Thank you, Myrtle

Myrtle...you delivered. I'm fertile.

The results are in and they are positive. We found out on Monday, March 26th that we were successful with step 1 - implantation. I took a blood test to measure the level of hCG, which came back with 523. The doctor hopes to see that the number is above 100. According to them, we "hit it out of the ballpark." Numbers like that indicate that there could even be twins. A two-fer. That would be welcome.

On Thursday, I took the follow-up test to measure the growth of the hCG hormone. The results needed to double, and they did. 1248. This still indicates that there are either one or two embryos in there. We are on the right track. At this point, we are considered to be in the fourth week of our pregnancy. Weird calculations, but it all starts with the first day after your last period. So, week two for us was the day of implantation - 3/12.

My first ultrasound is scheduled for 4/9. At that time, they will confirm the location of the embryos, which should be in the uterus. Any other location would result in a termination - so let's hope for the former. Other, more positive things that they'll be doing is looking for the number of embryos and their measurement, confirm the number of weeks based on that measurement, provide me an updated calendar for how much longer I will need to take the hormones, and estimate the due date. There is a slight chance that they may be able to see a flickering of the heart beat. I love that word, flicker, especially as it relates to this situation. While it may be a bit early, it would be exciting.

The joy for Frank and I think week has been sharing positive news. The outpouring of love, tears, support, and curiosity has been so welcome. Honestly, I'm still in disbelief that this is real. It's been such a long journey so far, that I'm still skeptical that this is really happening. I'm not so skeptical that you'll find me at the bar, ordering cocktail shrimp and a stiff drink, though. It's just that we've never had the positive news, so I'm moving into uncharted territory with my emotions. Your joy is encouraging.

Join me in a happy dance, please.
xo

The impatient patient

It's been a rough week. The shots are more painful than last time. It's not that the shot itself that is painful, but the effects of the shot. Since the hormone, progesterone, is combined with the oil, it really needs to be massaged into my butt muscle. If there is not enough massaging and vigorous walking, lumps form where the oil has congealed. I love my lady lumps, but not my hormone lumps. So, with every step I take, I feel those lumps. The night that we massaged too hard, it put my hip out of alignment. Not only was I in pain with every step, I couldn't take a full stride. On top of that, my little toe on my right foot had a super painful callous that reached an all time pressure with every step I took.

I took matters into my hands. First, I cried to the nurse at UCSF. They must take a course in managing tears, because I felt better after just two conversations. First conversation happened to be with the receptionist, as I didn't give her a chance to qualify that she was just managing the phones. The second was with the nurse. They said that I could move off the shots and onto the creme. Just knowing this made me feel better. I had an option to not get a shot.

Secondly, the chiropractor was able to see me the next day, first thing in the morning. We began the first of five appointments to get things back in alignment.

Finally, I have a podiatrist who took care of the little toe. I am now able to wear any pair of shoes in my closet.

Now, I'm tapping my fingers waiting for Monday. I'm cramping. I'm moody. I have the nose of a bloodhound. I need a nap.

Here's to hoping for the next two days to whizz on by...

~xo

Three best friends

Tomorrow...tomorrow...I love ya, tomorrow...

I love that song from "Annie" as it gives me hope. That is where I'm at today, in the land of hope. There wasn't much downtime between these rounds. I really had a tough time getting through the last failed round, but I think that was because I knew the next one was around the corner. I felt rushed to grieve. I was also reflective of all the challenges we have faced over the last 2.5 years of trying to have a baby. I don't mean to wallow in the past, but I just needed a moment to acknowledge our perseverance.

"Just thinkin' about tomorrow, clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow..."
 
Tomorrow is Frozen Embryo Transfer Monday. My appointment is at Noon. I should be done around 12:30. Frank is going to drive me since I'll be under the influence of Valium, the loopy drug. We are having three embryos transferred along with the injection of hCG. This is a new part of the procedure for FET patients. HCG is the drug that is normally present in the uterus during natural childbirth. A study had shown a significant increase in the number of successful pregnancies using this additional hormone. I'm excited to be part of a new process here.

Keep me in your thoughts. Eat eggs.

xo
Lisa