Hi everyone!
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Hard to believe it's all over. I absolutely love everything to do with Christmas and it makes me so sad when it's over for another year! Time to take down all the decorations and clean up the new toys around the house, I guess.
I just wanted to update everyone on the surrogacy front. So far so good! I've been on Lupron for a few weeks now and I started the estrogen last week. This cycle they didn't ease me into the estrogen at all.. I went straight to 4 Vivelle Patches and 8mg of the Estrace via suppository right away. We are hoping this thickens the lining quicker than last time.
I've also been reading how Red Raspberry Leaf tea is good for uterine health (lining, thickness, overall health), so I have been drinking a cup or two a day the past few days! Maybe that will give me a boost, too! :)
I had my baseline ultrasound on the 19th and everything looked fine. Then, I will go back on the 7th for THE ultrasound to see how thick the lining is. If we are over 7mm, then we should be good for the frozen embryo transfer on the 14th! It is possible to push it back a week, if the lining needs more time. We will see!
Everyone needs to think positive thoughts! I know that I am ready to get started on this journey and I KNOW the intended dad is ready too! He has waited far too long for this dream to become a reality! .... I should mention him a bit too. We met for the first time in late August; so over the past few months we have had a great time chatting via email (and on the phone) and really getting to know each other. Although it has been a bummer to have the transfer pushed back a few months- it's been good for our relationship and just more time to bond before this big, crazy journey begins! My husband and I still agree that we couldn't imagine a better match for us.
I think that's all for now! New Years Eve is tomorrow! No big plans for us... we are staying in with the kids. After they go to bed we have another couple coming over for a game night! (I LOVE all games :)
Happy New Years!! I will update on January 7th with hopefully VERY good news (after my ultrasound)! Send me some positive thoughts or a prayer, please! :)
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
New dates!
I am starting all the meds on Monday again! We have our tentative transfer date scheduled for January 14! Fingers crossed that everything falls into place this time so we can start 2013 off on the right foot! :)
Short and sweet post! Have a great week!
Short and sweet post! Have a great week!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Delay, is becoming the name of the game...
First off, SO sorry for the super long wait in posts! Needless to say, this time of year is a bit busy for my career and with the holidays approaching!
I went back {to the clinic} on Nov 12th for another uterine lining check and unfortunately, it was just shy of 7mm. It had grown.. but not quite where they wanted to see it. I was pretty bummed about it. I SO wanted it to be all thick and fluffy and ready for the transfer! But, I knew it was out of my control. The Dr at the clinic said it was a fine line on whether or not we should continue with the transfer on the 19th or wait until the next cycle. He said that my lining will still continue to grow in the next week; but as to how much it will grow is unknown. He mentioned that if my husband and I were an infertile couple, he would tell us to go for it. He has seen many positive outcomes with a lining just shy of 7mm. However, we had to think of Frank and his previous outcomes. He has already had a long journey & so he needs to best possible odds and the risk needs to be 0%. The doctor said he would leave this up to Frank and what he felt was the right thing to do for himself. Immediately Frank decided to cancel this cycle and wait. He only has 4 embryos remaining and plans to 'thaw' them all out for this next cycle. IF we were to have thawed them and then something didn't look right (in my body) on the day of the transfer, then we would lose those embryos. And that would force Frank to start back at the beginning with the egg donor, etc etc etc. It is a bridge he (or I) didn't want to have to cross.
So, what does that mean (cancel & wait)?? Well, it means that I stopped my meds & we will start on them again in a few weeks, once my body is ready again. The difference this time is that I won't use the estrogen patch, since my body didn't absorb it & I will just do the suppositories since my body responded well to those. This puts the embryo transfer at approximately the middle of January.
I was pretty bummed about it at first. I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. I was so excited for Frank and I just wanted the transfer to be perfect! Then, to have it delayed by two months because of MY body... It bummed me out. I *know* I have done everything right and I haven't missed a step... so really, it was silly to feel guilty. However, let's be honest... I am NOT the most patient person you will meet. I think this is a good life lesson for me... this whole journey that is. These past 11 months have been such a waiting game & it's teaching me a lot about patience. I know I know, "patience is a virtue" and I honestly do believe that. I know that Frank doesn't blame me or feel like its my fault. He is just the opposite, really. He is so supportive and never seems to show his frustration or disappointment to me. I am confident that this next cycle will go smoothly and we will be so thankful that we decided to wait the short 2 months for better odds :)
Also, I DID end up going back to the clinic on the 19th just to check my lining once more to see what it was doing with the new meds. And, good news! It was over 7mm!! Woohoo! So, we are sitting good for the next cycle.
