Good news...beta rose to 302 - so just a smidge under double. E2 is at 449 (they want it > 300).
P4 dropped a bit to 11.4, but I haven't had a PIO shot since Sunday - so this kinda makes sense.
They are now putting me on 1 cc of PIO a night and want to re-check on Friday.
As I said before...now the real 2ww begins...ughhhh.
Please! Why can't my 4ww just be easy and smooth? Just this once?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
11 dp 5 d FET - Beta #2 - Part 1
Well, today's D-day #2 (or, would it be more appropriate to say "B-Day #2"?) - another step in the process where we learn if we get to continue this journey. Blood was drawn around 8:15 am.
Despite getting a very solid beta on Sunday, as the evening approached a sense of fear suddenly overcame me that I am now having trouble kicking. While I started to fill my PIO syringe, my eyes started to fill with tears over the "What if's..." thoughts. I have never had a problem with my betas rising at this point - they've aways doubled - so not sure why the nervousness kicked in.
A few other signs that the drugs and hormones are kicking in:
1. A general feelng of being "worn out" - a little different than "tired".
2. Puffy face (thank you Prednisone)
3. Hungry ALL the time (again, thank you Prednisone)
4. A dull headache that comes and goes.
5. Peeing frequently.
To ease my mind, I talked to the nurse and the phlebotomist today and here's some info I thought others might find helpful:
1. We are looking for a good rise in the HCG levels. If they don't exactly double, don't panic...that's normal and sometimes happens.
2. If I start to spot (which I did this morning - only brown), don't panic. This is normal when taking progesterone suppositories. Sometimes wetting the tip with water will help.
3. When on progesterone suppositories, we want P2 levels above 6. If taking PIO, we want your levels above 20.
4. HCG levels are individual to each pregnancy. So, even though my number at 9dp 5dt was at 240 last time, having 157 this time can't be compared. There still may be twins in there...we won't know until the u/s.
5. CCRM now has a new protocol of not doing HCG, P4, E2 checks if your second one comes back "normal." If you ask they will run one the following week. If you are "spotting" (hint, hint - this may be the magic word if you just can't take it) - they may run the levels again.
Before today, I was a little (ok, probably more than a little) miffed about the new HCG policy, but now that I've had some time to let it simmer in my brain, this actually makes more sense because the reality is that if things start to take a turn, there's nothing anyone can do (inclding the nurses, a hospital or me). I know that if I start bleeding red to go on bedrest immediately.
Staying in "happy mode" and just assuming everything is peachy is probably the best thing I can do for me and my LO('s) right now.
If we can make it through today - then, based on my history, the 2.5 ww really begins. My 1st U/S will be sometime around 4/13 - 4/15.
Today I just need to remember to relax and breathe...breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe.
Will update later when I get my magic number...
Despite getting a very solid beta on Sunday, as the evening approached a sense of fear suddenly overcame me that I am now having trouble kicking. While I started to fill my PIO syringe, my eyes started to fill with tears over the "What if's..." thoughts. I have never had a problem with my betas rising at this point - they've aways doubled - so not sure why the nervousness kicked in.
A few other signs that the drugs and hormones are kicking in:
1. A general feelng of being "worn out" - a little different than "tired".
2. Puffy face (thank you Prednisone)
3. Hungry ALL the time (again, thank you Prednisone)
4. A dull headache that comes and goes.
5. Peeing frequently.
To ease my mind, I talked to the nurse and the phlebotomist today and here's some info I thought others might find helpful:
1. We are looking for a good rise in the HCG levels. If they don't exactly double, don't panic...that's normal and sometimes happens.
2. If I start to spot (which I did this morning - only brown), don't panic. This is normal when taking progesterone suppositories. Sometimes wetting the tip with water will help.
3. When on progesterone suppositories, we want P2 levels above 6. If taking PIO, we want your levels above 20.
4. HCG levels are individual to each pregnancy. So, even though my number at 9dp 5dt was at 240 last time, having 157 this time can't be compared. There still may be twins in there...we won't know until the u/s.
5. CCRM now has a new protocol of not doing HCG, P4, E2 checks if your second one comes back "normal." If you ask they will run one the following week. If you are "spotting" (hint, hint - this may be the magic word if you just can't take it) - they may run the levels again.
Before today, I was a little (ok, probably more than a little) miffed about the new HCG policy, but now that I've had some time to let it simmer in my brain, this actually makes more sense because the reality is that if things start to take a turn, there's nothing anyone can do (inclding the nurses, a hospital or me). I know that if I start bleeding red to go on bedrest immediately.
