Friday, July 31, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
They are IN!
When we arrived at Dr. R's office this morning our coordinator passed by and told us the embryos look good and he's having a hard time choosing which ones to transfer! A good problem to have, huh? Dr. R consulted with us on our embryos, which are graded from 1-3 (1 being the best); grades 1 and 2 get women pregnant, with grade 3 there is a significant drop in pregnancy. I had one grade 3, which isn't usable, but all of the others were grades 1 or 2! He also consulted with us on how many to transfer. The national guidelines say for a person my age, they can only transfer up to two at a time. After he asked if we were willing to have twins, we asked a couple questions about how difficult is it to carry twins, and if I would carry them to full term. He said it's a more difficult pregnancy all around, everything is doubled. I will get bigger faster, being uncomfortable longer, if nauseated it'll be worse. He said women don't carry twins to full term; usually they are born 4-6 weeks earlier and considered pre-mature, but he said a 34 week old twin is a healthy baby. Once our questions were answered, we decided on two, which means I have a 60% chance of having twins!
Of the other six embryos left, two had reached blastocyst and were grade 2, (I had to google the definition of it, but in layman's terms means the "development of a blastocyst is a big step for a tiny new organism, and it makes it possible for more growth and change to come") and those are the ones he chose to transfer. There are four embryos he's going to freeze and one he's going to culture out to see if it makes it; if so, it will be frozen as well. I can't believe I have so many to freeze!!!
The procedure was done in the ambulatory center downstairs, where the retrieval was done, but instead of using the sterile surgical room, I was in a ER-type room. They had a TV with calming scenes and music and Lee was able to be with me the whole time. I accepted their offer of a Valium to relax, which helped. The procedure was done on a full bladder, but they didn't make me keep it too full so it wasn't very uncomfortable. I was worried it would be painful since I'm still sore from the retrieval, but it was a piece of cake. They laid me back on the table, and the procedure was kind of like a pap-smear (women know what I'm talking about; I'll spare the details for the guys). The embryologist put the two embryos in a catheter and brought them to Dr. R; she said my name aloud to verify those are my embryos and he inserted the catheter into my uterus while being guided by an ultrasound. It was a very special moment for us. I cried a little and Lee was right there to hold my hand; it was pretty magical! After he was done, Dr. R. held my hands and said a prayer for me, which I was so grateful for. The procedure took no more than 5 minutes, then I was asked to lay still (no coughing, laughing or talking above a whisper) for 30 minutes.
Once the time was up, I got my lab slips for my upcoming pregnancy tests, went to lunch (we were starving!), and I've been at home resting ever since. I'm supposed to relax and only do light activities for the next three days and nothing too taxing on my body thereafter. I thought I had to wait two weeks for my first pregnancy test, but the first one will actually be a week from today! He won't call me until the results are in from my second test on Friday. If my blood work shows I am pregnant, he'll do two more tests a few days after, and schedule my first ultrasound if my blood tests show my HCG continuing to rise!
I really appreciate everyone's kind words, prayers and support up to this point. They have gotten me through some pretty emotional times! This whole process still feels surreal, but I do feel like there is something inside me that I have to protect and take care of now. Please keep the prayers and positive energy going! Implant little embryos, IMPLANT!!
Love,
Chelle
Of the other six embryos left, two had reached blastocyst and were grade 2, (I had to google the definition of it, but in layman's terms means the "development of a blastocyst is a big step for a tiny new organism, and it makes it possible for more growth and change to come") and those are the ones he chose to transfer. There are four embryos he's going to freeze and one he's going to culture out to see if it makes it; if so, it will be frozen as well. I can't believe I have so many to freeze!!!
