BETA: 1.6 (meaning it tried to implant but couldn't hold on)
Estrogen: 200
Progesterone: 6
We have a plan for Sprout(s) 2.0. K&M have decided to fly the embryos here for the next transfer! We'll keep my meds the same since it almost worked and we'll add more vitamins. I think the embryo(s) will love springtime in the Midwest. :)
We'll begin the next try as soon as my cycle starts again. I'll do a couple of weeks of estrogen and then take a week of progesterone before the transfer occurs. We are going to try to do a 5 day transfer instead of a 3 day transfer like last time. If they can thaw the embryos and let them grow for another 2 days, it will tell us more about the quality of the egg and will help us pick the strongest of the bunch.
Of course the pressure is really on for me to elect 2 embryos this time. I don't know.
I don't want to carry twins. Mom and Dad don't want twins. It only helps our chances by 3% but increases the odds for twins by 30%. I have my little girls to think about in addition to this couple. How do I tell them "no" when I just failed them with one? What a hard decision.
Showing posts with label Transfer 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transfer 1. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
BETA moved up.
K and I decided that it's time to just get this over with. We've moved the beta to first thing tomorrow.
So, after that is done, we're making decision to move forward with the next transfer. Here are some of the questions she is contemplating. If you've got thoughts on any of these, please feel fee to comment. We're up for ideas/opinions.
1) We're trying to decide whether to do the next transfer here in my home city or fly me back to theirs. (It would be a fraction of the cost to do it at my clinic.) - Either way it's the same protocol for me. Estrogen all cycle to hold off ovulation and progesterone the week before transfer. The success rates at my clinic are a little less than at hers. BUT really all my clinic is doing is monitoring me and doing the transfer. Would you really worry about my clinic's numbers in that case? Placement of the embryo doesn't really affect success rates much does it? My clinic does ultrasound guided, hers doesn't if that makes a difference. Both clinics will do assisted hatching.
2) fresh or frozen cycle? Eggs are already frozen through vitrification. She originally had 10 retrieved and 9 fertilized. All were frozen. Two were thawed last cycle. Both /excellent quality. We used one and re-froze one.
3) 3 day vs. 5 day? They're thawed as 3 day embies. Do you feel we'd have better success if we let them grow another 2 days? Even that possibly means using up more frosties?
Other thoughts? Is there more info you need? I want to help her out in any way possible.
So, after that is done, we're making decision to move forward with the next transfer. Here are some of the questions she is contemplating. If you've got thoughts on any of these, please feel fee to comment. We're up for ideas/opinions.
1) We're trying to decide whether to do the next transfer here in my home city or fly me back to theirs. (It would be a fraction of the cost to do it at my clinic.) - Either way it's the same protocol for me. Estrogen all cycle to hold off ovulation and progesterone the week before transfer. The success rates at my clinic are a little less than at hers. BUT really all my clinic is doing is monitoring me and doing the transfer. Would you really worry about my clinic's numbers in that case? Placement of the embryo doesn't really affect success rates much does it? My clinic does ultrasound guided, hers doesn't if that makes a difference. Both clinics will do assisted hatching.
2) fresh or frozen cycle? Eggs are already frozen through vitrification. She originally had 10 retrieved and 9 fertilized. All were frozen. Two were thawed last cycle. Both /excellent quality. We used one and re-froze one.
3) 3 day vs. 5 day? They're thawed as 3 day embies. Do you feel we'd have better success if we let them grow another 2 days? Even that possibly means using up more frosties?
Other thoughts? Is there more info you need? I want to help her out in any way possible.
Thinking ahead
Plans for transfer #2 are taking place. We're thinking that if we follow the typical schedule, it would be a Friday the 13th transfer. Seriously? What's up with this timing? First an April Fool's Day transfer. Then Friday the 13th? Luckily the fertility clinic out east doesn't have shut down week until the end of the month. Did I mention they're closed for a week out of EVERY month? I think that's atrocious. lol!
K had spoken about flying the embryo here to do the transfer at MY fertility clinic, but I'm not sure if that's in consideration still, since she's contacted the Dr out east about timing for the next transfer. We'll see how it all shakes out. It would save a ton in hotel costs for sure. I'm guessing a transfer here in the heartland costs less than it does out east as well. Gosh... the thought of leaving my family for 4-5 days again makes me sick to my stomach.
K had spoken about flying the embryo here to do the transfer at MY fertility clinic, but I'm not sure if that's in consideration still, since she's contacted the Dr out east about timing for the next transfer. We'll see how it all shakes out. It would save a ton in hotel costs for sure. I'm guessing a transfer here in the heartland costs less than it does out east as well. Gosh... the thought of leaving my family for 4-5 days again makes me sick to my stomach.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
"Pressure? What do you know about pressure?"
Does anybody know what movie that quote is from? :)
Whew! Is it getting hot in here or am I just jittery? I mean, sitting here waiting to find out if I'm carrying some really precious cargo is no big deal right? Sure it would crush the parents' dreams yet again, and I'd obviously have to deliver the news to them myself, but hey, no pressure, right? Nooooo pressure.
So do I feel like testing? Yes and no.
I do have a few tests to burn...
Okay more than a few. Remember my gift basket from the hotel? :)
The parents and I discussed how they wanted to find out. Originally I'd tell K first and she was going to break the news to M with a cute little onesie she bought. Now she's decided that it would be better to tell them both during one of our Skype meetings so I can see their reaction.
If/When I do get a positive test result, out of respect for the parents, I plan to let them know first and give them a day or two to enjoy being one of four people who know. (Me, my husband, and them.) Then I'll share the news with you all. You won't have to wait too long though. At the very latest, the BETA test that tells us whether to continue meds (because the baby needs them) or drop them and start over is scheduled for the 15th.
Thanks to everyone who continues to follow the journey and share your excitement and support. It puts a smile on my face and the parents' to know there are so many pulling for us. C'mon Sprout!!