Staying in "happy mode" and just assuming everything is peachy is probably the best thing I can do for me and my LO('s) right now.
If we can make it through today - then, based on my history, the 2.5 ww really begins. My 1st U/S will be sometime around 4/13 - 4/15.
Today I just need to remember to relax and breathe...breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe.
Will update later when I get my magic number...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
9dp 5d FET - Beta #1
Had my blood drawn around 8:30 am this morning and "the call' came in around 12:30 pm...
Beta is 157 and P4 (which is just as important to me - maybe even more so) is at 13.1.
Compared to my numbers last time, my beta was at 240 and my p4 was at 6.5 - so definitely happy to see the P4 number in the "normal" range today.
So, what does my HCG number mean in my opinion?
Well, the chances of this pregnancy being a triplet one are nearly infinitesimal. Whew...that's a huge relief! Glad we made the right decision by transferring three.
Can it be twins? It's possible, but compared to the "beta base" board, it's below average. The median beta on this day (14 dpo according to their chart) is 206. Here's another chart that shows people reporting.
What the "beta base" board numbers and chart tend to lean toward is that right now I am above average on my HCG number and caring a nice, solid singleton.
I go back for my second beta on Tuesday and they want to see it at least double.
You'll just have to stay tuned for a few more days to read the next chapter...
Beta is 157 and P4 (which is just as important to me - maybe even more so) is at 13.1.
Compared to my numbers last time, my beta was at 240 and my p4 was at 6.5 - so definitely happy to see the P4 number in the "normal" range today.
So, what does my HCG number mean in my opinion?
Well, the chances of this pregnancy being a triplet one are nearly infinitesimal. Whew...that's a huge relief! Glad we made the right decision by transferring three.
Can it be twins? It's possible, but compared to the "beta base" board, it's below average. The median beta on this day (14 dpo according to their chart) is 206. Here's another chart that shows people reporting.
What the "beta base" board numbers and chart tend to lean toward is that right now I am above average on my HCG number and caring a nice, solid singleton.
I go back for my second beta on Tuesday and they want to see it at least double.
You'll just have to stay tuned for a few more days to read the next chapter...
Friday, March 25, 2011
It's Official...
Thank you for all your comments. I've been jumping up-and-down on the inside for two days now and it's been fun to keep my "secret" all to myself for just a little while until I was sure. Today's the big celebration...
On today's POAS test, there was no question...two, beautiful pink lines!
I looked back at the box and realized that the POAS test I took yesterday was a "4 day sooner" one and today's was a "6 day sooner" one. So it will be interesting to see where my beta lands on Sunday.
So, how did I tell my DH? Well, while he was downstairs eating breakfast this morning, I put the following present on our bed:
(one of the first presents I bought him while we were dating was a stuffed frog - so that's where the frog theme comes from)
He was thrilled, but the first words out of his mouth were "there's only one set of pajamas - where's the other two?" Ha! I didn't even think about that...too bad.
On today's POAS test, there was no question...two, beautiful pink lines!
I looked back at the box and realized that the POAS test I took yesterday was a "4 day sooner" one and today's was a "6 day sooner" one. So it will be interesting to see where my beta lands on Sunday.
So, how did I tell my DH? Well, while he was downstairs eating breakfast this morning, I put the following present on our bed:
(one of the first presents I bought him while we were dating was a stuffed frog - so that's where the frog theme comes from)
He was thrilled, but the first words out of his mouth were "there's only one set of pajamas - where's the other two?" Ha! I didn't even think about that...too bad.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
6dp 5dt - My First Poll
As I've mentioned before on this blog, I am one of the most impatient people in the world. The only person who is more impatient than me is my Mom (so, I know where I get it from).
On my last CCRM cycle, my transfer was around 10 am and they were fresh embryos. By 6dp5dt, I POASed and definitely knew I was pregnant. On this cycle, my transfer was closer to 3 pm and we transferred frozen embryos.
So, yesterday, I POASed. When I held the stick right on top of the light, I thought I could see the faintest of faint lines. To the point where I was almost sure I was imagining things.
Today, I POASed again and here's pictures of the results. I haven't even showed my DH yet because, if there was any question, he'd deny it (he's just like that - black or white - no gray).
What do you think? (Poll on right)
On my last CCRM cycle, my transfer was around 10 am and they were fresh embryos. By 6dp5dt, I POASed and definitely knew I was pregnant. On this cycle, my transfer was closer to 3 pm and we transferred frozen embryos.
So, yesterday, I POASed. When I held the stick right on top of the light, I thought I could see the faintest of faint lines. To the point where I was almost sure I was imagining things.