The procedure was done in the ambulatory center downstairs, where the retrieval was done, but instead of using the sterile surgical room, I was in a ER-type room. They had a TV with calming scenes and music and Lee was able to be with me the whole time. I accepted their offer of a Valium to relax, which helped. The procedure was done on a full bladder, but they didn't make me keep it too full so it wasn't very uncomfortable. I was worried it would be painful since I'm still sore from the retrieval, but it was a piece of cake. They laid me back on the table, and the procedure was kind of like a pap-smear (women know what I'm talking about; I'll spare the details for the guys). The embryologist put the two embryos in a catheter and brought them to Dr. R; she said my name aloud to verify those are my embryos and he inserted the catheter into my uterus while being guided by an ultrasound. It was a very special moment for us. I cried a little and Lee was right there to hold my hand; it was pretty magical! After he was done, Dr. R. held my hands and said a prayer for me, which I was so grateful for. The procedure took no more than 5 minutes, then I was asked to lay still (no coughing, laughing or talking above a whisper) for 30 minutes.
Once the time was up, I got my lab slips for my upcoming pregnancy tests, went to lunch (we were starving!), and I've been at home resting ever since. I'm supposed to relax and only do light activities for the next three days and nothing too taxing on my body thereafter. I thought I had to wait two weeks for my first pregnancy test, but the first one will actually be a week from today! He won't call me until the results are in from my second test on Friday. If my blood work shows I am pregnant, he'll do two more tests a few days after, and schedule my first ultrasound if my blood tests show my HCG continuing to rise!
I really appreciate everyone's kind words, prayers and support up to this point. They have gotten me through some pretty emotional times! This whole process still feels surreal, but I do feel like there is something inside me that I have to protect and take care of now. Please keep the prayers and positive energy going! Implant little embryos, IMPLANT!!
Love,
Chelle
Before transfer selfie!
Ready to welcome the embryos home
Lee went a little crazy with pics! Here's the ultrasound machine where he was able to watch the whole procedure
My two embryos wanted a selfie too! Here they are pre-transfer
They are IN! And apparently named Pellet at this point. I don't think we'll keep the name!
Monday, July 20, 2015
Got a call from our IVF coordinator that all seven embryos have made it thus far (Go embryos, GO)!! She said some look better than others, but "that's just a beauty contest." I didn't have to go in this afternoon, and will do the transfer on Wednesday as scheduled! We are still hoping there will be embryos to freeze.
I think the little guys and gals are already showing some of our characteristics; stubborn and strong-willed! I cried tears of join this morning; I am SOOOOOOOOOOO happy!!!!!!!
I am doing really well and the pain is lessoning. The injections still hurt like crazy, but hopefully I'll get used to the pain. It's worth every pain, inconvenience, or tear I've shed and would do it all over again in a heartbeat (but hope I don't have to)!
Keep your prayers coming (we feel them!) and the chants going… Grow embryos, GROW!!!
Love,
Chelle
I think the little guys and gals are already showing some of our characteristics; stubborn and strong-willed! I cried tears of join this morning; I am SOOOOOOOOOOO happy!!!!!!!
I am doing really well and the pain is lessoning. The injections still hurt like crazy, but hopefully I'll get used to the pain. It's worth every pain, inconvenience, or tear I've shed and would do it all over again in a heartbeat (but hope I don't have to)!
Keep your prayers coming (we feel them!) and the chants going… Grow embryos, GROW!!!
Love,
Chelle
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Happy Saturday all!
I just got a call from Karen at Dr. R's office with an update on my eggs! The two that were under mature did not mature, but of the seven that were mature, all SEVEN fertilized!!! She said the comments that Dr. R wrote were "Excellent!" so he is very pleased with the results!
My transfer is scheduled for Wednesday at 11am. I will get a call on Monday morning with an update on the embryo. There is still a slim chance that I'll need to go in Monday afternoon for the transfer if he feels they are at risk for not making it and would do better in their natural habitat. If they look good, a day 5 transfer is better.
