Sunday, February 27, 2011

One more week before pregnancy test....

So far so good.  We haven't cheated and checked on our own.  I considered it, but obviously my wife would have known.  We're doing pretty well.  We keep talking about our plans when we find out we are pregnant.  We have to trust God and speak it into existence.  More soon.

Monday, February 21, 2011

We are PUPO!!

So, first let me apologize for keeping many of you on the edge of your seats.  On Saturday, Feb. 19th the transfer went well.  Now the two week wait (2ww) begins.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Cycle 1 Egg Retrieval Day

Everything was textbook today.  We had 11 eggs (very mature according to the Senior Embryologist).  The procedure only lasted 45 minutes and then I went to the little room to do my part.  Far less dramatic.  One of the best feelings of the day was giving our IVF nurse a 300UI Follistim vial to give to someone in need.  Definitely have to pay it forward.

LESSON:  Just because one doctor tells you that you have a low ovarian reserve, doesn't make it a fact or the end of the road.

Next hurdle:  Saturday or Monday transfer.  God is good!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Cycle 1 Day 14

Big Day!  We triggered yesterday (HCG + Lupron) and Wifey had a textbook response.  Very proud of her.  Anyway, numbers looked real good this morning and we've gotten the GREEN LIGHT for egg retrieval on Wednesday.  On the outside I'm as cool as the other side of the pillow.  On the inside, I feel like I'm a week out from Christmas.  Can't stand still........GO GO GO!!!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Cycle 1 Day 13

Great News!  My wife's body is responding like a textbook patient.  We go tomorrow to the doctor for a blood test and ultrasound (for the 5th or 6th time) and my instinct tells me that we will then be scheduled for the retrieval on Wednesday.  She is feeling real uncomfortable.  Can't blame her.  Her body is producing twenty times the number follicles and they need somewhere to grow.  She has zero complaints though.  What a strong lady.  We can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel for the egg growing phase.  Great job baby!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Cycle 1 Day 10

Hi everyone.  Been a few days.  Things are going great.  We endured a few Stim increases, but my wife has responded beautifully.  We may be a few days away from the trigger shot.  On the inside I am bubbling over because we seem so close.  It's amazing how useful the internet has been during research and questions we had in the middle of the night.  I promise to write more tomorrow.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Cycle 1 Day #7

One of the things that you forget once the stim cycle (stimulation for Follistim/Gonal-F) begins is that these doctors are starting you at a best guess dosage.  In my mind I thought that the amount of Follostim and Microdose Ovidrel would drop once the egg growth accelerated.  I was not prepared for dosage increase, although more research would have shown me that this happens more often than not.

Today during the ultrasound we saw 10 follicles doing what follicles are suppose to do.  Good stuff.  I am so proud of my wife's strength and her positivity.  Still going strong folks. More later.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Cycle 1 Day#2/3

Things are much smoother.  We've got our routine.  We have a place in the house and a time scheduled for the injections and the pills we both need to take.  Yes, I said both.  The partner, that would be me, needs to take an antibiotic to make sure that on retrieval day I am free from any "microbial insurgents".  Good day......Time to take Wifey on a date.

NOTE:  Make sure you spend some time out of the house.  The walls tend to close in as you wait on different phases of the process.  Have a good weekend.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Cycle 1 Day 2

A nurse I am not.  We started injections last night.  I've got some work to do.  My wife was a real soldier......I......was Nurse Crachet.  Tonight I plan to do a much better job.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Tomorrow is the big day: 1st Cycle, Day #1

I have to be honest.  I completely shutdown the research side of my brain in the last week or so.  I found that the more I read, the more my brain calculated an infinite number of scenarios; I found myself unable to focus on relaxing and preparing my family for the month ahead.  My wife is incredible and I am completely in awe of her calm and her strength.

I think we're going to be at the door when they open tomorrow.  We are very ready for this and in a very good place.  Please wish us the best and I promise to keep you posted with commentary and observations each step of the way.  Remember, no matter what the forums, articles, and blogs say, this is your's and your partner's journey unlike any other.  You are uniquely you and, in that sense, have your very own individual odds of success.  Don't let another couple's less-than-positive experience impact yours.  Pray, love, and smile when you can; it does wonders for the soul.

Be Blessed!