Today, I POASed again and here's pictures of the results. I haven't even showed my DH yet because, if there was any question, he'd deny it (he's just like that - black or white - no gray).
What do you think? (Poll on right)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
5dp 5dt
Didn't really feel any noticeable symptoms yesterday - no headaches, no cramps, nothing. My gut is still telling me that everything is just fine.
Every pregnancy is different and there are lots of women who feel nothing for the first several weeks - so it's not unusual. At the moment, I have confidence in my doctor, the lab, the embryologists and our embryos. I can envision them "eating their way" into the wall of my uterus and snuggling in to a fluffy, snuggly, warm cloud of red.
Most of all, I have all of you cheering "us" on. Thanks!
Every pregnancy is different and there are lots of women who feel nothing for the first several weeks - so it's not unusual. At the moment, I have confidence in my doctor, the lab, the embryologists and our embryos. I can envision them "eating their way" into the wall of my uterus and snuggling in to a fluffy, snuggly, warm cloud of red.
Most of all, I have all of you cheering "us" on. Thanks!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
4dp 5dt
A couple days closer to a BFP! Time is really flying...
Here is a pic of our future kidlets. The embryologist said all 3 were fully expanded, but maybe the first one is even starting to hatch at this point?
Didn't really have any symptoms yesterday other than being tired, but that could be the progesterone kicking in. My boobs have never gotten sore - so that's not really a sign with me. No POAS today - maybe by the end of the week if I am really confident about the results. My HCG is Sunday - so coming up quick.
Still haven't heard if they re-froze embryo #4 - so maybe I will give the lab a call again today.
Best wishes to everyone who is transferring this week - you are in my thoughts and know who you are! :o)
Have a wonderful, happy, terrific Tuesday!
Here is a pic of our future kidlets. The embryologist said all 3 were fully expanded, but maybe the first one is even starting to hatch at this point?
Didn't really have any symptoms yesterday other than being tired, but that could be the progesterone kicking in. My boobs have never gotten sore - so that's not really a sign with me. No POAS today - maybe by the end of the week if I am really confident about the results. My HCG is Sunday - so coming up quick.
Still haven't heard if they re-froze embryo #4 - so maybe I will give the lab a call again today.
Best wishes to everyone who is transferring this week - you are in my thoughts and know who you are! :o)
Have a wonderful, happy, terrific Tuesday!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
2dp 5dt - Am I Nuts?
You may think I've certifiably lost my mind, but I swear I'm feeling symptoms already - minor cramps have continued, starting to get headaches that don't last more than 5 seconds, peeing every 2-4 hours and definitely more tired today.
I know it's way too early to POAS, but I'm taking all these as positive signs.
Wonder when the earliest is that someone has POAS'ed and gotten a +? Last time I tested on 6dp 5dt and got a definite +.
Today I start more drugs to help my body from rejecting the embies (they worked last time, so he's keeping me on them) - 10 mg prednisone, 10 mg claritin and 20 mg pepcid (the pepcid 2x/day).
Oh, of course, and Dee too - this is your week!!! (Remember - I'm on lots of drugs - so my mind is not all there)
I know it's way too early to POAS, but I'm taking all these as positive signs.
Wonder when the earliest is that someone has POAS'ed and gotten a +? Last time I tested on 6dp 5dt and got a definite +.
Today I start more drugs to help my body from rejecting the embies (they worked last time, so he's keeping me on them) - 10 mg prednisone, 10 mg claritin and 20 mg pepcid (the pepcid 2x/day).
Oh, of course, and Dee too - this is your week!!! (Remember - I'm on lots of drugs - so my mind is not all there)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
1dp 5dt - Winding Down Bedrest
Have about an hour or two left, then sleep, then I'm a freebird!
Watched Babs in Yentl, finished Ken Follett's Fall of Giants (had about 250 pages left), started another book for book club next month, watched a documentary on Grand Central Station (Did you know there was a secret station under the Waldorf Astoria built for FDR and his automobile so that he could travel discreetly during WWII?)
Had a couple mild cramps in my lower left abdomen today - no headaches yet, but hoping they're on the way because that's a sure sign to me. Maybe the lovenox will change that? (not sure).
Will I POAS? I bought some sticks last week, but will only break them out if I'm about 90% certain of a positive outcome like I was during my last cycle. The cycle prior to that, I POAS'ed on my beta day (a Friday)and it came back BFN - so I stopped my drugs. On Sunday afternoon I felt crappy - so I tested again and it came back BFP. Sure enough, when the test came back on Monday, my HCG was over 300 - so I learned my lesson the hard way.