I am doing well today after sleeping most of the day away yesterday. I'm sore and definitely feel like something has been done inside of me (a lot less sore today though), but I'm able to move around slowly and am trying to get some chores done. My butt probably hurts the worst, where I was given an intramuscular injection after the procedure. My subcutaneous injections are done, and now I'm onto IM injections of Progesterone daily up until the pregnancy test, and afterwards if I am pregnant; a total of 10 weeks. No pain, no gain, right?
I will update Monday evening! Keep the prayers and chants going, "Grow embryos, GROW!!"
XOXO,
Chelle
I just got a call from Karen at Dr. R's office with an update on my eggs! The two that were under mature did not mature, but of the seven that were mature, all SEVEN fertilized!!! She said the comments that Dr. R wrote were "Excellent!" so he is very pleased with the results!
My transfer is scheduled for Wednesday at 11am. I will get a call on Monday morning with an update on the embryo. There is still a slim chance that I'll need to go in Monday afternoon for the transfer if he feels they are at risk for not making it and would do better in their natural habitat. If they look good, a day 5 transfer is better.
I am doing well today after sleeping most of the day away yesterday. I'm sore and definitely feel like something has been done inside of me (a lot less sore today though), but I'm able to move around slowly and am trying to get some chores done. My butt probably hurts the worst, where I was given an intramuscular injection after the procedure. My subcutaneous injections are done, and now I'm onto IM injections of Progesterone daily up until the pregnancy test, and afterwards if I am pregnant; a total of 10 weeks. No pain, no gain, right?
I will update Monday evening! Keep the prayers and chants going, "Grow embryos, GROW!!"
XOXO,
Chelle
Friday, July 17, 2015
The retrieval is done and I'm happy to report he retrieved 10 eggs! One of them wasn't mature, so cannot be used. Two were under mature and may mature today, and seven eggs were mature. Some will not fertilize and some that fertilize will not make it, so he is hoping to having one or two to transfer. There is a possibility of having some to freeze… we'll just have to wait and see!
Monday the embryologist will look at the embryo and if they aren't looking good, Lee and I will have to come in for the transfer that day as they likely won't make it to day 5. If they look good on Monday, he will let them go and transfer on day 5 (Wednesday).
The procedure went well and I'm so happy it's over! I was very nervous this morning and tearful (these hormones are no joke!) and scared in the surgery room. His MA Elvira is a sweetheart and told me there are a lot of angels watching over me just before I drifted off to sleep. The Propofol had me pretty drugged and out of it; after napping I still feel groggy, but so far minimal cramping. I'm going to hang on the couch or lay in bed today and just relax!
Lee's grandmother just got home from the hospital and my father-in-law says she's alert. She is now on Hospice care and has been taken off her medications as they weren't really helping. They were pretty upfront at the hospital and said there's tons of tests they could run, but what good would it do? It's apparent her body is shutting down.
I will update when I hear something from the fertility clinic! Please keep our little embryos in your prayers, as well as Grammy!
Love,
Chelle
Monday the embryologist will look at the embryo and if they aren't looking good, Lee and I will have to come in for the transfer that day as they likely won't make it to day 5. If they look good on Monday, he will let them go and transfer on day 5 (Wednesday).
The procedure went well and I'm so happy it's over! I was very nervous this morning and tearful (these hormones are no joke!) and scared in the surgery room. His MA Elvira is a sweetheart and told me there are a lot of angels watching over me just before I drifted off to sleep. The Propofol had me pretty drugged and out of it; after napping I still feel groggy, but so far minimal cramping. I'm going to hang on the couch or lay in bed today and just relax!
Lee's grandmother just got home from the hospital and my father-in-law says she's alert. She is now on Hospice care and has been taken off her medications as they weren't really helping. They were pretty upfront at the hospital and said there's tons of tests they could run, but what good would it do? It's apparent her body is shutting down.
I will update when I hear something from the fertility clinic! Please keep our little embryos in your prayers, as well as Grammy!
Love,
Chelle
I laughed when I walked by my dresser this morning and thought "the aftermath!"