Whew! Is it getting hot in here or am I just jittery? I mean, sitting here waiting to find out if I'm carrying some really precious cargo is no big deal right? Sure it would crush the parents' dreams yet again, and I'd obviously have to deliver the news to them myself, but hey, no pressure, right? Nooooo pressure.
So do I feel like testing? Yes and no.
I do have a few tests to burn...
Okay more than a few. Remember my gift basket from the hotel? :)
The parents and I discussed how they wanted to find out. Originally I'd tell K first and she was going to break the news to M with a cute little onesie she bought. Now she's decided that it would be better to tell them both during one of our Skype meetings so I can see their reaction.
If/When I do get a positive test result, out of respect for the parents, I plan to let them know first and give them a day or two to enjoy being one of four people who know. (Me, my husband, and them.) Then I'll share the news with you all. You won't have to wait too long though. At the very latest, the BETA test that tells us whether to continue meds (because the baby needs them) or drop them and start over is scheduled for the 15th.
Thanks to everyone who continues to follow the journey and share your excitement and support. It puts a smile on my face and the parents' to know there are so many pulling for us. C'mon Sprout!!
Monday, April 4, 2011
When to test. When to test....
So I have these 9 pregnancy tests just burning a hole in my pocket.... lol!
In trying to decide when to start testing, I came across this poll telling how long after a 3 day transfer they got their positive pregnancy test.
I keep telling myself: Back away from the pee stick. Back away.
In trying to decide when to start testing, I came across this poll telling how long after a 3 day transfer they got their positive pregnancy test.
I keep telling myself: Back away from the pee stick. Back away.
| 3dp3dt(today!) |    | 3 | 2.40% | ||
| 4dp3dt |    | 2 | 1.60% | ||
| 5dp3dt |    | 8 | 6.40% | ||
| 6dp3dt |    | 27 | 21.60% | ||
| 7dp3dt |    | 38 | 30.40% | ||
| 8dp3dt |    | 19 | 15.20% | ||
| 9dp3dt | | 12 | 9.60% | ||
| 10dp3dt | | 4 | 3.20% | ||
| 11dp3dt | | 3 | 2.40% | ||
| I never tested postive on a pee stick but Beta was postive... | | 9 | 7.20% |
It's Monday. Day 4 post transfer.
Good morning! Or should I just say "morning." lol um... I'm not feeling too well. I'm fighting off nausea as I type. When I heard little A cry for me over the intercom this morning, I hopped out of bed, realized I was a little (a lot) dizzy too late and promptly fell into the door frame. um ouch. I navigated the stairs, picked up my warm baby, happy to see me, and said, "Hey kiddo, how about we sit in the chair and snuggle a while?" Of course she's the snugglier one so she had no problem nuzzling into my neck while the nausea wore off a bit. Five minutes later, cue K who was up, ready to go with her PJ's off already and needed breakfast asap. :: sigh :: okie dokie. I'm glad to be home, back in the routine again. :)
So... I may have very well caught the flu from last night's dinner (mmmmm! B-Bops) or a sick passenger while I traveled. It's still pretty early to feel this nauseous because of a pregnancy. I also felt sick yesterday morning but kind of figured it was a combination of eating pizza with the parents right before I went to bed, getting up at 3am, and the large dose of estrogen and progesterone I'm still on. I've had a little spotting because of the progesterone and on the box it specifically says. MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, so I shouldn't really be surprised.
Time to suck it up, take my morning meds, and start the grocery list for shopping later this morning. I hope everyone else gets their week off to a positive start! It feels good kicking off the week at home with my favorite people! ...and with that, little A just dumped her cheerios with nannas on the floor. gotta go.
So... I may have very well caught the flu from last night's dinner (mmmmm! B-Bops) or a sick passenger while I traveled. It's still pretty early to feel this nauseous because of a pregnancy. I also felt sick yesterday morning but kind of figured it was a combination of eating pizza with the parents right before I went to bed, getting up at 3am, and the large dose of estrogen and progesterone I'm still on. I've had a little spotting because of the progesterone and on the box it specifically says. MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, so I shouldn't really be surprised.
Time to suck it up, take my morning meds, and start the grocery list for shopping later this morning. I hope everyone else gets their week off to a positive start! It feels good kicking off the week at home with my favorite people! ...and with that, little A just dumped her cheerios with nannas on the floor. gotta go.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
So now we wait.
The parents are stopping by my hotel room tonight and we're going to have pizza together. It will be fun to spend some time with them before I head back home (very) early tomorrow morning. We had a lot of fun on Thursday night when they invited me into their home for dinner. M made us a great salmon topped with dijon mustard, crushed almonds, and panko. He served couscous and snow peas on the side. We celebrated with glass of champagne and they told me all about their adventures. K insists that we need to bring the girls out this summer to stay for a while. We'll go to the beach, etc. She is also insisting that when the girls are older, we must travel with them to South Africa. There is an amazing game reserve there near the place where M grew up and it's also where they were married. That would be a once in a lifetime trip for the kiddos. :)
Bed rest is going well. I've watched a couple of movies that were on TV and browsed a couple of magazines. K gave me a great cookbook in my care package so I planned out next week's menu for my family. I've spent most of the morning going through all of my girls' pictures from the last year on my computer, weeding out the best to put into photo books. That's been fun as I've been reminded of so many fun times.
I've also been in contact with many family members and friends who have made my downtime more entertaining. Many have asked when I will know if this has been successful. I'm feeling very positive about this transfer and can't wait to see two lines on a pregnancy test myself. (Remember, K is sending me home with three boxes of tests. lol!)
The embryo was 3 days old when it was placed inside me. Meet "Sprout." Cute, isn't it?