I am always so thankful for the prayers, support and positive thoughts that I continue to get on this journey. It means more than I could ever say.
Thanks again
-K
PS- I love reading the comment section on here and I am ALWAYS willing to share more or to answer ANY questions that you have. Please don't hesitate to comment & I will reply back to you! :)
I went back {to the clinic} on Nov 12th for another uterine lining check and unfortunately, it was just shy of 7mm. It had grown.. but not quite where they wanted to see it. I was pretty bummed about it. I SO wanted it to be all thick and fluffy and ready for the transfer! But, I knew it was out of my control. The Dr at the clinic said it was a fine line on whether or not we should continue with the transfer on the 19th or wait until the next cycle. He said that my lining will still continue to grow in the next week; but as to how much it will grow is unknown. He mentioned that if my husband and I were an infertile couple, he would tell us to go for it. He has seen many positive outcomes with a lining just shy of 7mm. However, we had to think of Frank and his previous outcomes. He has already had a long journey & so he needs to best possible odds and the risk needs to be 0%. The doctor said he would leave this up to Frank and what he felt was the right thing to do for himself. Immediately Frank decided to cancel this cycle and wait. He only has 4 embryos remaining and plans to 'thaw' them all out for this next cycle. IF we were to have thawed them and then something didn't look right (in my body) on the day of the transfer, then we would lose those embryos. And that would force Frank to start back at the beginning with the egg donor, etc etc etc. It is a bridge he (or I) didn't want to have to cross.
So, what does that mean (cancel & wait)?? Well, it means that I stopped my meds & we will start on them again in a few weeks, once my body is ready again. The difference this time is that I won't use the estrogen patch, since my body didn't absorb it & I will just do the suppositories since my body responded well to those. This puts the embryo transfer at approximately the middle of January.
I was pretty bummed about it at first. I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. I was so excited for Frank and I just wanted the transfer to be perfect! Then, to have it delayed by two months because of MY body... It bummed me out. I *know* I have done everything right and I haven't missed a step... so really, it was silly to feel guilty. However, let's be honest... I am NOT the most patient person you will meet. I think this is a good life lesson for me... this whole journey that is. These past 11 months have been such a waiting game & it's teaching me a lot about patience. I know I know, "patience is a virtue" and I honestly do believe that. I know that Frank doesn't blame me or feel like its my fault. He is just the opposite, really. He is so supportive and never seems to show his frustration or disappointment to me. I am confident that this next cycle will go smoothly and we will be so thankful that we decided to wait the short 2 months for better odds :)
Also, I DID end up going back to the clinic on the 19th just to check my lining once more to see what it was doing with the new meds. And, good news! It was over 7mm!! Woohoo! So, we are sitting good for the next cycle.
I am always so thankful for the prayers, support and positive thoughts that I continue to get on this journey. It means more than I could ever say.
Thanks again
-K
PS- I love reading the comment section on here and I am ALWAYS willing to share more or to answer ANY questions that you have. Please don't hesitate to comment & I will reply back to you! :)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
A small delay...
Hello everyone!
I am a few days late with this update but I wanted to be sure to inform you of a small delay we have with the transfer.
I went to the fertility clinic on Monday for my uterine lining check via ultrasound. Unfortunately, my lining was only 5.5mm. At a minimum, they like to see 7mm.
I was pretty disappointed to hear that news but the doctor was very clear in explaining how the next week would go. Currently, I was using Vivelle estrogen patches & the doctor explained that sometimes the estrogen doesn't absorb into the body like it should. So, he explained I would start on 8mg of Estrace (as a suppository) immediately. This will be the quickest way for the estrogen to get directly to my uterus to help the lining grow. The transfer wouldn't be able to happen with my lining being so thin.
