Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Aunt Flo & Dr. D

Today didn't start out too good. My period had started yesterday afternoon, and in the middle of the night it became very, very heavy. I've been awake since before 3 a.m. just managing it. I sort of thought it would be a heavy period after all those hormones, but I didn't think it would be so bad that I couldn't even go into work today. Everything seems to be settling down now, and I don't think I will have any trouble returning to work tomorrow.

We met with our RE late this afternoon. He reviewed all the aspects of our IVF cycle with us, and he expressed how in every way, because of my age, I had exceeded his expectations - except, of course, that a viable pregnancy did not occur. Dr. D seems optimistic that our two remaining embryos can result in the pregnancy we so dearly desire. They are AA and BB grade. I don't know much about those classifications, but he said they were good.

Before we transfer them early this summer, Dr. D wants to remove a polyp he noticed on my cervix during the first transfer, and he wants to check my uterus once more and make sure that a septum has not redeveloped.

We also had a brief conversation about using donated embryos if our FET isn't successful. They have a program in his practice, and he said if the FET doesn't do the trick then he would be very supportive of our desire to pursue that. I asked about the availability of Caucasian/Asian embryos, and he said that embryos are available from couples all over the country and they would probably be able to find us something like that. Hopefully, this will not be a step we have to take, but as I've been thinking and praying about things, embryo donation came to me as an option. Just knowing it's an option takes a lot of pressure off. It's hard to think that if the FET doesn't work then we're out of affordable options.

(In response to those that commented about the embryo adoption program, Snowflakes, while I really think that's a great organization, we would probably choose to pursue embryo donation instead. Embryo adoption requires a home study and attorneys fees - costs which we would avoid by using the donation embryo program. After four years of trying to become a mother, and $40k in adoption fees and fertility treatments, we will have to choose the most cost effective method if our FET is unsucessful. I just wanted to clarify, because there is a significant difference in cost and process between embryo adoption and embryo donation as far as I understand it.)

Anyway, the next couple of months will be fertility treatment free. During that time, I hope to increase my activity level and lose some of these IVF pounds. I'm tired of having a closet full of clothes that I cannot wear!

11 comments:

Jan said...

So sad for you, however, still hopeful. Sending lots of hugs and prayers.

Jill said...

You know that I'm believing and trusting God to give you a baby. I know He will come through for you. Whether it be through an FET, donated embryos or however He chooses...it's going to be great!!

((HUGS))

Cheryl said...

Continuing to pray for you. I have a dear friend at church who has one son and is now pregnant with her second - both via adopted embryos from the Snowflake program.

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

You are so brave and patient!!! I look forward to hearing about our summer as you continue to wait on the Lord.
I am still believing for you. One of your angels waiting or a "snowflake". Can't wait.

Christi and Abbey said...

Hi Joannah,
I've long been a fan of Nightlight's Snowflake embryo adoption plan. There are some amazing stories out there...
http://www.nightlight.org/programs_SnowflakesFrozenEmbryoFaqs.html

You can do the homestudy and keep your options open for adoption or embryo adoption.
Christi

Kayce said...

I'm glad you are doing okay Joannah, you've been in my prayers and on my mind a lot. A good friend of mine and her husband are looking at donating the remainder of their embryos to the snowflake program, it is such a wonderful thing.

Unknown said...

We adopted both of our children through Nightlight, both domestic and international and knew about the embryo adoption program. They were the first in the nation to do it and they are very experienced-about 10 years experience. We would have done that program if we could have, but since I had a hysterectomy, it was impossible.

Like Christi, I am a big fan of embryo adoption too.

Kate said...

Hi Joannah, I hope your period is settling into something near normal, that sounds a little dramatic/overwhelming and hope it is much better. It sounds like you have a great Dr, with optimism and options. We also would think of donor embryos (not embryo adoption) if we need to-- but like you, we are an ethnic mix that is not common around our region. If you would be willing to share the name of your clinic sometime via email that would be great icantwhistle at yahoo dot com. I totally get the cost issue and am sorry for all of us that that is such a deciding factor, but it really is! I wish you all the best in taking good care of yourself, and in your time away from the TTC/ ART craziness, but to be honest, you always seem so centered, even when things are tough. I hope you will let us know when you are tender so we can offer you the same amazing support you offer all of us. warmly, Kate

AprilMay said...

Hi friend,
I hope you are feeling better and are getting some rest! I think your plan sounds perfect. :) I am glad you are going to get a breather! Keep us posted so we can keep praying!

kitchu said...

Wow Joannah... I am always inspired by your strength and faith along this road, and how candidly you share it with us. I continue to pray for this child of yours, that will one day come to be. Blessings as you get some rest and a little break ahead. Do something fun for you, not just a bunch of exercise :O)

Shannon said...

Follow your heart.