Saturday, April 2: the embryo continues to grow and develop, turning into a morula (6-8 cell stage)
Sunday, April 3: The cells continue to divide, making it a blastocyst
Monday, April 4: The blast starts to hatch from its shell. We used assisted hatching to make this easier.
Tuesday, April 5: The blast continues hatching and begins the process of attaching to the uterus.
Wednesday, April 6: The blast continues to dig farther into the uterine lining and begins to implant itself.
Thursday, April 7: Implantation continues. The blast emits a chemical that causes irritation in the uterine wall, exposing capillaries which help it to attach. The placenta will eventually form in that place.
Friday, April 8: Implantation should be complete. Cells of the placenta and fetus begin to form.
Saturday, April 9: hGC is emitted into the carrier's bloodstream
Sunday, April 10: Placental and Fetal development continues. hGC levels may be high enough for an early urine pregnancy test to detect.
Monday, April 11: hGC levels continue to double approximately every 48 hours
Tuesday, April 12: hGC levels should be high enough to be detected on the test of choice at this point.
My official BETA (blood test to determine pregnancy) is on Friday, April 15th. I guess that way, if we have a "late implanter" it will have a few days to catch up.
Let's all think positive thoughts and visualize a successful pregnancy!
Bed rest is going well. I've watched a couple of movies that were on TV and browsed a couple of magazines. K gave me a great cookbook in my care package so I planned out next week's menu for my family. I've spent most of the morning going through all of my girls' pictures from the last year on my computer, weeding out the best to put into photo books. That's been fun as I've been reminded of so many fun times.
I've also been in contact with many family members and friends who have made my downtime more entertaining. Many have asked when I will know if this has been successful. I'm feeling very positive about this transfer and can't wait to see two lines on a pregnancy test myself. (Remember, K is sending me home with three boxes of tests. lol!)
Here's an approximate run down of how the embryo is developing inside me:
The embryo was 3 days old when it was placed inside me. Meet "Sprout." Cute, isn't it?
Sunday, April 3: The cells continue to divide, making it a blastocyst
Monday, April 4: The blast starts to hatch from its shell. We used assisted hatching to make this easier.
Tuesday, April 5: The blast continues hatching and begins the process of attaching to the uterus.
Wednesday, April 6: The blast continues to dig farther into the uterine lining and begins to implant itself.
Thursday, April 7: Implantation continues. The blast emits a chemical that causes irritation in the uterine wall, exposing capillaries which help it to attach. The placenta will eventually form in that place.
Friday, April 8: Implantation should be complete. Cells of the placenta and fetus begin to form.
Saturday, April 9: hGC is emitted into the carrier's bloodstream
Sunday, April 10: Placental and Fetal development continues. hGC levels may be high enough for an early urine pregnancy test to detect.
Monday, April 11: hGC levels continue to double approximately every 48 hours
Tuesday, April 12: hGC levels should be high enough to be detected on the test of choice at this point.
My official BETA (blood test to determine pregnancy) is on Friday, April 15th. I guess that way, if we have a "late implanter" it will have a few days to catch up.
Let's all think positive thoughts and visualize a successful pregnancy!
Friday, April 1, 2011
*Transfer Complete*
The deed is done!
K and M seemed very excited this morning. They drove me to the fertility clinic and we got our picture taken in the waiting room together. Then Gregor came to perform acupuncture on me. It was really neat. I could feel the blood rushing to the areas where he placed the needles (which didn't hurt) and I felt a deep sense of calm after he was finished. He wrapped a space blanket around me to keep me warm, and I laid there relaxing like a baked potato in foil. :)
Then he took the needles out, K was brought back to my bedside, and Gregor took a picture of the Mother to be and I in our very stylish surgical wear and hats. The nurses were very kind in ushering us into the operating room and the Dr was setting things up as we entered. Two very good embryos were thawed and both looked great. One had a slight edge on the other so K chose that one. The other will be evaluated and potentially refrozen if it's looking good tomorrow.
All of the instruments were placed and the catheter was inserted into my uterus. I felt it tap the top and that was about it. The nurses checked my ID and then came in with the embryo, checking the embryo's ID and mine again. K began to cry happy tears and I held her hand. They've been waiting for this moment for so long and have gone through so much. I can't even begin to imagine how she and M feel today. It must be surreal to say the least.
After the embryo was transferred into me, they moved me to a stretcher and wheeled me into recovery. Gregor came back to do one more acupuncture treatment and then I was left to relax. After about an hour, the nurse came back and let me get dressed. I found M and K hanging out in the waiting room and then we left for my hotel.
I've set myself up on the couch with pillows, water, my phone, and my computer. Room service has been ordered for lunch and I just got off the phone with my awesome husband. He's doing fabulously with the girls. By some miracle, he says our little A hasn't been waking during the night and has been sleeping in until 7am. Are you kidding me? I told him that he's in charge of bedtime from now on.
So for now, we wait. Thanks to SO many of you who emailed, called, texted, and facebooked me with positive thoughts, prayers, and encouragement. I'm so thankful for everything. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!
K and M seemed very excited this morning. They drove me to the fertility clinic and we got our picture taken in the waiting room together. Then Gregor came to perform acupuncture on me. It was really neat. I could feel the blood rushing to the areas where he placed the needles (which didn't hurt) and I felt a deep sense of calm after he was finished. He wrapped a space blanket around me to keep me warm, and I laid there relaxing like a baked potato in foil. :)
Then he took the needles out, K was brought back to my bedside, and Gregor took a picture of the Mother to be and I in our very stylish surgical wear and hats. The nurses were very kind in ushering us into the operating room and the Dr was setting things up as we entered. Two very good embryos were thawed and both looked great. One had a slight edge on the other so K chose that one. The other will be evaluated and potentially refrozen if it's looking good tomorrow.