One day closer to beta day!
Iveta and Hoping- You're next!
Watched Babs in Yentl, finished Ken Follett's Fall of Giants (had about 250 pages left), started another book for book club next month, watched a documentary on Grand Central Station (Did you know there was a secret station under the Waldorf Astoria built for FDR and his automobile so that he could travel discreetly during WWII?)
Had a couple mild cramps in my lower left abdomen today - no headaches yet, but hoping they're on the way because that's a sure sign to me. Maybe the lovenox will change that? (not sure).
Will I POAS? I bought some sticks last week, but will only break them out if I'm about 90% certain of a positive outcome like I was during my last cycle. The cycle prior to that, I POAS'ed on my beta day (a Friday)and it came back BFN - so I stopped my drugs. On Sunday afternoon I felt crappy - so I tested again and it came back BFP. Sure enough, when the test came back on Monday, my HCG was over 300 - so I learned my lesson the hard way.
One day closer to beta day!
Iveta and Hoping- You're next!
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Big Day: Part Deux - I'm P!
The deed is done and I'm now officially P (not even going to qualify it with the UPO - I'm just making the assumption that next Sunday's beta will be well over 50 and Tuesday's will more than double).
At about 2:30 pm three beautiful embryos finally came home at the skiled hands of Dr. G. I has never met him before, but really liked him.
At 10 am - two embryos were on-track, but by the time of the transfer, all three expanded 100%. The fourth one only expanded 90%, so they were going to wait and see if it made sense to re-freeze, but the embryologist sounded optimistic.
Had a couple fleeting headaches - but otherwise feeling good.
1/2 day of bedrest done - one to go!
At about 2:30 pm three beautiful embryos finally came home at the skiled hands of Dr. G. I has never met him before, but really liked him.
At 10 am - two embryos were on-track, but by the time of the transfer, all three expanded 100%. The fourth one only expanded 90%, so they were going to wait and see if it made sense to re-freeze, but the embryologist sounded optimistic.
Had a couple fleeting headaches - but otherwise feeling good.
1/2 day of bedrest done - one to go!
The Big Day: Part One...
We're locked and loaded and ready to go! Feeling great physically and excited emotionally!
Yesterday I told a co-worker I was on PTO tomorrow and he harassed me for going out and partying for St Patrick's Day and having to nurse a hangover today...if only he knew!
Slept in until 7:30 am this morning. Oh did that feel good.
Embryologist called this am and we agreed to thaw my 4 best embryos (the extra one will be refrozen if possible). She said all 4 are the highest quality.
Just a few more, short hours!
Yesterday I told a co-worker I was on PTO tomorrow and he harassed me for going out and partying for St Patrick's Day and having to nurse a hangover today...if only he knew!
Slept in until 7:30 am this morning. Oh did that feel good.
Embryologist called this am and we agreed to thaw my 4 best embryos (the extra one will be refrozen if possible). She said all 4 are the highest quality.
Just a few more, short hours!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Sign...Maybe?
Thanks for all your thoughts, comments and wishes. I don't normally post twice in the same day, but given the circumstances, I think you'll understand...my world was slightly rocked again this evening.
Today, I happened to have had some work I wanted to catch up on, so I didn't leave my office until late - about 6:45 pm (yes, that's late for Denver - the office is usually empty by 5 and our office lights go off automatically at 6 pm). The bonus is that by this time, there's no traffic, so my 45+ minute commute takes closer to 25 minutes.
Tonight, a couple miles after I exited the northbound highway onto the westbound highway, traffic suddenly came to a standstill. I don't mean LA or Atlanta traffic where it still moves at 2-3 mph, I am talking a true parking lot to the point where people were getting out of their cars. About a minute after stopping, I focused my sights about 30 cars in front of me and saw a car flipped completely on it's roof, tires pointed to the sky and people running all over the road. About two minutes later, no less than 30 emergency vehicles arrived on the scene - police trucks, fire engines, ambulances, unmarked cars. As time progressed, up ahead on the overpass I could see people gathering at the fences looking at the horrible accident.
The amazing thing is that everyone seemed to remain calm and realized they just needed to wait this one out. People politely moved right so the emergency vehicles could pass and vehicles yielded to one another. No one leaned on their horn or tried to squeeze by the accident so they could get home. Everyone seemed to realize the gravity and urgency of the situation.
After waiting about 45 minutes with all lanes blocked, the police had all traffic where I was make a U-turn on the highway and drive backwards to the previous exit. Again, people were polite and kind to one another.
