One Month Away and Thank You

We are one month away, or 30 days out from our estimated due date.  My mind can barely comprehend how quickly this pregnancy has flown by.  And when you're talking about a pregnancy achieved by Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), you're talking about ONE. LONG. PREGNANCY!

Our In Vitro Journey began on May 5 last year when my new cycle started.  From there I took BCP, added Lupron Injections, began another cycle, added stimulation drugs (Follistim and Menopur) and made it to our Egg Retrieval date on June 20.  When we arrived at the clinic on June 25 for our tentative transfer, it was evident that I had severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and needed to be admitted to drain the excess fluid from my abdomen.  Talk about disappointment, but I was in so much pain that I never cried over our cancelled embryo transfer.  I laid in a hospital bed for five days and looked to God for the answers.  He had never stopped seeking me and I finally allowed myself to rely on Him instead of taking the situation into my own hands.

We let my body heal over a rest cycle and began our first Frozen Embryo Transfer on August 12.  If you're keeping track of your pregnancy from your last menstrual period (LMP), our pregnancy with Elliana started on August 12.  That makes this one super duper long pregnancy!  We failed our first lining check, but took one extra week to  thicken the lining of my uterus and were able transfer two beautiful embryos on September 6, 2012.

On September 10, 2012 I took a HPT and it was positive.  All blood tests confirmed pregnancy and here we are today one month away from the estimated arrival of our daughter.

God answered our prayers to have a child and Brandon and I will forever be thankful.

We would not have endured our journey without some very special people in our lives.  God sent us some special people at different times throughout our journey to help us along the way.

• Sheri, my amazing sister-in-law.  She too endured her own battle with infertility and provided me with support from the first day that I threw out my birth control.  She told me everything that she knew and always helped me find answers when she didn't happen.  I called her first from leaving all of my appointments.  I couldn't have gotten through all of this without her.  She stood by my side through our infertility and pregnancy, and she will stand by my side as I deliver Elliana.
• Dad.  There's not enough space here to tell all that he did for Brandon and me.  I will be writing about my father's love and support in another blog post before Elliana arrives.  What he did for us must be shared.
• Joy, my daughter's (middle) namesake.  She covered us in prayer from the moment she met us.  She allowed me to love on her own miracle child when times were hard.  She went to appointments when Brandon could not and even accompanied both us us when we needed another set of ears to hear.  She showed up to the hospital with goodies when I was admitted.  During our embryo transfer she held Brandon's hand and prayed over me during the procedure.  She was always a positive voice to me and just knew that the transfer would work and give us a child.
• Tonisha, my long-distance friend from Oklahoma. Her love for us has been written in the blog more than once.  She donated much needed medication to us and sewed Elliana's first baby quilt.  She showed me God's love and how He can use anyone to catch your attention.  She and I share different views about religion, but she showed me what it is to love your neighbor better than anyone else could.
• Liz, my college friend turned best friend.  We never seemed to lose touch like most people do when they graduate.  She too had her fair share of trouble when it came to getting pregnant, and was always there to lend a supportive ear.  There were many dinner and drinks nights when we had received unsettling news.  She was here with dinner when I had surgeries and even showed up to the hospital with a baby to just sit with me once before they wheeled me back.  She brought me good food in the hospital, presents when we confirmed our pregnancy, pretty pink cupcakes to celebrate Elliana's gender, and is hosting my baby shower.  She's such the perfect Southern woman and I'm trying to take some tips from her.  She's not your traditional Proverbs 31 woman, but she's pretty dang close in her own way. 
• Jennifer, my former coworker and friend.  God bless her heart, she had to hear me cry and complain so much through our infertility and pregnancy,  BUT she never got upset by it and let me vent.  She always reminded me to find the positive and "silver lining" in every situation.  She researched stones for fertile properties and gave me a rose quartz to wear.  She somehow survived all of my crazy hormonal days and hot flashes and still likes me.  There's a special place in Heaven for her.
• Paul, my former boss.  Not many men understand the desire of a woman to have a child, but he did.  He knew upon hiring me that my greatest desire was to start a family.  He knew more about my follicles, endometrial lining, and hot flashes than any man other than my husband and fertility doctor ever wanted to know.  He always told me that my family came first and supported our journey.  Asking for time off for fertility procedures was never a problem, and I can remember him calling to check on me before surgeries and while I was in the hospital.  I was lucky to work in a loving environment that supported me.
• Tiffany.  My pregnancy would have felt different without her.  After we announced that we were expecting, so many other women in the church also said that they too were pregnant all around our due date.  Tiffany told me in person after her first test.  I think she knew that it would be easier for me to hear it from her.  Our due dates are two days apart and she has given me so much support.  Because it took us so much to achieve our pregnancy,  I still found myself jealous of other women who were expecting, but never her.  I completely ignored other pregnant women except for her.  I just know that our daughters are going to be best friends.
• Rachel, my former coworker and surrogate daughter.  How many 17 year old girls know how to administer fertility drugs?  I didn't keep up with how many injections Rach gave me, but it was a LOT.  She was nervous on the first few but then it just came as second nature.  She attended "mom functions" with me at church, gave me a mother's day gift, and spent the night with me when Brandon traveled.  She's well beyond her years already and has such a big heart for such a young girl.
• Nicole, a lost connection from college.  In her own infertility journey, Nicole found me and we started talking.  It's always nice to be able to talk to someone in person who is also battling infertility.  I'm so happy that she's 10 weeks behind me in her pregnancy with their son, Isaac.  
• Our family.  They were all so excited when we called saying that we were pregnant and even more excited when we found out her gender.  Elliana is the FIRST granddaughter (and great-granddaughter) on Brandon's side of the family and the FIRST grandchild (and great-grandchild) on my side.  
• Our faith family.  Calera First United Methodist Church has never stopped covering us in prayer. Terry and Carolyn prayed over us many times and annointed us with oil.  Terry made hospital appearances when I wasn't even sure he knew I was there!  I'm not sure how many women saw my hiney when I'd search people to help with progesterone injections, but they were all there to hold my hand and laugh at the joys of our pregnancy.  The previous church we attended never provided us with much support so I was astonished at the outpouring of love we received when we opened up about our infertility.  Elliana will have the biggest family because of the faith family that God gave us.

