one-and-a-half weeks each month, though, Mankiller said she is "wiped out because of the chemotherapy."
She said side effects from the chemotherapy have been nausea, weakness, skin rashes and hair loss.
"No matter what age you are, it is still traumatic to lose your hair," Mankiller said.
"I have not been devastated by the side effects [of the chemotherapy], though," she said. "My optimism tells me it will pass, it is just part of the healing process."
Mankiller said College President James Freedman has called her several times to check on her health.
Freedman, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in April, 1994, was successfully treated with chemotherapy.
Mankiller said she has received "hundreds and hundreds of cards -- the sheer volume has been absolutely wonderful."
She said the people at Dartmouth have been wonderful and have continued to check up on her despite the fact she has finished her fellowship.
Mankiller said she would like to come to Hanover for the annual powwow if she is feeling well.
She said Chair of the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Department Marysa Navarro offered to come to Boston to pick her up and take her to the powwow.