I snuck a photo of my retrieval sheet
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Trigger Day!!
My mood is better tonight and I keep telling myself "it only takes one." I'm also a bit relieved my cycle is coming to an end. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat, but it's been tough on me, this week especially. The crying returned Monday after he raised my med dose as did all the other side effects I was having, coupled with work drama (we are short staffed so two people decided to take their stress out of me), plus Lee's grandmother went into the hospital Monday when Ken & Lynn were out of town camping… I was about to lose my mind! I also didn't have my puppies here to love on. They were camping with my in-laws, and though it was nice to not have to worry about them this week while I went back and forth to appointments, I realized today I needed them back!
Lee has been great this week, taking care of myself and his grandmother. He knew I couldn't have anymore stress, so he solely dealt with talking to the hospital staff and Grammy's caregivers. She has edema in her legs and has been leaking a lot of fluid. Her caregiver was concerned she was leaking too much so took her to the ER and they admitted her on Monday. They ran a bunch of tests, and I don't know the outcome of those, but they recommend getting Hospice involved and recommended she have constant care when she returns home.
Lee was really good about calming me down this week when I needed. Last night was the worst; the injection that normally hurts the most almost had me screaming because he injected too fast. Afterwards, I sobbed and sobbed… and sobbed. I couldn't stop crying; I had a lot to get out.
Tonight I did my trigger injection at 9pm and my retrieval is scheduled for Friday morning at 9am. Please keep us and baby Stewart in your prayers! We need all we can get!
XOXO,
Chelle
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Today's appointment went well, after my doctor gave me a heart attack. I had blood work this morning, then an ultrasound this afternoon, which was faster than normal. After he was done he told me to meet him in his office when I was ready. I sat down across from his desk as he tapped on his keyboard, shaking his head and I could tell he was going to tell me bad news. I said in the room after he was done with the ultrasound "those follicles look huge!" which he agreed. He started off the conversation in the office with "when you have follicles that large, it really increases the chance for multiple births, like twins, triplets. I had a patient like you last month that had quadruplets, and you have to decide if you want to proceed." My heart SANK!! Then his assistant appeared in the hallway and got his attention and was telling him something (I couldn't see). He said "but we're doing IVF. We're doing IVF." I could see the light come on and how embarrassed he was. He had been seeing so many IUI patients all day, that he was thinking I was one of them, and I guess the size my follicles was not a good thing in that case.
Most people may look at this as not a lot of confidence in the doctor, but working in the medical field and knowing the volume of patients we see and all the detail that go into their care, I get it. I've also had to rescue Dr. C a few times when he's been talking to a patient about their condition and I realize he's talking about the WRONG patient! We're human, mistakes happen. I just laughed and told Dr. R "you gave me a heart attack!! Okay, let's start over!"
So my follicles are a good size and where they need to be and I'm ready, but my blood work show my estradiol level is a little low. I think he said the estradiol level shows the majority of my eggs. I asked if there was a risk of my follicles getting too large and he said there was; it's all a balancing act of deciding if to continue another day and risk the eggs in one follicle over maturing, yet gaining mature eggs from 3-4 other smaller follicles, which would be a good trade-off. I trust his decision and am not going to question it or stress about it.
He wants another blood test so back to the lab I go tomorrow again, before 8am, then I have an appointment with him at noon (then work directly after until 8pm). Assuming I'm totally ready tomorrow, my trigger shot will be tomorrow night and my retrieval will be Friday.
I can't believe it's so close!!! It's been a long time coming and it's been an absolutely EXHAUSTING week on so many levels! I'm so ready! I'm also ready to maybe have a normal work day Thursday without any appointments. Driving 130 miles every day this week is getting a bit tiring.
I'll update tomorrow, but it'll probably be just a quickie post. Keep your chants going "mature eggs, MATURE (but not too much!)"