All of the instruments were placed and the catheter was inserted into my uterus. I felt it tap the top and that was about it. The nurses checked my ID and then came in with the embryo, checking the embryo's ID and mine again. K began to cry happy tears and I held her hand. They've been waiting for this moment for so long and have gone through so much. I can't even begin to imagine how she and M feel today. It must be surreal to say the least.
After the embryo was transferred into me, they moved me to a stretcher and wheeled me into recovery. Gregor came back to do one more acupuncture treatment and then I was left to relax. After about an hour, the nurse came back and let me get dressed. I found M and K hanging out in the waiting room and then we left for my hotel.
I've set myself up on the couch with pillows, water, my phone, and my computer. Room service has been ordered for lunch and I just got off the phone with my awesome husband. He's doing fabulously with the girls. By some miracle, he says our little A hasn't been waking during the night and has been sleeping in until 7am. Are you kidding me? I told him that he's in charge of bedtime from now on.
So for now, we wait. Thanks to SO many of you who emailed, called, texted, and facebooked me with positive thoughts, prayers, and encouragement. I'm so thankful for everything. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!
It's Transfer day!
...and I am SO PUMPED!!!
This
IS
Going
To be
SUCCESSFUL!!!!!
I had a very relaxing fertility massage yesterday followed by a Reiki massage which was really kind of neat. The people at the location where I got the massage were so wonderful. They knew K's story and the owner of the store even came in just to get a peek at me. lol!
K&M took me on a tour of their town which is BEAUTIFUL with a river flowing through it, and a small salt water port with a beach. I got to see how seagulls drop their oyster to break it open. I never actually thought about how they did that. lol! Equally exciting, I got to browse at Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn was under construction, and there was a great little store called Dovecote. I wanted pretty much everything in that store. What interested me about the houses out here is that they've got these darling rock walls around them. Apparently, in this part of the country, rocks continually come up through the ground as the ground freezes and thaws each year so there is no shortage of rocks, stones, and boulders.
And now it's time to go. K just texted me that they're downstairs waiting for me. Wish me luck! :)
This
IS
Going
To be
SUCCESSFUL!!!!!
I had a very relaxing fertility massage yesterday followed by a Reiki massage which was really kind of neat. The people at the location where I got the massage were so wonderful. They knew K's story and the owner of the store even came in just to get a peek at me. lol!
K&M took me on a tour of their town which is BEAUTIFUL with a river flowing through it, and a small salt water port with a beach. I got to see how seagulls drop their oyster to break it open. I never actually thought about how they did that. lol! Equally exciting, I got to browse at Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn was under construction, and there was a great little store called Dovecote. I wanted pretty much everything in that store. What interested me about the houses out here is that they've got these darling rock walls around them. Apparently, in this part of the country, rocks continually come up through the ground as the ground freezes and thaws each year so there is no shortage of rocks, stones, and boulders.
And now it's time to go. K just texted me that they're downstairs waiting for me. Wish me luck! :)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Good morning from New England
Here I am safe and sound in my hotel room. The flights last night were good. On the second leg of my trip I was finding my way to my seat in the back when a guy asked me if I wanted to take his seat in first class. He wanted to sit with his wife in coach. I didn't turn that down. :) I got about half way through my book which is turning out to be pretty good. People keep commenting on the sparkly front which, interestingly, goes against everything the book is about. lol! One flight attendant even covered me in sparkles because she HAD to feel the book. Touchy-Feely much? ;)
It was super late for K&M to be up when my flight got in. It was11:30 Eastern time and I felt bad having them pick me up. I offered several times to take a taxi but they insisted. K had checked me into the room earlier in the afternoon and I found that she had taken the opportunity to spoil me rotten! On the table are tons of magazines to read. She knew we'd been talking about a garden so there are gardening magazines, home magazines, all things I will very much enjoy. There's a BIG gift basket full of snacks, an awesome book, drinks, and pregnancy tests. HA!!!!! I laughed so hard when I saw them tucked in there. The fridge was stocked with berries, veggies, and lots of water. Between my gifts and hotel WiFi, I should be very comfortable during my stay. I plan to thank K profusely when she picks me up this morning.
I've got another ultrasound and blood work appointment this morning at the fertility clinic. Then K and I will do lunch. Then at 3pm I'm scheduled for a massage. See? She's spoiling me. What a sweetheart. Dinner is at K&M's home this evening. M is going to cook for us as K works in the city and generally doesn't get home until later after her commute.
All in all, things are going well. I'm anxious for it to be a little bit later so that I can call home and see how everyone is doing. K did pretty well with hugs and kisses goodbye, but A was so sad. Once she realized that I was shutting the car door without taking her out, she was so upset. I can still see her little face. Bless her little heart.
Okay! Time to get ready for the day. Let the poking and pricking commence. :)
It was super late for K&M to be up when my flight got in. It was11:30 Eastern time and I felt bad having them pick me up. I offered several times to take a taxi but they insisted. K had checked me into the room earlier in the afternoon and I found that she had taken the opportunity to spoil me rotten! On the table are tons of magazines to read. She knew we'd been talking about a garden so there are gardening magazines, home magazines, all things I will very much enjoy. There's a BIG gift basket full of snacks, an awesome book, drinks, and pregnancy tests. HA!!!!! I laughed so hard when I saw them tucked in there. The fridge was stocked with berries, veggies, and lots of water. Between my gifts and hotel WiFi, I should be very comfortable during my stay. I plan to thank K profusely when she picks me up this morning.
I've got another ultrasound and blood work appointment this morning at the fertility clinic. Then K and I will do lunch. Then at 3pm I'm scheduled for a massage. See? She's spoiling me. What a sweetheart. Dinner is at K&M's home this evening. M is going to cook for us as K works in the city and generally doesn't get home until later after her commute.
All in all, things are going well. I'm anxious for it to be a little bit later so that I can call home and see how everyone is doing. K did pretty well with hugs and kisses goodbye, but A was so sad. Once she realized that I was shutting the car door without taking her out, she was so upset. I can still see her little face. Bless her little heart.
