Mullen News
Posted by Kelly on May 7, 2007
May 2, 2006 10:00 am, one year ago this month, I was given the news that I had breast cancer. Happy “I am alive” Anniversary to me!!
I met with one of my surgeons, Dr. Shih, who put in my portocath. I am having it removed on June 4. He asked me if I wanted to be put to sleep or have local freezing…its funny because everyone I tell this to say, oh definitely put to sleep. But if you tend to get really sick from the drugs you might choose the local which is what I did. He said they basically freeze the area, he cuts open the same incision, cuts away the scar tissue, pops out the port and sews me up. In and out in an hour verses 4 hours with anethestic. I hope he gets to let me watch. Maybe I should bring a mirror.
A totally new subject….
As some of you know we are now raising mink. They stink like nobodys business. Anyway, they are currently whelping aka. giving birth…all 1600 of them. Since the majority are first time moms if requires checking the litters several times a day for things like tangled umbilical cords, cold babies (we warm them in an incubator and put them back with the moms), sufficient milk production, too large litters (we farm some out), record birthing details on the cards, remove dead babies,etc. So tonight after the kids were in bed asleep I head down to the barn to do a final check (Randy is working in the yard). I didn’t realize how late it was but around 10 o’clock at night as I am standing by a cage with 3 babies in my hand the lights go out. It is PITCH BLACK! I forgot the lights are on an automatic timer. There is no moon to guide me or glow from lights, just total darkness. I dump, um whoops, I mean I very gently place the babies in the cage in front of me (and hope the mother doesn’t bite me or escape because I am doing this all by touch since I can’t see) and feel my way along the row of cages to the front of the building, stumble across to the door and let myself out. Then I breath. It is a little disconcerting to be in full light then total darkness without warning. Next time I am bringing a flashlight along.
Esther said
I still remember the day I got your news, and how BAD I felt that I had seen you the night before and not known!! What a year eh!? I’m so glad you’re still here:), I was scared for you, but GOd answered prayer!
Poor you in the mink barn, it’s kind of a funny story though:)
A great day to you,
Love Esther
Shannon said
So glad you’ve come through it all as you have. Hooray for God’s blessing!
The other night when we drove by your place and the mink barn thing was all aglow we figured you were hiding aliens or something. Looks really ‘other-worldly’ at night. I’m thinkin the whole mink thing is just a cover. Admit it.
cheryl said
wow, its been a year, wow! happy anniversary hun! stranded in a stinky mink barn in the pitch dark well, only you!
kim W and I were talking Sunday she would definately like to do the city trip with us, we just need to pick a day! We can take my car but I will probably get you to drive in the city cause the city totally weirds me out. let me know what your thinking!
Christine said
Happy Anniversary to you! Enjoy your day and many more healthy and happy ones with your family and ‘the mink’.! Only you Kelly, so how is it being grandmother to 1600 mink! Feel any older!
So looking forward to next week – take care – until then!
Christine