XOXO,
Chelle
Most people may look at this as not a lot of confidence in the doctor, but working in the medical field and knowing the volume of patients we see and all the detail that go into their care, I get it. I've also had to rescue Dr. C a few times when he's been talking to a patient about their condition and I realize he's talking about the WRONG patient! We're human, mistakes happen. I just laughed and told Dr. R "you gave me a heart attack!! Okay, let's start over!"
So my follicles are a good size and where they need to be and I'm ready, but my blood work show my estradiol level is a little low. I think he said the estradiol level shows the majority of my eggs. I asked if there was a risk of my follicles getting too large and he said there was; it's all a balancing act of deciding if to continue another day and risk the eggs in one follicle over maturing, yet gaining mature eggs from 3-4 other smaller follicles, which would be a good trade-off. I trust his decision and am not going to question it or stress about it.
He wants another blood test so back to the lab I go tomorrow again, before 8am, then I have an appointment with him at noon (then work directly after until 8pm). Assuming I'm totally ready tomorrow, my trigger shot will be tomorrow night and my retrieval will be Friday.
I can't believe it's so close!!! It's been a long time coming and it's been an absolutely EXHAUSTING week on so many levels! I'm so ready! I'm also ready to maybe have a normal work day Thursday without any appointments. Driving 130 miles every day this week is getting a bit tiring.
I'll update tomorrow, but it'll probably be just a quickie post. Keep your chants going "mature eggs, MATURE (but not too much!)"
After a hellish day on Monday that had me in tears, a smile appeared once I got into Monterey (the pics don't do it justice, but the gorgeous view always hits me!)
No pain, no gain! The pics also don't give you the full view, but I'm more bruised and WAY more swollen than it appears here!
XOXO,
Chelle
Monday, July 13, 2015
Today's appointment went well. My estradiol blood test and ultrasound showed I was responding to the meds, but not as much as Dr. R would like. He has me on a low dose, so he's going to increase my Follistim dose tonight and I will start another injectable medication tomorrow morning. I will again do blood work tomorrow in the morning and an ultrasound in the afternoon.
My left ovary has six follicles and my right only has four. He's trying to grow some of the smaller follicles to see if he can get a few eggs out of them, but isn't sure if he'll have time. Hopefully tomorrow I'll know more!
Until then, let's all chant "grow follicles, GROW!!"
XOXO,
Chelle
My left ovary has six follicles and my right only has four. He's trying to grow some of the smaller follicles to see if he can get a few eggs out of them, but isn't sure if he'll have time. Hopefully tomorrow I'll know more!
Until then, let's all chant "grow follicles, GROW!!"
XOXO,
Chelle
Saturday, July 11, 2015
I am now six days into injections and so far, so good! I was worried the steroids were going to make me hyper and not able to sleep, and in fact they are somehow doing the opposite. I have been so tired I've been taking a little nap after work the past few days. Thursday I pretty much came home and went straight to bed! I think I slept ten hours that night and could've slept some more!
I'm also forgetting everything! My brain is all over the place. It started Wednesday, just two days after starting my meds, when I tried to shove a basket in a cabinet at work that clearly didn't fit… over and over. I went to pour a glass of wine this week and poured it into a small bowl I set out for prepping dinner. I'm normally really great at multi-tasking at work, but I'm so forgetful this week I'm having to triple check my work as I do it. I got home yesterday, went to check something on my phone and saw that I had completely forgotten about my mammogram that afternoon! I even asked to leave early from work for it and was approved. I'm really bummed because I have been stressing over getting it done before I get pregnant (you can't have x-rays while pregnant). I tentatively rescheduled it for next week, but doubt I'll be able to make it. Thank goodness this forgetfulness is all short term!
Other than being sleepy and forgetful, which has gotten a tiny bit better since reducing my medication doses on Thursday, I am doing really well! The side effects actually aren't that bad. I do feel a little dizzy, and kind of off in general, but it's all manageable. The doctor's office called me Thursday to tell me my blood test showed I'm responding well to the medications and advised me to continue with the present treatment plan.