There are so many other people who influenced us along this journey.  It would take days for me to write about all of them.  Again, I am finding myself full of sentiment these days and I want it all recorded before I forget these feelings.  I'm looking to this blog post as the thank you card that can never fade away.

Swelling, Carpal Tunnel, and the Belly

When I saw Dr. Mac yesterday, we did talk about the pain I've been feeling in my hands.  It's pretty much Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Apparently it's common during pregnancy.  See article here.

The pain started out of nowhere this weekend.  I have been noticing more swelling as time moves on, but there was no pain associated with it.  By no means is it anything unbearable, but it is uncomfortable.

In other swelling news, my legs and ankles are huge by the end of the day!  I take many breaks while doing stuff around the house, but the swelling is here to stay.  Our church prepares dinner on Wednesday evenings so I showed up at 3:30 pm yesterday to help.  The meal was delicious (as always)!  Once I got home around 8 pm my ankles looked awful.  When I know that I'm going to be on my feet for a while I wear sneakers.  This is the aftermath...

The socks I was wearing had hearts on them, so I had hearts imprinted on my legs!!  The funny thing is that my ankles and feet didn't hurt too much at all.  They were just funny to look at!

My Dad helps cook at church on Wednesday evenings and he made the remark that I looked bigger than I did on Sunday.  I believe him!  I actually feel bigger and have been gaining some weight this week.  I anticipate weighing 160 lbs by my weigh-in on Saturday morning.

Adult Large t-shirts are now tight over my belly.  

The linea nigra is growing up past my belly button now.  My belly button stays out about 99% of the time except for when I lay on my back and Elliana shifts position.

The belly doesn't look as big from this angle but it's definitely hanging out there.  I cannot imagine how big I will look by the end of the month.  I may end up with some stretch marks on my tummy before Elliana makes her grand arrival.