I started on the Estrace right away and I am praying, hoping, and wishing that this will do the trick! I have another ultrasound at the clinic on Monday and they will recheck my lining. If it is thicker than 7mm than the transfer will be the following Monday, November 19th!
A lot of my friends, have asked "How is the intended father taking the news of the delay?" Well, good question. He is amazing and so understanding.
Immediately after the appointment, I told my husband that I was scared to call Frank to tell him there was a delay with the transfer. I was nervous he would be disappointed. He quickly reminded me, "He wants you to be honest with him, you need to let him know right away." Of course I knew that, but he was right, I needed to tell him.
SO, I sat down and quickly emailed him. I was so anxious for a reply. The reply came in and it immediately wiped away ALL my worries and anxiety. He said he knew that this wasn't my fault and its just a small delay. He told me he was proud of me and that I shouldn't worry at all. He ended the email with "I've waited my whole life for this. I can wait one more week." :)
Needless to say, the email from him totally made my day and I felt MUCH better. It reiterated how open and honest this has to be. It's so important.
I'm feeling good, as far as meds go! I still don't really see any side effects. :) I'm also feeling good emotionally.
Thanks for reading and if you can spare a minute out of your day... PLEASE send us some positive thoughts and prayers! I don't want this 1 week delay to turn into anything longer than that! xoxo
I am a few days late with this update but I wanted to be sure to inform you of a small delay we have with the transfer.
I went to the fertility clinic on Monday for my uterine lining check via ultrasound. Unfortunately, my lining was only 5.5mm. At a minimum, they like to see 7mm.
I was pretty disappointed to hear that news but the doctor was very clear in explaining how the next week would go. Currently, I was using Vivelle estrogen patches & the doctor explained that sometimes the estrogen doesn't absorb into the body like it should. So, he explained I would start on 8mg of Estrace (as a suppository) immediately. This will be the quickest way for the estrogen to get directly to my uterus to help the lining grow. The transfer wouldn't be able to happen with my lining being so thin.
I started on the Estrace right away and I am praying, hoping, and wishing that this will do the trick! I have another ultrasound at the clinic on Monday and they will recheck my lining. If it is thicker than 7mm than the transfer will be the following Monday, November 19th!
A lot of my friends, have asked "How is the intended father taking the news of the delay?" Well, good question. He is amazing and so understanding.
Immediately after the appointment, I told my husband that I was scared to call Frank to tell him there was a delay with the transfer. I was nervous he would be disappointed. He quickly reminded me, "He wants you to be honest with him, you need to let him know right away." Of course I knew that, but he was right, I needed to tell him.
SO, I sat down and quickly emailed him. I was so anxious for a reply. The reply came in and it immediately wiped away ALL my worries and anxiety. He said he knew that this wasn't my fault and its just a small delay. He told me he was proud of me and that I shouldn't worry at all. He ended the email with "I've waited my whole life for this. I can wait one more week." :)
Needless to say, the email from him totally made my day and I felt MUCH better. It reiterated how open and honest this has to be. It's so important.
I'm feeling good, as far as meds go! I still don't really see any side effects. :) I'm also feeling good emotionally.
Thanks for reading and if you can spare a minute out of your day... PLEASE send us some positive thoughts and prayers! I don't want this 1 week delay to turn into anything longer than that! xoxo
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Feeling awesome!
I still feel amazing! Absolutely NO side effects from the lupron injections. I honestly still have been in fabulous moods and I kept help but wonder if this is from the lupron! Not that being happy is unusual for me.. but I just feel extra happy!
I started the estrogen patches on Thursday. I haven't noticed anything odd with those either! They are just small patches that I wear on my abdomen and change every other day. The worst part of these is taking them off! OUCH! It's like an extra sicky bandaid. But, so far, if that's the only pain I've had.. I will take it!
The transfer is just over 2 weeks away! It's gonna be here before we know it! I have another ultrasound on the 5th & at that point they will check my uterus lining again. Hopefully it will have thickened up and we will be on target for the transfer! Fingers crossed!
Thanks for reading.
I started the estrogen patches on Thursday. I haven't noticed anything odd with those either! They are just small patches that I wear on my abdomen and change every other day. The worst part of these is taking them off! OUCH! It's like an extra sicky bandaid. But, so far, if that's the only pain I've had.. I will take it!