Lee is feeling very comfortable with the injections and doing a great job! The medications injected do hurt, but it's only temporary. Lee has also been very sweet and attentive lately! I feel bad laying around not doing much, but he's encouraging me to relax.
We are now only days away from retrieval day!!! We went hiking today and I told him "we're hopefully going to make a baby this week!" Monday I have another blood test in the morning then an ultrasound that afternoon. One of his assistants said he'll know more by then and be able to predict when I'll be ready. I could go as early as Thursday and as late as Monday. I think/hope I'll be ready Friday. I'm also hoping the retrieval will be scheduled early, because I have to fast eight hours prior. I'll be under some sort of sedation for the procedure and they'll take Lee's sperm that day and inject them into my eggs. My schedule says he's planning a Day 5 transfer, so five days after the retrieval is when they'll transfer for them into my uterus. If we have two embryo, we'll transfer two and freeze the rest, if any are left over. Two will give us an increased chance of implanting, but also an increased chance of twins.
This is all the plan, assuming I'm still responding well to the medications and my follicles look good on Monday. One of the facts I have to face is there may be nothing to retrieve. There are a lot of what-ifs that I'm having to push to the back of my mind and I know these next few weeks are really going to be a test for me. I try to keep telling myself I have no control over this, except for the medications, and I have to trust in God and his will.
I will try to give an update after my appointment Monday and I'll let you know when my retrieval date is scheduled. Please keep myself, Lee and baby Stewart in your prayers! We need them all!
XOXO,
Chelle
I'm also forgetting everything! My brain is all over the place. It started Wednesday, just two days after starting my meds, when I tried to shove a basket in a cabinet at work that clearly didn't fit… over and over. I went to pour a glass of wine this week and poured it into a small bowl I set out for prepping dinner. I'm normally really great at multi-tasking at work, but I'm so forgetful this week I'm having to triple check my work as I do it. I got home yesterday, went to check something on my phone and saw that I had completely forgotten about my mammogram that afternoon! I even asked to leave early from work for it and was approved. I'm really bummed because I have been stressing over getting it done before I get pregnant (you can't have x-rays while pregnant). I tentatively rescheduled it for next week, but doubt I'll be able to make it. Thank goodness this forgetfulness is all short term!
Other than being sleepy and forgetful, which has gotten a tiny bit better since reducing my medication doses on Thursday, I am doing really well! The side effects actually aren't that bad. I do feel a little dizzy, and kind of off in general, but it's all manageable. The doctor's office called me Thursday to tell me my blood test showed I'm responding well to the medications and advised me to continue with the present treatment plan.
Lee is feeling very comfortable with the injections and doing a great job! The medications injected do hurt, but it's only temporary. Lee has also been very sweet and attentive lately! I feel bad laying around not doing much, but he's encouraging me to relax.
We are now only days away from retrieval day!!! We went hiking today and I told him "we're hopefully going to make a baby this week!" Monday I have another blood test in the morning then an ultrasound that afternoon. One of his assistants said he'll know more by then and be able to predict when I'll be ready. I could go as early as Thursday and as late as Monday. I think/hope I'll be ready Friday. I'm also hoping the retrieval will be scheduled early, because I have to fast eight hours prior. I'll be under some sort of sedation for the procedure and they'll take Lee's sperm that day and inject them into my eggs. My schedule says he's planning a Day 5 transfer, so five days after the retrieval is when they'll transfer for them into my uterus. If we have two embryo, we'll transfer two and freeze the rest, if any are left over. Two will give us an increased chance of implanting, but also an increased chance of twins.
This is all the plan, assuming I'm still responding well to the medications and my follicles look good on Monday. One of the facts I have to face is there may be nothing to retrieve. There are a lot of what-ifs that I'm having to push to the back of my mind and I know these next few weeks are really going to be a test for me. I try to keep telling myself I have no control over this, except for the medications, and I have to trust in God and his will.