Okay! Time to get ready for the day. Let the poking and pricking commence. :)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
We have a time
The Mother just texted me. We're the first transfer of the day on Friday.
Shortly after 9am Eastern on Friday I will be pregnant until proven otherwise.
Eeeeeek!
Shortly after 9am Eastern on Friday I will be pregnant until proven otherwise.
Eeeeeek!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The "T" word
Both the mother and father emailed me separately today using the "t" word. What word? Oh TOMORROW. Tomorrow they will pick me up from the airport and take me to my hotel. Tomorrow the mother will check me into my hotel room early so that I don't have to worry about it when I get in very late. Tomorrow I will kiss my girls and hubby goodbye for 5 days. Tomorrow!? Already?
I am a bundle of nerves tonight. I'm excited. The parents are excited. The mom emailed joking about the fact that here I'm the one taking all of the meds and entertaining company for two days before I leave. They're sitting there staring at each other, twiddling their thumbs. lol! I think they deserve a break though. I've got this one. :)
I talked to the girls about how they need to behave for Daddy and how K needs to help Daddy out when she can. Daddy took a shot at the bedtime routine last night and everyone survived. He's been asking some good questions like, "um.. so how often do you change A?" and "What kinds of foods make them poop a lot?" lol! I've got it all written down for him. No worries.
I've not packed yet. I'll do that tomorrow. I need to lay out the girls' clothes, do a final clean up of the house, and bake some goodies for them to eat. Then I'll be all set.
I have been overwhelmed today with all of the kind thoughts, prayers sent, and just the over all encouragement that I've received. So many family members have called and emailed to cheer me on. My mom let me know that she's proud of me. That meant a lot. Friends have let me know that they're thinking of us and provided a lot of support, and my husband is ready to take on his dual task as dad AND mom. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by great people. That's what gives me the courage to follow this journey until the end.
So on Friday between 9am and 11am Eastern time, if you have a spare thought or two, I know the parents of this baby would welcome any support they could receive in hopes of their dream coming into view. This HAS to work. It WILL work. My bed and breakfast is open for business! The pillows are fluffed. The light is on. It's time to nestle into the covers and hang on for the ride!!! You're going to love staying with me little embryo. We'll have so much fun.
I am a bundle of nerves tonight. I'm excited. The parents are excited. The mom emailed joking about the fact that here I'm the one taking all of the meds and entertaining company for two days before I leave. They're sitting there staring at each other, twiddling their thumbs. lol! I think they deserve a break though. I've got this one. :)
I talked to the girls about how they need to behave for Daddy and how K needs to help Daddy out when she can. Daddy took a shot at the bedtime routine last night and everyone survived. He's been asking some good questions like, "um.. so how often do you change A?" and "What kinds of foods make them poop a lot?" lol! I've got it all written down for him. No worries.
I've not packed yet. I'll do that tomorrow. I need to lay out the girls' clothes, do a final clean up of the house, and bake some goodies for them to eat. Then I'll be all set.
I have been overwhelmed today with all of the kind thoughts, prayers sent, and just the over all encouragement that I've received. So many family members have called and emailed to cheer me on. My mom let me know that she's proud of me. That meant a lot. Friends have let me know that they're thinking of us and provided a lot of support, and my husband is ready to take on his dual task as dad AND mom. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by great people. That's what gives me the courage to follow this journey until the end.
So on Friday between 9am and 11am Eastern time, if you have a spare thought or two, I know the parents of this baby would welcome any support they could receive in hopes of their dream coming into view. This HAS to work. It WILL work. My bed and breakfast is open for business! The pillows are fluffed. The light is on. It's time to nestle into the covers and hang on for the ride!!! You're going to love staying with me little embryo. We'll have so much fun.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
This is THE week
Welcome to Sunday. This is THE week of the transfer. :: Deep Breath ::
Today I start the progesterone. Progesterone makes me cranky and anxious, but I know that in advance so I'll do my best to keep my attitude in check. The progesterone signals to my body that is has ovulated.(although it has not and will not. I have two small eggs growing that will hopefully just dissolve.) That simulated ovulation makes my body think an egg, emitting progesterone, has been released and helps it ready itself for a fertilization. The embryo was frozen at day 3 of development and it takes about 2 days for the fertilized egg, in a natural scenario, to travel down into the uterus, so when it is placed in there, my body will be none the wiser that the embryo wasn't fertilized inside me. That's a good thing.
Results from my ultrasound and labs on Thursday are looking good.
Estrogen is at 1062
Progesterone level: 0.6
Lining 11.3 triple stripe
The mother had some concern over my lining getting too thick. The RE said that anything under about 20mm is fine. Other sources tend to agree that around 13 - 16ish is ideal. I think we'll be in that range by Friday. I may have missed a few pills here and there contributing to a bit of a slow down. (Not intentionally. My life is just busy with two little beauties to keep my hopping.)
In preparation for this week, I've whipped up several freezer meals so that my husband doesn't have to cook while I'm gone. I also wrote out our schedule, ideas for activities that he can do with the girls, lunch ideas, snack ideas, and I'm going grocery shopping shortly, making sure the house is full of snacks and maybe a few fun new crafts.
I got a message from my grandparents yesterday, who are freshly back from snowbirding, and they'd like to come visit the girls on Monday. Let the "cleaning like a crazy lady" commence also. Grandma had 4 boys (!) very close together and always a spotless house. I honestly have no idea how. Maybe I need to get a few notes on that. (Although, no doubt, she didn't have dark hardwood floors, dark counters, white cabinets, and stainless appliances. WHAT were we thinking?)