There is no doubt in my mind that at least one person (and probably more) will not be coming home tonight. Had I been on the highway a mere 5-10 seconds earlier there is no question that I might have not been so lucky.
I don't generally believe in fate or destiny, but in this case I can't help but think that I was in that exact place at that exact time with the accident somewhat visible in front of me. Was I pondering about my dilemma all day today because I was somehow supposed to be reminded how precious life is and that there is the possibility that it can be gone in an instant?
I can't tell you how thankful I was to pull into my garage tonight, open the door to my kitchen and step over the threshold to two dogs who were excited to see me and a husband who took me into his arms and said "Welcome home, I love you."
Today, I happened to have had some work I wanted to catch up on, so I didn't leave my office until late - about 6:45 pm (yes, that's late for Denver - the office is usually empty by 5 and our office lights go off automatically at 6 pm). The bonus is that by this time, there's no traffic, so my 45+ minute commute takes closer to 25 minutes.
Tonight, a couple miles after I exited the northbound highway onto the westbound highway, traffic suddenly came to a standstill. I don't mean LA or Atlanta traffic where it still moves at 2-3 mph, I am talking a true parking lot to the point where people were getting out of their cars. About a minute after stopping, I focused my sights about 30 cars in front of me and saw a car flipped completely on it's roof, tires pointed to the sky and people running all over the road. About two minutes later, no less than 30 emergency vehicles arrived on the scene - police trucks, fire engines, ambulances, unmarked cars. As time progressed, up ahead on the overpass I could see people gathering at the fences looking at the horrible accident.
The amazing thing is that everyone seemed to remain calm and realized they just needed to wait this one out. People politely moved right so the emergency vehicles could pass and vehicles yielded to one another. No one leaned on their horn or tried to squeeze by the accident so they could get home. Everyone seemed to realize the gravity and urgency of the situation.
After waiting about 45 minutes with all lanes blocked, the police had all traffic where I was make a U-turn on the highway and drive backwards to the previous exit. Again, people were polite and kind to one another.
There is no doubt in my mind that at least one person (and probably more) will not be coming home tonight. Had I been on the highway a mere 5-10 seconds earlier there is no question that I might have not been so lucky.
I don't generally believe in fate or destiny, but in this case I can't help but think that I was in that exact place at that exact time with the accident somewhat visible in front of me. Was I pondering about my dilemma all day today because I was somehow supposed to be reminded how precious life is and that there is the possibility that it can be gone in an instant?
I can't tell you how thankful I was to pull into my garage tonight, open the door to my kitchen and step over the threshold to two dogs who were excited to see me and a husband who took me into his arms and said "Welcome home, I love you."
The Day After Tomorrow
It sounds so far, but yet so close. I've been counting work days, so in that perspective, tomorrow is the last one!
Late today, the schedule comes out - so I'll know my exact time. They typically schedule transfers in the late afternoon, but my DH and I both took the entire day off - so we are planning to sleep in, then take the dogs for a hike in the foothills, then go for a decadent brunch or lunch to celebrate.
I am a fairly avid reader and have several books sitting on my nightstand all ready for a Friday evening / Saturday all-day bed rest fest. I even threatened my husband that I was going to pick up a tiara because he's going to have to treat me like Kate Middleton (upon which he asked me, in typical guy fashion "Who is Kate Middleton?").
So far, I am feeling good. Still have little bouts of insomnia - but know the progesterone will sink in soon. A hematologist suggested that when I give myself injections to keep the hole of the needlepointing up (she called it "eye to the sky") and that seems to help - no bruising so far from he last two Lovenox shots.
As most of you know, right now we plan to implant 3 embryos - but I am starting to have second thoughts. To better understand the process and chances of success, I sent a couple e-mails yesterday to ask if the chances for implementation for each embryo are dependent or mutually exclusive. In other words, does one "bad' embryo affect the others. The overwhelming response was no - implantation of each embryo is independent of one another. Also, just about every e-mail contained a gentle warning about multiples - even twins.
I am sure we will come to the right decision when the time comes, but sitting here right now contemplating, it's a tough decision. My DH is willing to go with whatever I decide (since I'll be doing the "heavy lifting" as he says).
I certainly don't want to jeopardize the life or the health of our future children (or my own), but on the other had I am already 42 and my DH is 45 and I can't see us having a newborn when I am 44 or 45 and he is close to 50. It wouldn't be fair. So, having one or two children close together in age would be ideal.
We can order just about everything our heart desires on the Internet these days, why can't we simply place an order with a stork and find our bundle of joy swaddled in a blanket on our front steps one day when we arrive home? It would be so much easier...