I will try to give an update after my appointment Monday and I'll let you know when my retrieval date is scheduled. Please keep myself, Lee and baby Stewart in your prayers! We need them all!
XOXO,
Chelle
Friday, July 3, 2015
Happy 4th!!
We are now into July, and officially 3 days from the start of my cycle! Wednesday we went to Dr. R's office for medication training, and it was the most excited I've seen Lee… which worried me. I made a comment that I haven't seen him this excited about the process as he was that morning and he explained that just because he doesn't show it, doesn't mean he isn't. He sarcastically added he needs to keep his mood at a nice stable level and not up and down, and up and down (while doing the motion with his hand) like "some people." I laughed and then smacked him!
Lee picked up how to use each syringe or pen and how to draw up the medications very quickly. Thank goodness he is great at math also! There is one medication I'm taking that comes with several cartridges with different doses. I'll get to a point where all the cartridges won't have a full dose, and we'll have to figure out how much each has in it by calculation; you can't tell by looking at the vial. I can figure it out, but calculations stress me out! He practiced injecting into a sponge block and said he feels comfortable with everything. Our nurse Karen, who did the training, commented on how quick he picked up things. I agreed and told her I completely trust him and have always thought he would be great working in the medical field.
The start of my cycle also means the start of many trips to the doctor and a schedule that will be very TBD (to be determined). Monday I start with a baseline blood draw at a hospital in Salinas, which isn't quite as far as Monterey, but still the opposite direction from work; then work, then back to Dr. R's office by 3:30 for an ultrasound. I repeat lab work on Thursday morning in Salinas and I don't believe I'll have anymore appointments with him the rest of the week, but the following week I'll likely have 3-4 days where I'll be taking two trips for lab work and appointments. I won't know until the day before when he wants to see me and as he's monitoring my hormonal levels he'll either adjust my meds or keep me on the planned dosage. Again, everything is up in the air! My retrieval will be anywhere from Friday, July 17 - Monday, July 20th. I'm crossing my fingers for an early morning retrieval as I have to fast 8 hours prior.
I asked Karen what side effects to expect from the meds and she said I'll be very emotional. I patted Lee on the back and apologized in advance. I'm already an emotional person and cry easily. I guess I'll be a crying mess for the next two weeks. I forewarned Dr. C (physician I work with) of the start date for my meds. He promised to try to take it easy on me. He can be extremely frustrating to work with, but he does have a big heart.
Karen said some people have told her the meds make them pee a lot and they've been up a lot at night because of it. Again, another thing I already do! She hadn't heard of people being too hyper and not able to sleep, which is a worry I have about being on steroids, but I can expect an increased appetite. And bloating, and swelling. She said by the second week is when I'll really feel the bloating. I have pain monthly when I ovulate now, so I'm already expecting to feel very uncomfortable. I'm not complaining about any of this, just explaining the process! Every side effect, inconvenience, pain, etc I have to go through is so worth it! I'm so happy the day is almost finally here!!
We've had a very busy, but great week the last week with family and friends visiting. It's been a long time since we've seen Duke & Steph, but it didn't feel like it. It was so great to get to know their girls and I adore them! They asked that I sit by them for a couple of dinners, which melted me heart. I helped their youngest daughter Sydney with cutting up her food a couple of times and thought how much I enjoy doing stuff like that. I guess it's the natural mother instinct in me that loves to care for someone. I explained to a friend not too long ago that I need to feel needed and mother someone. That's why I was only able to last 3 weeks without any dogs living in our house. It makes me smile when I turn around and see my little Kazoo faithfully following on my footsteps around the house at times. I think the pups missed a house full of people when they went to Ken & Lynn's on Wednesday, after everyone had left.