I also have some entertainment lined up for myself. The book I'm hoping to read in my upcoming down time arrived a few days ago. It's Called Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture
. Raising two little girls, I want to be sure that I'm armed with information to have good discussions with them about beauty, confidence, and other things important to a little girl's development. I'm excited to read it. Especially since there is no shortage of "princess" gear in the stores and on TV. So far we've mostly avoided a lot of it as my oldest isn't much of a girly girl. I do see our youngest being a bit of a dress up queen though. She already asks for bows... although she barely has any hair. lol !
I was also going to bring along some felt so that I could cut out and sew some little animals to go with my youngest daughter's wall mural. I used magnetic primer on her wall before painting it, so with little magnets tucked inside the animals, they should stick on the wall. I then realized that there's no way the TSA is going to let me bring a scissors on a plane. (I don't plan to check a bag.)
Today I start the progesterone. Progesterone makes me cranky and anxious, but I know that in advance so I'll do my best to keep my attitude in check. The progesterone signals to my body that is has ovulated.(although it has not and will not. I have two small eggs growing that will hopefully just dissolve.) That simulated ovulation makes my body think an egg, emitting progesterone, has been released and helps it ready itself for a fertilization. The embryo was frozen at day 3 of development and it takes about 2 days for the fertilized egg, in a natural scenario, to travel down into the uterus, so when it is placed in there, my body will be none the wiser that the embryo wasn't fertilized inside me. That's a good thing.
Results from my ultrasound and labs on Thursday are looking good.
Estrogen is at 1062
Progesterone level: 0.6
Lining 11.3 triple stripe
The mother had some concern over my lining getting too thick. The RE said that anything under about 20mm is fine. Other sources tend to agree that around 13 - 16ish is ideal. I think we'll be in that range by Friday. I may have missed a few pills here and there contributing to a bit of a slow down. (Not intentionally. My life is just busy with two little beauties to keep my hopping.)
In preparation for this week, I've whipped up several freezer meals so that my husband doesn't have to cook while I'm gone. I also wrote out our schedule, ideas for activities that he can do with the girls, lunch ideas, snack ideas, and I'm going grocery shopping shortly, making sure the house is full of snacks and maybe a few fun new crafts.
I got a message from my grandparents yesterday, who are freshly back from snowbirding, and they'd like to come visit the girls on Monday. Let the "cleaning like a crazy lady" commence also. Grandma had 4 boys (!) very close together and always a spotless house. I honestly have no idea how. Maybe I need to get a few notes on that. (Although, no doubt, she didn't have dark hardwood floors, dark counters, white cabinets, and stainless appliances. WHAT were we thinking?)
I also have some entertainment lined up for myself. The book I'm hoping to read in my upcoming down time arrived a few days ago. It's Called Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture. Raising two little girls, I want to be sure that I'm armed with information to have good discussions with them about beauty, confidence, and other things important to a little girl's development. I'm excited to read it. Especially since there is no shortage of "princess" gear in the stores and on TV. So far we've mostly avoided a lot of it as my oldest isn't much of a girly girl. I do see our youngest being a bit of a dress up queen though. She already asks for bows... although she barely has any hair. lol !
I also realised that it might be a bit hairy bringing my progesterone gel in my carry on bag. The thought of explaining that to a TSA agent kind of make me chuckle. "Um you see sir.... it goes in my... and then... I come home with another couple's baby. You know. Ordinary stuff." Yeah. That's not happening. The mother was so kind as to refill her Rx for the Crinone and she'll let me use what I need while I'm there. Whew!I also plan to organize the girls' picture albums and weed through and clean up some of the recipes in my cooking blog while I'm on bed rest. Thank goodness for computers and wifi. So with that... I leave Wednesday evening. Nervous.Excited.Butterflies.Sad.Hopeful and a lot of other things going on. :) I'd better get moving!
Friday, March 18, 2011
update - 2 weeks until Transfer
Two weeks!! eek!
I got my estrogen and progesterone levels back yesterday. E2 is 997 and p4 is .08. Everything looks good on ultrasound. My lining is 9.9. (That's awesome. 10 and above at transfer time is what most RE's shoot for. I should be well past that in two weeks.)
A few days back, when the fertility clinic's IVF coordinator contacted me to see how I was doing, I told her the estrogen was giving me severe headaches. She said to take Tylenol. I was thinking to myself, "That would be about as effective as taking a tic-tac. Actually the tic-tac might be more beneficial because at least then I'd have fresh breath."
Today the RE's nurse from the clinic contacted me with my numbers and also asked how I was doing. I mentioned that the headaches continued but that it was okay. She said right away that I shouldn't have to suffer and told me that I could take the pills internally instead. That would have been nice to know a few days ago. ;) Glad to have that info now though!! So far, the headache has been much less today. Woohoo!
I also may have mentioned that I spoke with my own OB about carrying twins and my indecision over how many embryos to transfer, assuming they were all good quality. She really cautioned me about carrying twins as I've already had one preterm delivery with my first daughter. That's about all she was able to offer. However, just yesterday I was able to get more information that I found really helpful. This is what the OB said.
I got my estrogen and progesterone levels back yesterday. E2 is 997 and p4 is .08. Everything looks good on ultrasound. My lining is 9.9. (That's awesome. 10 and above at transfer time is what most RE's shoot for. I should be well past that in two weeks.)
A few days back, when the fertility clinic's IVF coordinator contacted me to see how I was doing, I told her the estrogen was giving me severe headaches. She said to take Tylenol. I was thinking to myself, "That would be about as effective as taking a tic-tac. Actually the tic-tac might be more beneficial because at least then I'd have fresh breath."
Today the RE's nurse from the clinic contacted me with my numbers and also asked how I was doing. I mentioned that the headaches continued but that it was okay. She said right away that I shouldn't have to suffer and told me that I could take the pills internally instead. That would have been nice to know a few days ago. ;) Glad to have that info now though!! So far, the headache has been much less today. Woohoo!
