It's happening!

Ultrasound this morning showed 1 - 20mm, 2 - 18mm, some 16 mms, 15, and 14's.  There are 10 eggs on each ovary and egg retrieval is on Thursday!  Egg stimulation is over and I'm looking forward to emptying these tubs.  I'm shot free until Thursday and I don't need to go in tomorrow for ultrasound and blood work...it's a much needed break!

Estrogen level today is 1,325 and progesterone is 0.6.  Since my estrogen level is good and progesterone level is low, I needed my HCG trigger shot in the butt tonight at 8 pm.  HCG is known as the “pregnancy hormone.”  HCG is produced in early pregnancy by the cells that will eventually form the placenta.  HCG maintains the corpus luteum which is responsible for progesterone production during early pregnancy.

Thursday egg retrieval schedule:
6:00 am - Take anti-biotic while fasting
6:20 am - Arrive at Dr. M's office
6:50 - 8:30 am - Egg retrieval under anesthesia and J to provide
                               sample
Begin progesterone in oil shots

Sunday is implementation!  I'm glad we can move forward as all the details have worked out.  God's been faithful through this journey and we have hope.   Thanks for your positive thoughts, love, support, and prayers. 

Making progress!

I received some good news this morning...my uterus lining has a triple layer!  Ultrasound tech, D, said it looked like the endometrium organized itself and she could see it looking better.  Also, she counted 8 eggs on each ovary. My estrogen level is 892.  Ovary stimulation is almost complete and I'll be going in everyday this week since egg retrieval is tentatively scheduled for Thursday or Friday.  Please continue to pray for healthy eggs, healthy thickening of the uterine lining, healthy sperm and no complications for transfer.  I'm relieved and thankful we can proceed as scheduled.  Through the ups and downs of this journey, I'm hanging on this roller coaster ride by God's grace and mercy and relying on the one who's unmoving and unchanging.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock" (Matthew 7:24-25).

Thin lining

The endometrium lining is not as thick as my doctor would like.   He stated that it should be a trilayer thickness (indicates a good response to the estrogen) before transfer could take place.  A thicker lining is needed for optimal results since our 2 embryos need to implant in the uterus.  I believe if the lining is too thin, another miscarriage could occur.  J found an article that explains it in more detail: http://www.drmalpani.com/thinlining.htm.  It won't affect egg retrieval but may delay the transfer date.  
I missed Dr. M's call because I left my phone on silent...argh!  I have questions.  I got upset and discouraged by this news.  Suddenly, fear, worry and discouragement set in.  After a good cry and praying with J, I was better and we went for a walk at the Farm park.  This is such a roller coaster ride.  We're hoping my lining will thicken within a day or two.  I will be seen again tomorrow for more blood tests and ultrasound and pray for better news.

On a positive note, my estrogen level rose significantly to 538.  Follicles are moving along nicely with 2 eggs at 17 mm and the rest are undersized and need some more time. 

287

is today's estrogen level.  Earlier this week, my estrogen level was 77 and ovaries were just starting to wake up.  We go again tomorrow morning for ultrasound and blood work at 8am.  We walked into a skeleton crew at the doctor's office when it's usually bustling with women waiting to be seen, but it is Saturday.  Dr. M said I have 9 or 10 growing eggs and he'll see how to move forward after tomorrow's appointment.  On Thursday, I had to order some more meds which cost an additional $785.36 because it took a little longer for my ovaries to wake up.    The additional cost was unexpected, but it's well worth it.  Just wish we had a heads up about the possibility of ordering more meds so we could be prepared.  But, it is what it is.  The shots will end soon and the reality of what this upcoming week will be like is starting to sink in.  We're hopeful, yet fearful of more disappointment and loss.  In the meantime, were trusting in the midst of uncertainty.

If you're reading this, yes, you!  I'd really appreciate some quotes and bible verses I can meditate on in the comments box.  I'll copy them down onto a post-it and stick the words of encouragement around the house.  You'll hold me accountable to doing that.  Thanks!

Ovaries have woken up!

Ultrasound this morning showed some good growth:
1, 12mm
1, 11mm
5, 10mm
11, 8 and 9mm's

Growing too many eggs hinder healthy egg growth so I go again Sat (tomorrow) morning at 7:30 for more blood work and ultrasound since my nurse doesn't want "them to go crazy."  Estrodial (estrogen)  tells follicles to start growing into eggs and my levels have increased. :)  Our timeline has changed a bit and my nurse's guesstimate for egg retrieval is Thursday, Feb 9 and transfer is Sunday, Feb 12.  Will find out more tomorrow.

Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers.  Please keep them coming!

Eggs are growing!

The average number of eggs created during stimulation is about 10-15... I have 13 little ones at 8mm!  My hormone level is low as of yesterday's blood work, but I'm told it's not unusual for the size to be small since I've only been on Follistim (stomach) and Repronex (buttock) for 4 days.  Ideal egg size is 16-18mm.  I wondered why I was continuing with a lower dose of Lupron (thigh) since it shuts down my system.  Apparently, the Follistim and Repronex shots create a hormone called estradiol that causes ovulation.  In order to control my body and prevent ovulation, I continue with a decreased dose of Lupron in the morning which counteracts estradiol production and stops ovulation.  Lupron with my other egg producing meds doesn't inhibit the growth of my eggs so it's safe.

I'm learning so much through the manipulation of my reproductive system.  The technology we have at our disposal to create a life is amazing, however, there is no guarantee that the embryos will attach to the uterus.  We do what we can, but God is the giver of life and the one in control.  Going back tomorrow morning for blood work and ultrasound.  James and I found a good diner on the way home.  It's a treat to stop in for breakfast after appointments since it's my favorite meal of the day.  Thanks JP for being with me yesterday and taking me tomorrow since it's a long drive.  Praying my 13 eggs grow strong and double in size.

                Cost of meds:  $2,221.98, not including my pills.