At this point, only the universe knows what the future has in-store for us...
Late today, the schedule comes out - so I'll know my exact time. They typically schedule transfers in the late afternoon, but my DH and I both took the entire day off - so we are planning to sleep in, then take the dogs for a hike in the foothills, then go for a decadent brunch or lunch to celebrate.
I am a fairly avid reader and have several books sitting on my nightstand all ready for a Friday evening / Saturday all-day bed rest fest. I even threatened my husband that I was going to pick up a tiara because he's going to have to treat me like Kate Middleton (upon which he asked me, in typical guy fashion "Who is Kate Middleton?").
So far, I am feeling good. Still have little bouts of insomnia - but know the progesterone will sink in soon. A hematologist suggested that when I give myself injections to keep the hole of the needlepointing up (she called it "eye to the sky") and that seems to help - no bruising so far from he last two Lovenox shots.
As most of you know, right now we plan to implant 3 embryos - but I am starting to have second thoughts. To better understand the process and chances of success, I sent a couple e-mails yesterday to ask if the chances for implementation for each embryo are dependent or mutually exclusive. In other words, does one "bad' embryo affect the others. The overwhelming response was no - implantation of each embryo is independent of one another. Also, just about every e-mail contained a gentle warning about multiples - even twins.
I am sure we will come to the right decision when the time comes, but sitting here right now contemplating, it's a tough decision. My DH is willing to go with whatever I decide (since I'll be doing the "heavy lifting" as he says).
I certainly don't want to jeopardize the life or the health of our future children (or my own), but on the other had I am already 42 and my DH is 45 and I can't see us having a newborn when I am 44 or 45 and he is close to 50. It wouldn't be fair. So, having one or two children close together in age would be ideal.
We can order just about everything our heart desires on the Internet these days, why can't we simply place an order with a stork and find our bundle of joy swaddled in a blanket on our front steps one day when we arrive home? It would be so much easier...
At this point, only the universe knows what the future has in-store for us...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Black and Blue and Happy About It
Things on both fronts are moving along at a rapid pace...
On the adoption, we had our last homestudy on Sunday. Most of the day Saturday, we spent cleaning up piles of junk we've neglected for six months or more. We went under the assumption she would be looking in every drawer, cabinet, etc. We even locked all the fertility meds in the trunk of my car. Thankfully, I even remembered to take down my calendar from the bathroom mirror.Whew - that was almost a close one!
The homestudy itself ended up being much less than we anticipated. She walked through the house and basically took a 30-second cursory look at each room - that was it! She didn't even ask to see if we had adequate fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, etc. I even tied up the cords on the blinds - all for nothing.
On the IVF front, I took my last dose of lupron on Saturday and am now on the following:
So far, the Lovenox shots were not as bad as I read (especially compared to the PIO). They are no worse than the lupron shots going in, but they sting a little after the medication is injected. They also leave black-and-blue marks on my abdomen (about 3/4" round) - that don't hurt, but look awful.
Went for a lining check today and I'm at 11mm with a perfect triple-stripe. Still waiting for my E2 / P4 results, but I think this is more a technicality at this point so that they can regulate my drugs.
So, as of now, all systems are a go for Friday. Hip, hip, hooray!
On the adoption, we had our last homestudy on Sunday. Most of the day Saturday, we spent cleaning up piles of junk we've neglected for six months or more. We went under the assumption she would be looking in every drawer, cabinet, etc. We even locked all the fertility meds in the trunk of my car. Thankfully, I even remembered to take down my calendar from the bathroom mirror.Whew - that was almost a close one!
The homestudy itself ended up being much less than we anticipated. She walked through the house and basically took a 30-second cursory look at each room - that was it! She didn't even ask to see if we had adequate fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, etc. I even tied up the cords on the blinds - all for nothing.
She did forget to send us some forms we need to mail into the Colorado Bureau of Investigations - so that's going to set us back another month. Had I not asked when she expected our fingerprint cards back, she would have never know about it. The more I work with this woman, the more disorganized she seems. On the other hand, I still believe their organization will get the job done. I anticipate we'll be fully approved in about 30-45 days - so perfect timing to know if the IVF worked.
On the IVF front, I took my last dose of lupron on Saturday and am now on the following:
- 2 pre-natal vitamins
- 2 fabb tablets (extra folic acid, B6 and B12)
- 1 iron supplement
- 1 baby aspirin
- 1 medrol @ bedtime (until Thursday)
- 4 tetracycline (until Thursday)
- 1 lovenox injection (blood thinner)
- 3 endrometrin suppositories (progesterone)
- 1 progesterone-in-oil injection (every other day for extra progesterone)
- 2 vivelle patches (estrogen - change every other day)
So far, the Lovenox shots were not as bad as I read (especially compared to the PIO). They are no worse than the lupron shots going in, but they sting a little after the medication is injected. They also leave black-and-blue marks on my abdomen (about 3/4" round) - that don't hurt, but look awful.