I also may have mentioned that I spoke with my own OB about carrying twins and my indecision over how many embryos to transfer, assuming they were all good quality. She really cautioned me about carrying twins as I've already had one preterm delivery with my first daughter. That's about all she was able to offer. However, just yesterday I was able to get more information that I found really helpful. This is what the OB said.
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists did a review of "Single Embryo Transfer" vs. transfer of 2 embryos a few years ago, looking at more than 500 IVF cycles. The difference in pregnancy rates was small (around 30% for the SET cycles vs. around 33% for the cycles w/ 2 transferred). But the difference in multiple rates was impressive (SET gave all singleton pregnancies while the other group was about 2/3 singletons & 1/3 twins).I feel like this information is finally what I need to feel at peace with the decision I have made to transfer one good quality embryo. I don't want to set us up for failure At the same time, the sacrifice my family would have to make if I were to carry twins has the potential to be very great. That 30% risk of carrying twins, outweighs the 3% better success rate of transferring two. That seems like a no-brainer. Finally some solid numbers. I take comfort in numbers. lol
Your IM is 39y/o so her embryos are less likely to survive. That suggests a lower pregnancy rate but the proportion of twins should remain about the same.
SET is the standard of care in most European countries. But most European national health services allow every citizen a few IVF cycles while we pay for each cycle ourselves in the US, so the pressure is on to succeed the 1st time. Which brings us to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine guidelines for 39y/o w/ good-looking embryos: transfer 3 Day-3 embryos or 2 Day-5 blastocysts.
I understand your concern about setting yourself up for failure [transferring only one embryo] w/ AMA eggs, so perhaps you could offer to do more cycles if necessary?
Monday, March 14, 2011
The unsung hero
It's also made me a little more anxious than usual. I was feeling unsettled by the fact that my husband will have to take off work in order to care for our two girls during my next two ultrasound and blood draws. I feel insanely guilty when he has to take off work for me. The guilt doubles as he'll have to take two full days off of work to care for the girls while I'm in New England for the transfer. He's so good about all of this though. When I expressed how much it stressed me out, he said in his usual calm tone, "It's fine. No big deal." When I sent him the dates and times of the next appointment, asking if I needed to reschedule the times to fit his schedule, he said, "I'll make it work. Love you." If he's worried about caring for our girls for 5 days alone, he doesn't show that either. ...Although that might simply be due to lack of knowledge. He's never had to care for them for more than a couple of hours. lol!
Really, he's an unsung hero in all of this. It takes a very special husband to support his wife as a surrogate. He's a support person in the process, experiencing the inconvenience of his wife’s pregnancy but receives less of the emotional reward. He's contractually barred from having sex with me for a certain amount of time. His wife gets big and chubby but he gains nothing from it. People congratulate him and he has to explain that it's not his..... and it's not hers either. Huh? He has to help out with the girls while I birth another couple's baby, and assumes the risk of medical problems during the pregnancy right along with me as it affects his normal life too, but nobody tells him what a great guy he is for all of this. He's an amazing and giving man. He supports me in this endeavor and understands (to a certain degree) how important it is for me to give this gift. He trusts me, and loves me, and he deserves a lot of credit. So, if you know my husband in person and you see him in the near future, please don't hesitate to tell him how much he rocks!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Beware of band-aid stickey.
I had my first of three weekly ultrasound and blood work appointments this morning. The phlebotomist was a friendly guy and we chatted back and forth as he blew out two veins on my right arm. (Probably not his fault and really, there are worse things.) I gave my left arm a pep talk and it gave up the goods. Three band-aids later I was sitting on the table waiting for the ultrasound.
As she was probing me, all I could think about was those darn band-aids. It felt like they were too tight or something. Maybe they were pinching my skin a bit. When that was done I called my hubby, who was so graciously driving my girls around while I was having this done, and had him swing by to pick me up. I dropped him back at work, and decided to rip off the darn band-aids that were still bothering me while I drove home.
Once home, I set the girls up with some lunch and Katen asked what happened to my arm. I told her that I went to the Dr at the fertility clinic (She gets confused and calls it the "tooth fairy clinic" how cute is that!?) had to check my blood. I looked down to show her and whoa!
The area where the band-aid has been stuck on, was fiery red, burning, and hives were starting to spread up and down my arms. Pretty neato.
Since my pregnancies I've discovered the most random allergies. It started with lanolin while I was learning to nurse my first daughter. You know where you put lanolin when you're nursing, right? Yeah ouch. There's also lanolin in dermoplast. Use your imagination. Double ouch. Then it was mango as I made my daughter's baby food and tried some myself. I was surprised by the itching in my throat and swelling. yikes. Then there's the allergy to cinnamon flavoring when fall came and I tried a Hot Apple Blast from Carribou Coffee. (They're amazing by the way. Try one.) Now... band-aid stickey adhesive. I consider this pretty cool. ;)
If nothing else, it makes a fairly mundane visit newsworthy. Sort of. I hope everyone reading is having a good day. I'm done with progesterone for a while so I'm feeling much friendlier today. Happy Thursday!
As she was probing me, all I could think about was those darn band-aids. It felt like they were too tight or something. Maybe they were pinching my skin a bit. When that was done I called my hubby, who was so graciously driving my girls around while I was having this done, and had him swing by to pick me up. I dropped him back at work, and decided to rip off the darn band-aids that were still bothering me while I drove home.
Once home, I set the girls up with some lunch and Katen asked what happened to my arm. I told her that I went to the Dr at the fertility clinic (She gets confused and calls it the "tooth fairy clinic" how cute is that!?) had to check my blood. I looked down to show her and whoa!