Rant:  My growing belly is now starting to cause me much more discomfort.  My back only hurts when Elliana is nestled under my right rib.  It doesn't matter if I sit or stand, my back aches.  The belly also makes bending over incredibly difficult.  Sometimes I cannot even roll myself out of bed.  I scoot my legs off of the bed and wait for them to find the floor and I do a weird slide off of the bed.  Rolling over is also difficult and I'm sure that I'm funny to watch.  It was almost impossible to carry Nesia on my right hip last night because of Elliana.

Realization:  With all of that being said, I still find myself so very blessed to be carrying this big belly around.  In the tearfully pain moments I remind myself that we prayed for this child and waited for God to give her to us.  There are so many women who would give anything to be in my shoes right now.  This pain and uncomfortable-ness will pass and our lives will be filled with joy.

51 days until our due date...

Nervous

Mommy is so nervous right now.  Last night, I feared that I would lose you.  I hope and pray that the doctor's know what's wrong this morning.  Mommy and Daddy already love you so much.  Please, stay tucked in tight, Baby Sneakers.

Mommy's Appointment

Today, Mommy is five weeks pregnant with you.

This morning I woke up feeling some sharp pains in my belly, but the nurses told me that it's alright.  My body is just growing to make room for you!

We went to see the angels at ART again this morning for another blood test.  Miss Ava told me that I shouldn't be drinking any dark caffeinated drinks.  Boo!

The numbers looked good today, and again confirmed that you are growing.  It looks like there's one Baby Sneakers growing in Mommy's tummy and we couldn't be any happier.  Mommy and Daddy will get to see you on an ultrasound next Friday.  God is so amazing!

Mommy bought you some presents today.  It was more fun looking at stuff for you than for me (and I never thought I would feel that way about shopping.)  I found you two cute little stuffed animals.  I'll go ahead and admit that you will be spoiled, but we have waited so long for you.

4 More Days

Is it Monday yet???  (Beta is scheduled for Monday, September 17!)

Believe me, I've had so much going on to keep me busy, but Monday still seems so far away.  Brandon and I have continued to believe in this cycle.

There's no room for negative thoughts on Team Baby Sneakers!  

Brandon has been out of town the past two days and returns today.  I went to an infertility support group Monday night, had praise band practice on Tuesday evening, and had bible study last night.  Tonight will be the first evening that I've been at home all week!  I have never been so thankful for such busy evenings.

*As far as symptoms are concerned...
*I'm having slight cramps whenever I stand for a period of time.
*I'm still tired after a full night's sleep.
*My chest stopped feeling so sensitive (PIO injections) and then began hurting WORSE and "they" are now growing (without me being too graphic)
*Certain foods seem awful!  Things that I would usually enjoy are making me gag.

These all have to be good signs, right?!?   

Two Lines

Today I took a pregnancy test.  Maybe it was foolish, but I saw two lines.  The second line was faint, but it was there.

You (y'all) are growing in my belly now.  We have waited for this day for so long.  Your Dad is nervous.  For once I'm not; at least not yet.  Because I've been filled with so many hormones, it's hard to discern my symptoms.  Mommy has had coffee and Dr. Pepper and is still tired.  That must be because of you!  A little shopping trip on Saturday wore me out, and I took a long nap after church yesterday.  But it's ok, I would rather be tired any day because you're growing inside of me.

I look forward to next Monday.  I cannot wait to hear it from the doctor that I am truly pregnant with you.  Being able to see you on an ultrasound seems like an eternity away.

It's hard to keep you a secret.  Only a handful of people know that this worked.  My friend in Oklahoma, Toni, donated expensive medicine to me to help me grow eggs to make you.  Your Aunt Sheri guessed that I was pregnant by the text message I sent her this morning.  She actually thinks there are two of you growing in my belly!  Nicole texted Mommy this morning just knowing that I started testing today.  Mommy made her boss, Paul, promise not to say anything.  I just had to let him know why I was so happy at work today.

I can't wait to let everyone know about you.  So many people have prayed for you.  Mommy and Daddy love you so much.  We have wanted you for a long time!