Went for a lining check today and I'm at 11mm with a perfect triple-stripe. Still waiting for my E2 / P4 results, but I think this is more a technicality at this point so that they can regulate my drugs.
So, as of now, all systems are a go for Friday. Hip, hip, hooray!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Single Digits
Didn't think I would ever get here (yes, I knew it would happen eventually, but it seemed to be taking forever). SEVEN days until I am FINALLY pregnant!
Lisa - Thanks for lighting a candle...hope it does the trick like it did for LN10.
Here is my current calendar - the one thing that might be confusing is that I am still on 2 Vivelle patches every other day - so I will be changing them on 3/12.
It's so much fun to finally be on the home stretch to the FET.
Lisa - Thanks for lighting a candle...hope it does the trick like it did for LN10.
Here is my current calendar - the one thing that might be confusing is that I am still on 2 Vivelle patches every other day - so I will be changing them on 3/12.
It's so much fun to finally be on the home stretch to the FET.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What a Difference One Day Makes...
First, let me begin by saying you girls are amazing! Thank you for all the comments you've left over the last several hours. It means so much to me to know that you understand. You made a difference...thank you again.
Today I went in for an e2, lining check and doppler check. E2 was over 100, lining was 9 mm, and blood-flow doppler was excellent - so I asked if they'd move my transfer up by a week (this would also mean that my regular Dr. will perform the transfer since he wasn't going to be in on 3/25).
Guess what? I hit the jackpot! I now have a new date - 3/18!!!! (Dee - I will still be cheering you on)
Something tells me I will have lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
BRING IT ON BABY!!!! FLYGIRL IS BACK!!!
Today I went in for an e2, lining check and doppler check. E2 was over 100, lining was 9 mm, and blood-flow doppler was excellent - so I asked if they'd move my transfer up by a week (this would also mean that my regular Dr. will perform the transfer since he wasn't going to be in on 3/25).
Guess what? I hit the jackpot! I now have a new date - 3/18!!!! (Dee - I will still be cheering you on)
Something tells me I will have lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
BRING IT ON BABY!!!! FLYGIRL IS BACK!!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Can You Spare a Hug? I Sure Could Use One Now...
A couple weeks ago, I wrote about how I tried to keep a positive attitude through all this. So far, it really hasn't been that hard and I honestly have been happy for everyone who has come out on the other side of this bitter journey.
About an hour ago, I received a call from my sister and she casually announced she is 13 weeks along with her second child (another boy). She's due in September.
They just started trying in September - but she didn't start monitoring until October. Two months - and they're pregnant.
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
Why do I have to go through HELL???
About an hour ago, I received a call from my sister and she casually announced she is 13 weeks along with her second child (another boy). She's due in September.
They just started trying in September - but she didn't start monitoring until October. Two months - and they're pregnant.
Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?
Why do I have to go through HELL???
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
As Time Goes By...
Stood at my bathroom mirror this morning, lined up my drugs:
2 Folbee Tablets (extra B6 and B12)
2 Pre-Natal Vitamins
1 Baby Aspirin
1 Iron Tablet
1 Lupron Shot
1 Vivelle Patch
and then glanced at my calendar again. Suddenly relized I come off Lupron in 12 days. 12 DAYS...12 DAYS...less than two weeks - that's no time at all!
Isn't it funny how us IVF'ers count our days in drugs?
Met my friend last night who is adopting too to talk more one-on-one. It felt so good to have a friend to confide in. We are both in a book club, so we decided to keep our secret between us.
Our third house study is this Sunday afternoon - so the weekend is going to be spent straightening up and getting ready. Glad there's only one home study and this is our last one.
2 Folbee Tablets (extra B6 and B12)
2 Pre-Natal Vitamins
1 Baby Aspirin
1 Iron Tablet
1 Lupron Shot
1 Vivelle Patch
and then glanced at my calendar again. Suddenly relized I come off Lupron in 12 days. 12 DAYS...12 DAYS...less than two weeks - that's no time at all!
Isn't it funny how us IVF'ers count our days in drugs?
Met my friend last night who is adopting too to talk more one-on-one. It felt so good to have a friend to confide in. We are both in a book club, so we decided to keep our secret between us.
