FAB FOUR

Out of the 12 eggs, only 4 were mature. I'm pretty surprised by how low that number is, but the good news (for now): all four fertilized and at the 3-day check yesterday, all were doing well. I get the next update Wednesday, where they'll tell me how many will get to be genetically tested. I doubt all four will make the cut, but I'm hoping...

Especially because I've named them already.

Flopsy
Mopsy
Cottontail
Ringo (you thought I was going to say Peter, didn't you??)

Go embryos go!!

I'll take a dozen eggs, please

Well, made it through the egg retrieval and they got 12 eggs. I was of course hoping for more, but I think at my advanced age that's an okay number. And now we wait...

All my eggs in one basket

We're a go for the egg retrieval on Thursday. Of course, the nurse again asked if my HUSBAND would be accompanying me...can you not write SINGLE on my file or something?? Saw the dr today at the ultrasound, and she said everything looks great, including my 20 follicles. Here's hoping for 10+ eggs...

This is becoming the Ziegfeld Folli(cl)es

Well, have ANOTHER dr's appt in the morning and have to give myself the shots for ANOTHER day. Hoping to trigger tomorrow night with an egg retrieval on Thursday. Good lord. #dontmesswithahormonalwoman #nastywoman #samething

Human Gumball Machine

Still full of follicles - 11 on the right and 9 on the left (however, these numbers include the tiny ones, but I'm still hoping for like 12-15 eggs). I went back Saturday for bloodwork and another ultrasound, and was told to continue as I had been. Another check-in today, and I'm hoping I can trigger tonight and go in Wednesday for the egg retrieval. (Only have enough meds through Tuesday, so this better be wrapping up soon regardless!) I added the Ganirelix shot Friday night, so we are now at three shots a day, people. Diabetes would not be a problem at this point. So used to giving myself shots. I don't think I've acted too insanely hormonal, but you might want to ask my family or co-workers...

1...2...3 follicles! Ah ha ha I LOVE to count them!

Had my first ultrasound since starting the stimulation meds, and everything is looking good (aside from a few tiny pesky fibroids). Three lines showing up in my lining, meaning it's nice and thick, and I have 7-8 follicles on the right and 9 on the left. For some reason I want them to harvest 17, so these numbers are nearly perfect. I will find out later on today if my estrogen levels doubled, and when I start the third drug Ganirelix (because two shots a day just isn't enough!). The dr did warn that two days after the egg retrieval I would be UBER bloated, so that's always something to look forward to. At least it's no longer swimsuit season...

What's your number?

So my estrogen level was 145 yesterday. This means nothing to me - not even sure what it's SUPPOSED to be, but I guess it's okay because the dr didn't adjust my meds at all. I go back tomorrow for an ultrasound and more bloodwork, and my number is supposed to double. This brings back bad flashbacks from when the HCG levels were supposed to double, but here's hoping this time will go better and we can bump up the drugs if need be! #goodtimes

Shots fired.

Day four of the stimulation shots, and feeling good! Had bloodwork done this morning, so hopefully that all looks AOK as well. I've more or less mastered the menopur shot (Gonal-F is way easier), and I think I have to add Ganirelex on Thursday, although I will know more after Thursday's dr's appt. Actually felt a little ovary aching yesterday, which I'm hoping is a sign that the stimulation drugs are...stimulating. #fingerscrossed

Here we go!

Got the green light at this morning's appointment, so IVF is happening people. I start the shots on Saturday, so I have until then to remember how to do it. The nurse told me today that I have "beautiful ovaries." I literally responded "thanks - we've been working out." What do you say to that comment? Like I have any control over what my ovaries look like?? Whatever - I'll take it. Let's DO this!

Breaking Bad Baby

So the IVF drugs arrived on Saturday. $5500 worth of drugs. It looks like a damn meth lab:

(And this isn't even all - another four boxes are in the fridge!)

Dr's appt tomorrow - really hoping I get to move forward this month. And if I don't, REALLY hoping these drugs don't expire.

Day one of IVF and I'm already broke.

I went to the dr yesterday to get bloodwork done, got my IVF calendar and learned how to use/mix/dispense all 800 of the drugs I will be injecting into my body. (Kidding - there are only 4. But it is fairly overwhelming.) Also learned that at next week's appointment I will owe nearly $11K. And then I went back to work and paid for said drugs - $6500. I thought this was going to cost around $14K and saved $16K "just in case." And I'm already $1K in the hole. And we're not done yet. How in the HELL do people do multiple rounds of this without selling a kidney or taking out a mortgage on their home? Jesus. It's fairly disheartening. Plus the fact that I think I started my period, and will most likely have to postpone until December. Should know more next week. Trying to stay positive but it is HARD.

Gotta run by the bank

In case you were wondering what a sperm bank looks like (or at least a sperm bank WEBSITE)...

Bizarre, no? If you pay extra you can see their baby picture, but no adult photos. And you can hear their voice, read their medical history (and family medical history), plus an essay they had to write. Kind of like online dating, but much much much more important. No pressure.

It's October. It's IVF Month!

Had a hysteroscopy on 9/23 and my new dr removed a few fibroids and some leftover tissue from the miscarriage. I'm still bleeding a little, but hopefully that won't delay IVF. I go back to the dr on Wednesday and get the calendar, but she estimates the embryo transfer would take place October 25 or 26. Can't believe it's that fast. I'm on birth control to regulate my cycle, and I'm trying to remain optimistic. I told myself I wouldn't read the blogs this time, but I cracked last week and it was awful. No good news. Not what I need going in to this. So I'm just going to surround myself with positive thoughts (what if it all goes RIGHT?!) and hope for the best. At least it seems like I picked a good doctor - she's on the cover of D Magazine!