Since my pregnancies I've discovered the most random allergies. It started with lanolin while I was learning to nurse my first daughter. You know where you put lanolin when you're nursing, right? Yeah ouch. There's also lanolin in dermoplast. Use your imagination. Double ouch. Then it was mango as I made my daughter's baby food and tried some myself. I was surprised by the itching in my throat and swelling. yikes. Then there's the allergy to cinnamon flavoring when fall came and I tried a Hot Apple Blast from Carribou Coffee. (They're amazing by the way. Try one.) Now... band-aid stickey adhesive. I consider this pretty cool. ;)
If nothing else, it makes a fairly mundane visit newsworthy. Sort of. I hope everyone reading is having a good day. I'm done with progesterone for a while so I'm feeling much friendlier today. Happy Thursday!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sync List
Well, I finally got the sync list from the really scatter brained IVF coordinator out East. I had to ask for it today so that I might have some hope of finding a babysitter while I go to my ultrasound and blood work. Upon reviewing it, I realize she didn't set up the appointments with my fertility clinic here, so I had to hear them bark at me about scheduling so last minute. Seriously, barking up the wrong tree sweetheart. I'm on progesterone. Don't cross me. lol! :)
So, I still don't have child care but here's the schedule for the rest of the month:
3/7, 8, 9 take 1 norethin each day to pause the cycle
3/10 blood work and ultrasound to check hormones and lining
3/10 or 3/11 start estrogen based on lab results
3/17 blood work and ultrasound
3/24 blood work and ultrasound
3/27 start progesterone 2 x each day
3/30 fly East
3/31 last blood work and ultrasound before transfer
4/1 Transfer day + bedrest
4/2 bedrest
4/3 fly home!
4/8 luteal blood work to check estrogen and progesterone levels (I anticipate the lab will also take a sneaky beta so that they know if it's rising when I go back for the official beta)
4/15 official beta day ...but we all know I'll be peeing on a stick before that. :) Per the mother's instructions.
So, that's it. Please work. Please, Please work.
So, I still don't have child care but here's the schedule for the rest of the month:
3/7, 8, 9 take 1 norethin each day to pause the cycle
3/10 blood work and ultrasound to check hormones and lining
3/10 or 3/11 start estrogen based on lab results
3/17 blood work and ultrasound
3/24 blood work and ultrasound
3/27 start progesterone 2 x each day
3/30 fly East
3/31 last blood work and ultrasound before transfer
4/1 Transfer day + bedrest
4/2 bedrest
4/3 fly home!
4/8 luteal blood work to check estrogen and progesterone levels (I anticipate the lab will also take a sneaky beta so that they know if it's rising when I go back for the official beta)
4/15 official beta day ...but we all know I'll be peeing on a stick before that. :) Per the mother's instructions.
So, that's it. Please work. Please, Please work.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Preheating the oven
The parents have booked my flight to the New England area and have so kindly booked me in a hotel with room service for my stay. They generously offered to have me stay at their home, but if relaxation is one of the keys to success, then a hotel is the way to go. I am too polite of a person to sit back and let people wait on me. I'm currently making a list of things that I want to do while I'm there and have the quiet time to spare. I want to read Cinderella Ate My Daughter, update photo albums, clean up my cooking blog, update my girls' blog, sleep without being interrupted... Lots of things to keep my mind off of missing my hubby and girls. Luckily, K found some great flight times for me, so I can leave later on that Wednesday night and be home earlier on Sunday morning.
Next up, more meds should arrive and I'll have a monitoring appointment at my local fertility clinic on Thursday, cycle day 6.
Oh and just for comparison sake, I took an obligatory pre-pregnancy picture. Goodbye 15 month postpartum belly. (My youngest is 15 mos old - obviously.) Hello med induced belly and soon to be BABY filled belly. :)
 |
| Preheating the Oven |
Saturday, March 5, 2011
It's Go Time.
Today marks cycle day 1. This is the cycle that will mark my first ever IVF and the beginning of the official surrogacy agreement. The Dr in New England has been notified and meds are being ordered and shipped to me. I'll start birth control and then estrogen.
I speak with the parents on a pretty regular basis. Usually once a day or so. Sometimes several times each day. They've figured out that it's hard for me to talk on the phone with my little darlings around, so we mostly email. They had a very big day yesterday and sent me some great pictures. They had attended a ceremony to celebrate M becoming a US Citizen. I'm so happy for him! He grew up in South Africa and had a pretty different childhood from those of us in the US. He tells great stories about it. What I love about this couple is that afterward, K told M, "now that you're officially an American, you'd better eat like one." ...and they headed to Mc. Donalds. A picture shows him proudly sipping his Shamrock Shake. Love it!
Yesterday, all of the contract work from the Fertility Clinic and also to both lawyers was scanned, sent, and basically complete for now. My husband completed his part of the testing (drug and disease testing), and the backup surrogacy insurance let us know that we were approved. All of this means that we're clear to move forward.
Clear to move forward... EXCITEMENT!
I've been cooking like a crazy lady today in preparation for being gone. Operation freezer menu is in full swing. Operation "the kitchen looks like a tornado hit" is also in full swing. ;)
I speak with the parents on a pretty regular basis. Usually once a day or so. Sometimes several times each day. They've figured out that it's hard for me to talk on the phone with my little darlings around, so we mostly email. They had a very big day yesterday and sent me some great pictures. They had attended a ceremony to celebrate M becoming a US Citizen. I'm so happy for him! He grew up in South Africa and had a pretty different childhood from those of us in the US. He tells great stories about it. What I love about this couple is that afterward, K told M, "now that you're officially an American, you'd better eat like one." ...and they headed to Mc. Donalds. A picture shows him proudly sipping his Shamrock Shake. Love it!
Yesterday, all of the contract work from the Fertility Clinic and also to both lawyers was scanned, sent, and basically complete for now. My husband completed his part of the testing (drug and disease testing), and the backup surrogacy insurance let us know that we were approved. All of this means that we're clear to move forward.
Clear to move forward... EXCITEMENT!
I've been cooking like a crazy lady today in preparation for being gone. Operation freezer menu is in full swing. Operation "the kitchen looks like a tornado hit" is also in full swing. ;)
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