Cycle #3....Here we go!!!

Hi all!!

Had an interesting month.  Earlier this week we thought we might be pregnant naturally......it was still fun, but also disappointing.  It wasn't, however, devastating.  I think we both realize we've been so blessed with our two year old, our other beautiful children, and a wonderful marriage.  We agreed that we would try until my wife turned 40.  I definitely think it's important to agree on framework and "soft" deadlines.  It helps you plan and it helps you get on the page with each other.  Above all other things this is a partnership of dedication, commitment, courage, and shared sacrifice.

So we had our day 2 ultrasound.  My wife's lining was very thick and the may delay the stim cycle by a few days.  We will know more this afternoon after the blood tests.

Great Start....but cycle was cancelled.

Hi everyone!

Although we started with a bang with very good e2 numbers, great lining, and wonderful response to the stim meds, things slowed to a crawl on day #7 after we took Ganirelix.  If you are not aware of the significance, ganirelix is started to prevent a woman from ovulating while the follicles continue to grow and the eggs continue to mature.  The e2 number stalled at ~800.  Our IVF staff (I call it that because they apparently make "med tuning" decisions as a committee) increased the Gonal-F to 450 units but kept the Menopur at 350.  The following day the e2 number made it to the 900s but not significant enough to continue the cycle.

Now if you ask me, I believe my wife began ovulating on day #6 and they may have missed the opportunity to catch the eggs before they began to drop.  In other words they may have started the Ganirelix a day too late.  Clearly I'm not a doctor, but you can set your watch to my wife's body.  In our previous cycle we were stimming excellently and began the ganirelix on day #6.  My research supports the fact that ganirelix introduced into too early or too late can cause a problem similar to what we experienced.  We'll never know for sure.

Were we disappointed?...YES!  Did we blame them among ourselves?...YES! 

However, a funny thing happened on the way to the opera.....My wife and I grew even closer and became more determined to end things on our terms.  What did we do?....we had sex like rabbits just in case we could right the ship and get pregnant on our own.  We were unsuccessful but it was awesome trying and even better for our morale.  I really love this woman!!!

We're trying again in the beginning of the year and we WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.  Catch you later.

Day #2 of Injections....

Hi everyone....
So we received our protocol.
For the first 10 days (stim cycle)

1. Gonal-F 300UI daily
2. Menopur 300UI daily
3. aspirin  and prenatal vita

Blood test tomorrow to see how we are progressing.  Mixing the Gonal F and the Menopur has been a serious chemistry experiment.  I'm glad I paid attention in Chem lab.

With respect to medication let me say this.  Get real intimate with the pharmacy component of your health insurance.  I promise I know the entire staff at Escripts and Freedom Fertility pharmacy.  There are ALWAYS alternatives to the way meds are ordered and the way the prescriptions are filled.  Look for a "friend" and make them your primary contact.  Also 

It's a GO!!!!

Hi everyone!!!

So we've gotten started.  The protocol is somewhat different this time.  On my wife's second day of her cycle we started with birth control pills (10 days), dexamethasone ( 1mg/day), DHEA (75mg/day).  Last time we went through this we didn't have to take BC pills.  Word is research has shown better outcomes, on average, by starting this way.  On the 12th or 13th day the STIM cycle should begin.

What we're waiting to here are the specifics on the meds (gonal-F/Follistim, etc.).  Then we will have an idea on the what/when and how we will handle the meds.

Very different feeling this time around.  We are walking in expectancy with far less fear, but just as much excitement.  There is some anxiety but only because there still remain some unknowns.  You'll probably hear from me again around the 3rd or 4th of September.  Be well!!!

Back at it again....(REALLY!)

Hi everybody!!

Sorry for the previous false start.  We are seriously kicking things off once again.  I've received so much feedback about this blog and never expected so many people would respond to it.  Many men, and women, appear to have found value in these posts.  So lets do it again.

Interesting emotions this time around.  For me there are not as many nerves; probably because there aren't as many unknowns and we already have 3 beautiful children, anchored by our "almost" 2 year old princess.  It feels like anything else God grants us is whip cream on a sundae.  We are so ready for this.

Tomorrow we have a saline ultrasound.  For those that are new this is a process......in a saline ultrasound the doctor inserts saline to look at uterus in its expanded state to look for any malformations, cysts, and to make sure the ovaries are "calm and quiet".

After that we're suppose to be given birth control pills to start after my wife's next period......

My Little Princess is Here!!!

Hi everybody!
Today, I am on cloud 9.  I watched my baby girl come into this world last night and I have forever been changed.  My wife was unbelievable our kids were so supportive.  When I look back on the IVF Journey we began I am convinced that this is not just for us.  There are families that will realize the same dream.  Thanks for traveling with me and keep your journey in prayer.

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The time has come and gone!!

Hi everybody!!
So.......our due date "was" 11/8.  Still no baby!  The good news?.....she's doing great.  Mom (and Dad) are ready to issue the eviction.  I won't let the cat out of the bag about dates, but we won't be pregnant next week.  I'm sitting here mesmerized watching her move around in my wife's stomach.  God is truly amazing.