One More Week

One of the advantages of an IVF or FET cycle is the abbreviated "two-week-wait."  Three to six days of this two week time span are spent waiting for your embryo transfer.  As of today, we only have to wait one more week until we see results with numerical value.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about...
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone secreted during pregnancy.  On September 17, they will look for this hormone in my blood.  Anything less than 5 is considered not pregnant.  Anything over 25 is considered pregnant.  From the initial blood test, my hCG levels should double every 48-72 hours to show a healthy, sustainable pregnancy.  In other words, we'll still be on pins and needles for another week or so.  I will go back every two to three days for more blood tests.  Once the levels are between 1000-2000, we will be able to have a vaginal ultrasound to see what's developing!  (for more information go HERE)

If only my clinic did pregnancy tests over the weekend.  I was so disappointed when I saw my beta scheduled for September 17.  In some ways, that seems like an eternity away.  I'm sure that I will blink my eyes and Monday will be here!

As far as symptoms are concerned, I'm feeling great other than side effects from the progesterone injections.  I'm now putting a heating pad on the injection site each evening to get rid of "the lumpy butt."  Since Saturday, I've been tired, but my body has gone through a lot.

Brandon and I continue to remain hopeful and positive.  We see no room for any negative thoughts.  Thank you to everyone who has continued to check on us the past few days.  I cannot wait for next Monday!!

Paperwork & Waiting

Today, I thought I would share some of the paperwork they gave us yesterday.  We signed consent to the embryo transfer, along with consent that we understood the high likelihood of conceiving twins/multiples.  We had to sign our discharge instructions and probably some other stuff I don't remember now!

We have shared so much with you already.  Many of you reading are going through fertility treatment yourself, and the rest of you are simply following our journey to provide support.

From now until September 17 will be one of "the longest waits" we'll ever endure.  My body already feels pregnant.  I've felt that way since I started taking my progesterone supplement.  Within the next few days I just hope and pray that the embryos implant and take root!  (When we completed our IUI cycle last October, I actually felt implantation.)

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Brandon's going to the football game with JR tomorrow and I plan on crafting and going to sweet Nesia's 1st birthday party.  Brandon is leaving on Tuesday next week and coming home on Thursday.  Randal's birthday is the following Sunday so we'll have lots of celebrating/pranks at work.  I'm super positive that I'll keep myself occupied for the next week, but it's going to be one of the longest weeks ever!

Today's the Day

This is it!

I didn't think I would be able to go to sleep last night.  Brandon has slept on the couch the past two nights because his sinuses have been bothering him.  It was his decision, not mine-promise!  He's been terrified of me getting sick these past few days.  I did wake up an hour early this morning because I was so excited.  I'm sure I'll pay for that later today.

At church last night several people stayed around after bible study to pray over us.  Terry (our pastor) anointed our heads with oil as everyone gathered around, laying hands on us.  Surprisingly enough, I didn't cry, but felt peace.  That is something that I know many women are lacking on the eve of their transfers.  At this moment, I truly believe that this endeavor will provide us with a healthy pregnancy.  There's no room for any other negative thought.

If for some reason this transfer doesn't end with a pregnancy and take-home baby, I know that I will be upset.  Anyone would.  But I feel like God has given me a glimpse of the big picture.  I know that I am lucky to have found my purpose-my calling.  I wouldn't wish infertility on anyone, but it has brought me so much closer to God and my husband.  Also, I wouldn't be connecting with women throughout the world if I didn't have these struggles.  The Infertility, Pregnancy & Infant Loss, and Adoption community is an amazing network of women.  These ladies build each other up with support and love.  This day would be so much harder to face without them-knowing that they are cheering for me.

My emotions are all over the place.  For those of you who know me IRL, I saw that same Jiff commercial this morning and left the room (I was moved to tears last week)!  No tears earlier, but now I'm all weepy.  I have the good cries.  I have no idea why I even wore eye makeup because I'll have cried it all off by the end of the day.

Thank you for all of the support.  My phone has been going off like crazy all morning.  =)  Y'all are amazing and we couldn't do this without YOU!