Our third house study is this Sunday afternoon - so the weekend is going to be spent straightening up and getting ready. Glad there's only one home study and this is our last one.
Friday, March 4, 2011
3 More Weeks!
In exactly 3 weeks (and a few hours), I'll presumably be PUPO! I keep having the tune "One Last Kiss" from Bye, Bye Birdie runing through my mind...only I'm humming "Three more weeks, oh baby just three more weeks..."
I took one more step forward today and started estrogen patches. I also have a preliminary lining check this afternoon (to avoid a repeat of January - waiting too long until it was too late).
As usual, I went to bed around 11 pm, was up again at 2 am and fell back to sleep at 4 am. When I did sleep, the strange dreams came back...
Last night, we had a friend staying overnight with us who has an intervew in Ft. Collins today. I had a dream that he snuck a bunch of women into our house and every time I opened a bedroom door, I would find all these strange women and talking and sleeping. Nothing sexual, mind you - just women and girls talking and sleeping, on the beds, on the floor, in chairs. I politely asked them to leave...and they did.
Who needs LSD when you've got Lupron? If you're like me, you're either wired or tripping in your sleep...
I took one more step forward today and started estrogen patches. I also have a preliminary lining check this afternoon (to avoid a repeat of January - waiting too long until it was too late).
As usual, I went to bed around 11 pm, was up again at 2 am and fell back to sleep at 4 am. When I did sleep, the strange dreams came back...
Last night, we had a friend staying overnight with us who has an intervew in Ft. Collins today. I had a dream that he snuck a bunch of women into our house and every time I opened a bedroom door, I would find all these strange women and talking and sleeping. Nothing sexual, mind you - just women and girls talking and sleeping, on the beds, on the floor, in chairs. I politely asked them to leave...and they did.
Who needs LSD when you've got Lupron? If you're like me, you're either wired or tripping in your sleep...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
I Admit It...I Caved...Sort Of...
Ever since we started TTC, I have been adamant about not buying baby stuff for a baby that didn't exist yet.
Yes, it was often hard to walk through a store and pass the adorable, ruffled, frilly dresses with patent mary janes and matching headband, or the cute embroidered overalls with matching t-shirt and tiny booties. If you listen close enough, you can actually hear certain items almost call our names.
This past spring, my Mom had planned to visit. Our time together happened to have fallen shortly after I got a BFP from my second IVF and my progesterone started falling - so it was a time of cautious excitement and hopeful optimism.
It was a beautiful day and we took a ride to Boulder to walk around Pearl Street - an outdoor mall with funky and fun shops. Since my sister had a 6-month old, we decided to stop into a "boutique" baby store and browse. I mustered some of my willpower and walked out empty-handed, but I also remembered loving the store because the items they carried were unique and I liked that they were owned locally.
This past week, Living Social ran a 50% off promotion for this store that doesn't have to be redeemed until early September (and even longer considering you can use it to buy gift cards). Now that I know our baby is coming soon - either through this "hail mary" IVF or via adoption, I gave in and purchased the deal - big time.
A part of me feels like I sold-out, but I am also looking forward to going on a shopping spree. I guess either I will purchase something that I most likely wouldn't have normally - like an upscale crib, or some of my friends are going to get very nice shower gifts.
Maybe "acting as if" will make our destiny come true?
Yes, it was often hard to walk through a store and pass the adorable, ruffled, frilly dresses with patent mary janes and matching headband, or the cute embroidered overalls with matching t-shirt and tiny booties. If you listen close enough, you can actually hear certain items almost call our names.
This past spring, my Mom had planned to visit. Our time together happened to have fallen shortly after I got a BFP from my second IVF and my progesterone started falling - so it was a time of cautious excitement and hopeful optimism.
It was a beautiful day and we took a ride to Boulder to walk around Pearl Street - an outdoor mall with funky and fun shops. Since my sister had a 6-month old, we decided to stop into a "boutique" baby store and browse. I mustered some of my willpower and walked out empty-handed, but I also remembered loving the store because the items they carried were unique and I liked that they were owned locally.
This past week, Living Social ran a 50% off promotion for this store that doesn't have to be redeemed until early September (and even longer considering you can use it to buy gift cards). Now that I know our baby is coming soon - either through this "hail mary" IVF or via adoption, I gave in and purchased the deal - big time.
A part of me feels like I sold-out, but I am also looking forward to going on a shopping spree. I guess either I will purchase something that I most likely wouldn't have normally - like an upscale crib, or some of my friends are going to get very nice shower gifts.
Maybe "acting as if" will make our destiny come true?