We are so blessed to have a great support system with all of our friends and family and every email or kind word has really helped me get through this roller coaster of emotions. We hope little Kingston or Piper (our baby names) will know how much we and all of you fought for them!
XOXO,
Chelle
(my favorite photos from last weekend)
We are now into July, and officially 3 days from the start of my cycle! Wednesday we went to Dr. R's office for medication training, and it was the most excited I've seen Lee… which worried me. I made a comment that I haven't seen him this excited about the process as he was that morning and he explained that just because he doesn't show it, doesn't mean he isn't. He sarcastically added he needs to keep his mood at a nice stable level and not up and down, and up and down (while doing the motion with his hand) like "some people." I laughed and then smacked him!
Lee picked up how to use each syringe or pen and how to draw up the medications very quickly. Thank goodness he is great at math also! There is one medication I'm taking that comes with several cartridges with different doses. I'll get to a point where all the cartridges won't have a full dose, and we'll have to figure out how much each has in it by calculation; you can't tell by looking at the vial. I can figure it out, but calculations stress me out! He practiced injecting into a sponge block and said he feels comfortable with everything. Our nurse Karen, who did the training, commented on how quick he picked up things. I agreed and told her I completely trust him and have always thought he would be great working in the medical field.
The start of my cycle also means the start of many trips to the doctor and a schedule that will be very TBD (to be determined). Monday I start with a baseline blood draw at a hospital in Salinas, which isn't quite as far as Monterey, but still the opposite direction from work; then work, then back to Dr. R's office by 3:30 for an ultrasound. I repeat lab work on Thursday morning in Salinas and I don't believe I'll have anymore appointments with him the rest of the week, but the following week I'll likely have 3-4 days where I'll be taking two trips for lab work and appointments. I won't know until the day before when he wants to see me and as he's monitoring my hormonal levels he'll either adjust my meds or keep me on the planned dosage. Again, everything is up in the air! My retrieval will be anywhere from Friday, July 17 - Monday, July 20th. I'm crossing my fingers for an early morning retrieval as I have to fast 8 hours prior.
I asked Karen what side effects to expect from the meds and she said I'll be very emotional. I patted Lee on the back and apologized in advance. I'm already an emotional person and cry easily. I guess I'll be a crying mess for the next two weeks. I forewarned Dr. C (physician I work with) of the start date for my meds. He promised to try to take it easy on me. He can be extremely frustrating to work with, but he does have a big heart.
Karen said some people have told her the meds make them pee a lot and they've been up a lot at night because of it. Again, another thing I already do! She hadn't heard of people being too hyper and not able to sleep, which is a worry I have about being on steroids, but I can expect an increased appetite. And bloating, and swelling. She said by the second week is when I'll really feel the bloating. I have pain monthly when I ovulate now, so I'm already expecting to feel very uncomfortable. I'm not complaining about any of this, just explaining the process! Every side effect, inconvenience, pain, etc I have to go through is so worth it! I'm so happy the day is almost finally here!!
We've had a very busy, but great week the last week with family and friends visiting. It's been a long time since we've seen Duke & Steph, but it didn't feel like it. It was so great to get to know their girls and I adore them! They asked that I sit by them for a couple of dinners, which melted me heart. I helped their youngest daughter Sydney with cutting up her food a couple of times and thought how much I enjoy doing stuff like that. I guess it's the natural mother instinct in me that loves to care for someone. I explained to a friend not too long ago that I need to feel needed and mother someone. That's why I was only able to last 3 weeks without any dogs living in our house. It makes me smile when I turn around and see my little Kazoo faithfully following on my footsteps around the house at times. I think the pups missed a house full of people when they went to Ken & Lynn's on Wednesday, after everyone had left.
We are so blessed to have a great support system with all of our friends and family and every email or kind word has really helped me get through this roller coaster of emotions. We hope little Kingston or Piper (our baby names) will know how much we and all of you fought for them!
XOXO,
Chelle
(my favorite photos from last weekend)
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