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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