Transfer Day

Today I will see you for the first time.  You will be transferred to my womb, where I pray that you take hold for the next nine months.  Unlike many children, you will never hear the phrase "before you were even thought of."  See, you've been thought of for at least 2 years, 1 month, 1 week, and 6 days.  That's how long it's taken us (Mommy and Daddy) to get to this day.  We even talked about you before we were married.  We always knew that we wanted you.

You have been a very sought after child.  So many people have prayed for you since you were nothing but a follicle growing in my body.  People all over the world have prayed for you and you're only a tiny little embryo.  When you draw all over my walls, pee in the floor, get gum in your hair, and drive me crazy, please remind Mommy of this little note.  Remind me that I prayed for you.  Remind me that I implored God for a child.  You're still going to drive Daddy and me nuts, but we will always love you.

You are our gift from God.

Sleep tight in my womb, little one.  Nestle yourself in me and grow.

One more day

"The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength." 

Psalm 138:3 (The Message)

It took some time for Brandon and I to trust God and His timing.  We both still struggle daily, but we know that God's plan for us will unfold, and we will be blessed beyond measure.  Through all of the difficult times, it's been so hard to find joy in the journey.

We both feel so close to the finish line.  The day before transfer in our IVF cycle was terrible.  I had never felt so sick in my life.  Today I am excited and hopeful about tomorrow and the days after that.

We will see the first picture of our children tomorrow.  There are no words to describe how awesome that is!

Transfer Thursday 12pm

I called ART this morning to get the final instructions for our transfer.  They never called me with my lab results on Friday, so I was a little nervous.  The scheduling department was closed when they received my labs, and the other lady forgot to call me.

They have my FET scheduled for 12:30pm, and they want me to arrive at 12pm with a semi-full bladder.  The nurses will give me a Valium once I'm taken back.

Janet said that Dr. Allemand is scheduled for my FET.  Brandon and I both love him, and it makes me super happy that he's performing the transfer.  We've worked with all of the doctors at ART, but we are partial to Dr. Allemand.

In smurf news, Janet told me that I could discontinue the Estrace vaginally.  She said that my lining is nice and thick now, so the extra Estrogen is no longer needed.  Only 2 more days!

FET

Two more days

Wow.  Time is moving by so quickly.  I cannot believe that our embryo transfer is in only two days.

My hiney hurts!  In medicated cycles, women need progesterone support.  Dr. Allemand has me on shots, which are intramuscular (hiney).  The progesterone-in-oil injection doesn't hurt as much when it's administered, rather it's the aftermath.  On Saturday and Sunday, Brandon gave me 1cc.  Last night we had to increase my dosage to 2cc.  This medicine is SUPER thick!  B gives me a hiney massage afterward to make sure the medicine moves around and doesn't collect in one spot.  My booty is sore when I'm walking, and I feel the pressure from my pants!  It's not terrible, but I can definitely tell that I'll have what others before me have described as the "lumpy butt."  

Also, thanks to the progesterone-in-oil injections, my chest is super sensitive!  It's not that bad, I'll take a little pain any day to get my body ready for my baby(ies).  ;-)

We are so close.  I have nothing but positive thoughts about this cycle.  Brandon and I are planning to go out for a celebratory lunch after our transfer on Thursday.  Also, we've been discussing ideas about how we're going to tell everyone after we get our good news!  We are only expecting good news.  

Thank you for all of the kind thoughts, well wishes, prayers, and support.  We're going to need it to get through this two-week-wait!

"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."  John 14:14

Great Appointment

Our appointment went well this morning.  My lining measured .08cm- exactly what the doctor ordered ! They took a culture of my lining (which was blue), and I expect everything to be fine there.  It was so funny....the NP casually said, "Oh, I see you're on Estrace."

They usually leave word on my patient voicemail by 2pm.  Then they will provide me with my updated calendar- which is the same as before only a week behind.  I will start antibiotics tomorrow, along with Progesterone-in-Oil injections!  Our Embryo Transfer should happen on Thursday!  I am hopeful that we will get beta results the following Friday (September 14).

