Looking Good!!

Repeat blood work showed a rising beta - up to 597!  This is excellent.  Which means we are cooking for sure!!

First ultrasound on 12/13!!

Now if I can just get this HORRIBLE sore throat to go away I would be one happy momma-to-be!!

The Results Are In...

Also confirmed with a blood test at the doctor's yesterday.  Due to the blood test there may be reason to believe that both of The Stormtroopers stuck but we won't know for sure until the ultrasound in a couple of weeks.  For those that know betas the number yesterday was 279 for 9dp5dt (9 days past 5 day transfer).

Unofficial Due Date - August 6, 2013

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers.  Keep them coming that we will have a baby (or babies) in our arms next summer.

I will continue to update after all of our appointments!

Love you all!!

Frosties!

We heard wonderful news today that we managed to freeze 6 embryos!  What a relief!!  Hoping we won't need a frozen cycle anytime soon, but the relief is that we have them in reserve if we need them.  :)

Embryo Transfer

So I got up this morning and was so nervous.  I hadn't gotten a report on my little embryos since Friday and I had no idea what was going to happen today.

We arrived at the hospital and I managed to set up some pre and post transfer acupuncture, so the girl took me back for my first treatment. 

Then Todd and I, donned in scrubs and gowns, walked down to the IVF room.  I had to guzzle some water...the want you to have a fairly full bladder.  The embryologist came in and showed us a picture of our embryos...

Todd and I pleased to introduce our embryos!

These are very good grade embryos and one of them even started hatching which is ideal.  I also found out that I could have anywhere between 2 and 7 embryos that can be frozen for a future cycle if need be.  I have to call on Tuesday and find out how many they actually froze.

When they put the embryos in it was kind of fun.  They used an ultrasound to guide the release.  You could see them being "deployed" which was awesome.  Todd made a comment that it was like something out of Star Wars...like the ships shooting their lasers...  So I am tempted to call them my little Stormtroopers.  :)  I think it's fitting.

So our blood test to see if this worked is on Tuesday the 27th.  I'm happy that I have the holiday to provide a good distraction during this short wait.  I'm only hoping for the best results.

I'm thrilled we have a back up with frozen ones if need be though...

So that brings us almost to end of this IVF journey.  I couldn't have been more pleased with my care, and my results.  I just hope the final results follow the same pattern.

Thank you to everyone who has offered love and support.  A kind word.  A message on Facebook.  Even just liking my status updates.  It helps to get my story out in the open and use all the love and support to hopefully give us the family we so greatly desire.

Fertilization Report #3

I still have 15 in culture according to the embryologist. 7 of them are 6-10 cell and are looking good (B+ or better). 4 of them are early morulas and can't be graded right now. They are pretty certain I would have a few to freeze but we will know more when the time comes.

The IVF nurse will call me later today to set up the time for transfer on Sunday.

This is all very technical, I know, but basically it means I have quite a few good ones growing and they feel I should be able to transfer two good ones and maybe have a few to freeze.  I set up an acupuncture session through the hospital and I just need to wait until everything is set up.

Happy 1st Birthday, Tobin and Miles!

One year ago today I gave birth to two of the most precious angels in heaven.  I still relive moments of that experience on a daily basis, as I don't think that it is something I can ever forget.  Losing our sons was one of the hardest life events I have ever had to experience.  I just never want them to be forgotten.  I want their memory to live on within Todd and I and within our future children.

I can only hope the timing of this IVF cycle will bring us the best of luck as our little embryos are growing on the anniversary of their brothers' birth.  I know that Tobin and Miles are looking down on those little embryos and encouraging them to grow.

I miss my boys so very much and while I still feel like it was unfair they were taken from me too soon, I know they are with us every day, bringing sunshine and hope to our family.

We love you both very much, Tobin Robert and Miles Edward.

Thank you for watching over us from heaven.

Fertilization Report #2

I spoke to the embryologist this morning and he advised me that four more eggs fertilized, so I am up to 15 embryos growing in a lab in Denver.  He said 9 of them were very good quality.  More than likely we will be doing a Sunday 5-day transfer but he will give me a call tomorrow to confirm.  I'm so glad they are doing well!

As for me, I actually made it to work today.  Not sure how long I'll be able to make it but I had a few things to do.

Keep praying for my little embabies in Denver.  Pray they grow big and strong and I have some to freeze.  :)

Fertilization Report #1

So Dr. Wong from Denver called at about 7:45AM.  He said out of the 21 eggs, there were 17 mature eggs and 11 of the successfully fertilized.  I can't wait until tomorrow to get another update on how our little embryos are forming!