The transfer is just over 2 weeks away! It's gonna be here before we know it! I have another ultrasound on the 5th & at that point they will check my uterus lining again. Hopefully it will have thickened up and we will be on target for the transfer! Fingers crossed!
Thanks for reading.
Monday, October 22, 2012
3 short weeks away!
Quick post:
I went to the fertility clinic today and had a quick ultrasound to check my lining. Everything looked good... I think my lining was about 6mm. From what I have read online about embryo transfers.. the higher the #, the better chance of a successful transfer. I asked the nurse today what # they like to see and she said anything over 7 is good. So, let's hope my lining gets a little squishier in the next 3 weeks! :)
They will do a follow-up ultrasound on the 5th to see if it thickened. I start my estrogen patches on Thursday. They are 2 dots that I will wear on my abdomen and change every 2 days. After a week of wearing them, I will start wearing 4, to double the dose as we get closer to the transfer.
The lupron injections have seriously been CAKE! I have been giving them to myself in the evenings and I don't even feel the injection in my thigh; not painful at all. So far the only 'side effect' I have noticed is just being in extra good moods! I would love if that kept up.. I am not complaining! :)
That's all for now! Hard to believe we are less than 21 days away from the transfer!!!
Have a good week!
I went to the fertility clinic today and had a quick ultrasound to check my lining. Everything looked good... I think my lining was about 6mm. From what I have read online about embryo transfers.. the higher the #, the better chance of a successful transfer. I asked the nurse today what # they like to see and she said anything over 7 is good. So, let's hope my lining gets a little squishier in the next 3 weeks! :)
They will do a follow-up ultrasound on the 5th to see if it thickened. I start my estrogen patches on Thursday. They are 2 dots that I will wear on my abdomen and change every 2 days. After a week of wearing them, I will start wearing 4, to double the dose as we get closer to the transfer.
The lupron injections have seriously been CAKE! I have been giving them to myself in the evenings and I don't even feel the injection in my thigh; not painful at all. So far the only 'side effect' I have noticed is just being in extra good moods! I would love if that kept up.. I am not complaining! :)
That's all for now! Hard to believe we are less than 21 days away from the transfer!!!
Have a good week!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Easy Peasy!
Day two of the injections and everything has gone smoothly! The Lupron injections have been very easy for me to do. I was concerned about if I could give myself a shot but it really isn't bad at all!
Lupron has quite a list of side effects... so I have prepared myself (& friends/family) that I might become a loony in the next few weeks! However, so far, I have felt great! I actually feel like the Lupron makes me feel happy! haha. A shot of happy? :) Is that possible? :) I doubt it. I am sure the crazy side effects will kick in soon, but we shall see.
I have been chatting with a gal who is in the same place in this process as me; she actually has her transfer just a day after mine. She has been on the Lupron a week longer than me and she said she hasn't noticed any side effects. I hope that continues for me too!
I got the progesterone stuff in my package of meds too... and yikes, those needles definitely look a bit scarier! We will see if I will be able to keep those up for 10 weeks. I might need to switch to the suppositories. I won't need to start the progesterone until a few days before the embryo transfer, so I have a few weeks left of just the easy Lupron! :)
Alright, that's all I have for tonight!
Lupron has quite a list of side effects... so I have prepared myself (& friends/family) that I might become a loony in the next few weeks! However, so far, I have felt great! I actually feel like the Lupron makes me feel happy! haha. A shot of happy? :) Is that possible? :) I doubt it. I am sure the crazy side effects will kick in soon, but we shall see.
I have been chatting with a gal who is in the same place in this process as me; she actually has her transfer just a day after mine. She has been on the Lupron a week longer than me and she said she hasn't noticed any side effects. I hope that continues for me too!
I got the progesterone stuff in my package of meds too... and yikes, those needles definitely look a bit scarier! We will see if I will be able to keep those up for 10 weeks. I might need to switch to the suppositories. I won't need to start the progesterone until a few days before the embryo transfer, so I have a few weeks left of just the easy Lupron! :)
Alright, that's all I have for tonight!
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