This is the closest we've ever been! We are beyond excited!!!  Thank you for all of the text messages!!

Much to process

Thank you to everyone who has checked on me the past few days.  The infertility process is unpredictable.

The transfer should happen next week as long as my lining thickens.  Brandon is much better at keeping positive that I am.  With each step, I've tried to remain positive.  Writing here has kept me accountable and made me want to see the good in each situation.  It helps me to think ahead and be prepared for all scenarios.  I had already prepared for disappointment at Friday's appointment.  We're still moving forward, it's just a week later than planned. . .

If you're unfamiliar with infertility treatment... Tracking your BBT becomes obsessive.  Taking Clomid/Femara is exciting when you seldom ovulate.  Injecting stimulation drugs is even cooler to get more follicles.  Administering an HPT trigger is just awesome because you get to see two lines on a pregnancy test!  IVF is both terrifying and thrilling all at the same time.  But when you get your calendar and start feeling comfortable and "in control" of your own body...and then something goes wrong...I cannot even begin to explain the disappointment.

We have been living our life in cycles since June 2010.  We have not planned a true vacation in over two years.  Most every aspect of our life has been planned by my fertility calendar.  Over the past two years I have experienced so many different emotions.  I feel like I have been able to handle myself much better over the past six months.

I don't want to seem like I'm throwing myself a pity party, but the waiting is so difficult.  Waiting for God's timing is hard no matter what circumstance you find yourself in.  My prayer is that I can continue to see the silver lining, trust God, lean on my husband, and be a light for others.  My heart is full and I have estrogen coming out of my ears.  I've never felt so weepy.  So yes, we're moving forward, but what others see as one week - I see as five more days of anxiously waiting for possibly more waiting.

My Tentative Calendar at the moment is as follows:
Friday, August 31- Lining Check @ 9am
Saturday, September 1- Tentatively begin PIO injections along with antibiotics
Thursday, September 6- Tentative Embryo Transfer
September 14-September 17--Tentative Beta Results

FET cycle has started

As of today, I am CD 4!  AF arrived Sunday morning.  Again, it is strange to be so excited about such a thing, but it just brings us steps closer to becoming parents.  I called ART Monday morning and they are currently preparing my calendar/protocol and will mail it once they are finished.

I began taking Estrace (Estradiol) 2mg twice daily on Monday.  This is to prepare my uterine lining for the embryo transfer.  Until I get my protocol, I am unsure of when everything will happen.  As of now, I am looking to Sheri (my amazing SIL) for advice, support, and calendar planning.  She did a FET cycle last August and we are using her info as a template until I get my packet in the mail.

With her cycle, she went in for a(an)

• ultrasound/lining check on CD12 ("ovulation day")
• Embryo Transfer on CD18/6dpo
• beta (pregnancy test) CD27/15dpo/9dpt

So far, this cycle is MUCH EASIER than anything related to our IVF cycle.  Taking BCP, Lupron, Follistim + Menopur, and Novarel was crazy!  Popping one tiny pill each morning and night is much simpler than any injection.  Today starts day three of taking the Estrogen, and I have yet to feel any side effects/symptoms (which is GREAT).  I will have to start  the progesterone-in-oil (PIO) injections closer to the time of transfer, but they are easy as long as someone else is administering it.

I will continue to update my FET page with all medicines, side effects, symptoms, and anything else related to the cycle (as I did with our IVF#1 attempt).

Also, I have been posting on Twitter lately (updating about fertility junk and zombies as usual).

Follow Up Tuesday

We had our follow up appointment with Dr. Allemand this morning.  Brandon had been scheduled to travel to Troy, AL for the day, so Joy had planned on going with me.  At the last minute, B didn't have to travel, but Joy still went with us (She's my person).  I had no idea how I would feel returning to the hospital (since I was admitted last time I was there.)