Keep praying people!!!

Retrieval...DONE!

So my retrieval was this morning. Man, what an uncomfortable day! Cramping and pressure galore! Glad the retrieval is done, that was easy because I was asleep the whole time. Relatively short procedure. Todd got a call within 25 minutes.

So the results...

21 eggs!

This is a lot! Hence the continued discomfort. I am drinking a ton if liquids and using a heating pad to try and alleviate the pressure. That and Tylenol with codeine. :)

Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers. Tomorrow we will find out how many fertilized!!

Stay tuned!!!!!

Less than 24 hours to go!

So I did my trigger last night.  My leg is sore today and I'm tired and crampy but it's all worth it.

We have to be in Aurora for no later than 7am tomorrow with our procedure being at 8:15.  It's going to take about an hour and 20 minutes to reach the medical campus.  No eating or drinking for me after midnight tonight as then do use general anesthesia for the procedure.

I can't believe it came so fast!  If I could steal a few thoughts and prayers I would be forever grateful!

Appointment #5

Well this is my last appointment in the Colorado Springs office. The next appointment I will have will be my egg retrieval on Tuesday morning at 8:15 am. So excited! The doctor today was enthusiastic. That en more popped up that she was confident would grow I to mature follicles by then. So we are giving it one more day of medication. Yippee!!!!!!

Appointment #4

Things are moving along nicely.  The doctor measured 18 follicles between 12mm and 16mm.  She said we might actually trigger tomorrow and do retrieval Monday.  I won't know for certain until tomorrow morning's appointment.  She thinks I could get 18+ eggs out of this retrieval.  Doesn't mean they will all take but it gives me more to work with.  Waiting again for my estrogen levels and also my instructions for this evening's dose.

Exciting stuff!!

Appointment #3 - UPDATE

So I went this morning for ultrasound and bloodwork.  Dr. Murray said things were progressing nicely.  On the right, my lead follicle was 11.5 and I had a "bunch" between 10 and 11.5.  On the left, my lead follicle was 12.5, then I had 2-3 others over 10 and a few under 10. 

Waiting for my bloodwork results and medication instructions which will come this afternoon.

In making a best guess, she said retrieval would probably be on Tuesday the 13th, but we wouldn't know for sure until later this week.

UPDATE:  Spoke to Dr. Murray - E2 went up to 584 which she is pleased with.  We are knocking back my Follistim dose to 250units and adding in the Menopur and Ganirelix tonight.  I had to order some more Follistim and my trigger shot - so another $567.90 on the credit card.  Sigh...

But overall she is pleased and we are hoping everything looks great on Friday!

Appointment #2

Ultrasound and bloodwork done.  Nothing much on the ultrasound in terms of measurable follicles.  She counted 33 on the right and 12 on the left but they were all still under 10mm.  They are going to call me this afternoon and give me the results of my bloodwork.  This number will show that my body is responding to the medication.

I'm having some pretty crummy side effects.  My stomach is shredded.  It hurts and is not happy.  I do get a slight headache after my injection.  No pain from the injection or bruising.  I'm an old pro with needles.  Cramping and bloating too.  And some fatigue.  No raging hormones yet, but they could be right around the corner!!!

Back on Wednesday for another scan.  I look forward to seeing some progress!!

11/4/2012

So I have done two days of shots already.  Not feeling much in terms of side effects which is good.  I go back tomorrow morning for a ultrasound and some bloodwork.  Good thing I checked my calendar as I thought my appointment was at 10:30 and it's actually 10:15! 

Nothing going on for today.  We need to do some grocery shopping and some cleaning at home.  Todd will want to watch footbal...what a shock!  :)

Hope everyone is have a fantastic weekend!!  :)

Update!

Spoke to my RE a little while ago. Since my estrogen level was low (47) and even though my period has not shown up, she told me to go ahead and start the medication tonight!!!

Holy crap!!!!!!!!!!!

Appt #1

So I went for bloodwork and an ultrasound today...which reminds me to take the tape off of my arm...LOL

Everything looks good to start my injections tonight.  I'm just kind of waiting for my period to make even the slightest appearance.  I have a feeling it will be today, but if for some reason it's not then I will have to start injections tomorrow.  No big deal. 

I go back on Monday morning to see how everything is looking.

SO EXCITING!!!