Friday, March 6, 2009

Embryos on Board!


What a day!

When we got to the doctor's office, the embryologist met with us and showed us a picture of my six "excellent" embryos - all were in the 8, 10, and 12 cell range. Some were showing compaction already, and he said that was a good thing. Anyway, he said the guidelines were that they would transfer up to five in a woman my age, but that they may go ahead and do all six. However, he was under the assumption that we'd consider selective reduction if something extraordinary should occur. Once I was aware of that, I was straight up with him and told him that wasn't an option. Then he said maybe we'd have to wait until Sunday and do a five-day transfer instead, but he wanted to talk to Dr. D. first.

So we waited. And while we waited (we being my mom and me), I had my pre-transfer acupuncture session.

I wasn't worried. I figured there had to be a way to work this out in a life-affirming way without jeopardizing my health and the health of any babies-to-be. Sure enough, when Dr. D. got there he recommended we proceed with today's transfer of four of the best embryos, and leave the other two in the lab until Sunday. If they make it to the blastocyst stage, then we can freeze them, however it would be very rare for them to do so because of my age. I'm just trusting the Lord to take care of them, and if they are supposed to continue to develop they will. I will be praying for them to do so.

So, we proceeded with the transfer, which was a bit uncomfortable (d@mn speculum...), but I got through it. Then Dr. P. came back in and we did the post-transfer acupuncture session.

The embryologist gave us two pictures of the embryos, one of which you see above, and Dr. D. gave us ultrasound pictures of where he put them in my uterus. He said my lining looked great. He also said that he was very pleased that all six embryos had continued to develop up to this point, and that they had exceeded his expectations. He also said that he thinks "this should do it" for me. This from a man who chooses his words very carefully so as to not give false hope. He seems very optimistic and I like that!

So, now we wait. The pregnancy test is scheduled for March 18th. Between now and then I plan to rest and pray a lot!

31 comments:

Jill said...

I am so excited right now!! This is a WONDERFUL report, girl!

Everytime you come to mind, I pray and will continue to do so. Take it easy...get lots of rest...not that you have a choice. :)

I'm sure we'll be talking over email, while we're both laid up in bed. :)

((HUGS))

Jill said...

They're beautiful!! :)

~Kristen said...

Sooo very exciting... will be praying right along with ya!

Kim said...

I have been a lurker for a long time now.. Made a few comments but now I had to come out..
I AM SOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU..
you truly deserve this..
I know your dream is finally coming true..
Rest well this weekend..
Hugs..
Kim ~ LID to China 4/28/07

AprilMay said...

Terrific news!! I love that you won't do selective reduction. :) When can you take a HPT?
I am soooo excited for you! Thank you for sharing your journey with us...from a single woman wanting a child so much that you were willing to adopt alone, to marrying your sweetheart, and now about to start a family. God has blessed you and I know He will continue to bless you!

AprilMay said...

Oops I just saw the answer to my question...March 18th! LOL.

Sandra said...

Oh, how exciting!!! So happy for you :-)

Linda said...

Prayers and hugs to you. Take care. Been following your blog when you were adopting from China...Donna is my daughter (Waiting for Lauren Elizabeth) and we now have her. Wanted to tell you my niece has done the IVF and is the proud Mom to 1- 4 yr old boy and 1 set of twins, boy and girl 6 months old and they are all beautiful, healthy babies.
Keep believing and take care... Linda

Kate said...

Congratulations on your beautiful embryos and successful transfer! And good for you for standing up for your beliefs-- I wish for you the best possible outcome! thinking of you- Kate

Kate said...

This brought tears to my eyes. Praying so hard...


Kate

Elaine said...

Joannah I am so happy for you! What wonderful news! Praying this IS it!

dawn said...

The Cope's are right behind you sending as much positive energy as we can. :)

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

LOOK AT THOSE BEAUTIFUL BABIES!!!! Could I be happier for you?????????? Freaking out!!!!!
Speachless or wordless rather.
And praise God for your stand with the doctor.

K said...

Congratulations! What a great step. I think I see twins in your future...

You'll have your baby(ies) and I'll still be waiting for mine from China.

OH MY #6 said...

March 18th?! I can't wait that long?!!

Seriously my friend, I think you are a brave soul. I admire for your always uplifting posts even when things haven't gone your way.

If anyone deserves this, YOU DO!

Lea
xo

Catherine said...

Praying all goes well Joannah.

((hugs))

Geneva said...

Oh I got goosebumps just reading about your day. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest!!!!

Jan said...

Hoping and praying for a successul outcome!!
Jan, John & Jillian Rose

Elaine said...

Yay! That's wonderful! I'll be stalking your blog for updates!

Stacey said...

Wow ***6*** !! Congratulations and hoping this is finally it for you!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Stacey
LID 8-8-06

Michelle said...

C'mon little embryos! You can do it! They're so cute. I didn't expect them to be cute :) I'll be praying right along with you!

I started a prayer journal and I keep it by my bed so I will remember who I'm praying for this week. You're at the top of my list right now.

M3 said...

Six embryos, whoohooooooo!

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

WOW!!! FOUR??!!?? Deep breaths, deep breaths!! Wishing you a speedy 2WW and much joy at the end.
Forewarning...cramping is a good sign!! It might feel like period cramps, but don't worry, it's all okay.
I'm so excited for you!!!

Shannon said...

Praying with you! =)

Catherine said...

Been lurking for years! I'll be praying for this to be the beginning of an amazing journey for you and your husband.

Shelley said...

That is awesome, Joannah! What an exciting time. Praying for you and your babies.

Homemaker Ang said...

the one looks just like you :)

I am praying for your babies! I cant wait unitl the PG TEST DAY!

This is wonderful news!

Homemaker Ang said...

can you private email me at angela@eclecticculture.com
thanks!

kitchu said...

wow... i am just in awe of science and your bravery. i really am. march 18. going to mark my calendar for BIG prayers on that day and all the ones between until then!

Maredsous said...

Wow,6!! That is so wonderful. I am very happy for you. Especially since they all appeared so healthy.

You are in my thoughts.

Paulette said...

Keeping you in my prayers that your dream comes ture. You have worked so hard to become a mother I don't know anyone that deserves it more and God knows that.