On the drive there, my tummy started hurting.  I've been having issues since Sunday!  We had to pull over once so I could go to the bathroom.  Please pray that I will begin healing as far as my GI issues are concerned!  This is miserable!  I couldn't stay at work all day yesterday, and am having trouble eating anything at all.  I'm in a constant battle with Dehydration right now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were barely seated in the waiting room five minutes when they called my name.  Dr. Allemand walked into the exam room and checked out my tummy (as well as my new ink) and said that I looked great.  We talked at length about my emotional issues, GI problems, sleeplessness, and the FET process.  

I am currently CD7 of this cycle of healing.  I will call on CD1 of my next cycle and we will move forward with the FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) from there.  People usually have a 30% chance of pregnancy with FET, but he said that my rates should be higher due to the quality of my embryos.  We will TRANSFER 2 EMBRYOS on the day of our FET.  There is an 80% chance of survival for each embryo during the thawing process.  (We will ask for prayer for the embryos when the thawing process begins). 

My funky socks waiting for my pap and ultrasound

His work is NEVER done. =)  

From my notes, I knew that they would want a pap smear in the month of July if I was not pregnant.  It was AWFUL!  My nurse couldn't find my cervix and Brandon was about to make her stop.  I was crying, but began praying the Benediction aloud and she found it.  The ultrasound (vaginal) was much easier.  She did still see residual fluid, but nothing that looked problematic.  Also there were residual cysts on my ovaries (which is also considered normal right now.)

We did have a copay of $35 today for my visit.  We have an unpaid balance of $460.80 from the IVF/Cryopreservation.  Thankfully, the did not make us pay that part today, but it must be paid in full before we begin the FET process.

Our nurse gave us much paperwork in preparation for the FET:

We stopped by the 2nd floor on our way out.  I had some goodie bags made for three particular nurses who took such great care of me while I was in the hospital.  =)  I only got to see one of them and she recognized me immediately and hugged me.

Janet called and asked to be sure that we wish to thaw and transfer 2 embryos at our transfer.

I came home, popped some popcorn and napped.  I'm exhausted!  Also, I'm leading Bible Study this evening; talking about how God has blessed our fertility struggle.

Sorry this was a LONG post, but I had a lot to say.  =)

FET page

COST

Devotional: Waiting for God to Fill the Cradle

Waiting for God to Fill the Cradle

I am currently on Day 3 of 30 of the following devotional.  One of the ladies at church shared an article with me a few months ago from Crosswalk.  There are many resources available for people going through struggles with Infertility, but few that focus on scripture.  I've found a few different websites that I frequent, and was excited to start this particular devotional written by another couple battling Infertility.  

Here's a topic breakdown by week:

Week One

Theme:  God is the Giver of Children

Week Two

Theme:  Finding my Identity and Direction in God's Word

Week Three

Theme:  Where to put the Disappointment

Week Four

Theme:  Mining for the Gold During this Season of Waiting

Right now, the devotional is only available for Kindle.  (I downloaded the Kindle app and paid $4.99 for the book to be downloaded to my iPod.)  

I will post more as I continue reading.  For the past few weeks I've felt more at peace about our current fertility situation.  I pray that God continues to give us peace as we get closer to beginning IVF.

September 8....

My nurse confirmed me for surgery on Sept 8.  I'm super excited that it's truly going to happen on that day.  B's urologist appointment Friday was a huge let-down.  The DR acted like he was unclear about why we made the appointment.  Our RE told us that it was advised to go to a urologist about the elevated FSH levels in Brandon.  They did a repeat SA and we have yet to receive the results.  I had Brandon call our nurse and leave a message earlier this morning.   As far as the surgery's concerned, we'll have to still pay some $ OOP (out of pocket), but that was expected.

So no real news.  I'm still waiting for my surgery in September and now waiting to see if B's SA fluctuated at all.  Lots of waiting.....

Just waiting on Thursday

It's only Tuesday!!  I feel like Thursday will never get here.  Who ever got excited about having surgery???  =) 

We had my nephew's birthday party over the weekend and we got to see my Mom and siblings.  My MIL stayed with us on Sunday.  There was no rest over the weekend.  My bags are already packed for the lake this upcoming weekend.  I am bound and determined to feel good after surgery so I can enjoy some time on the lake.

I'm hoping that today and tomorrow will fly by.