For the record . . .

Synthroid, Prenatal, Baby Aspirin, Metanx, Glucophage - Daily
Post-Op Appt. - (11.6.09)
Start Lupron - (11.6.09)
Start Doxycycline - (11.6.09)
1st Acupuncture - (11.7.09)
2nd Acupuncture - (11.11.09)
Last Doxycycline - (11.12.09)
Last BCP - (11.13.09)
3rd Acupuncture - (11.14.09)
AF - (11.16.09)
Start Estrace - (11.20.09)
4th Acupuncture - (11.21.09)
5th Acupuncture - (11.25.09)
Last Lupron -(12.4.09)
CD 15 Appointment - (12.4.09)
Start Medrol - (12.4.09)
Start PIO - (12.4.09)
6th Acupuncture - (12.5.09)
7th Acupuncture - (12.8.09)
Last Medrol - (12.8.09)
ET - (12.9.09)
8th Acupuncture - (12.9.09)
Beta - BFN - (12.18.09)

What's next?

“She” showed up the day before Christmas Eve, I immediately called the clinic. I really wanted to get a ‘cycle’ started over my break. I was lucky; they were able to get me in on CD 2, Christmas Eve, morning. I didn’t know what to expect. She was surprised it didn't work. She doesn't think it's the quality of my eggs. She asked about transferring the one I have left, but I voiced my concerns about that:
1. The first 2 we transferred we m/c and
2. The second 2 did not implant.

But, you know what?!?! She has never checked my FSH!? She has never completed the infamous CD3 bloodwork. Should I ask her to?

She then asked about doing another IVF. We said we couldn't right now:
1. Time off of work and
2. The money issue (we are OOP).

We then talked about doing another IUI. We did get preggo w/ that before. She said it's a possibility.... so that's what we are doing! She feels more comfy doing that now too since she took the bad tube out. She seemed a little concerned about the L.upron I took during the FET delaying my O this cycle. But, I am up to trying. Now, we just have to hope for a dominant follie on my good side!

So, the plan for this cycle....
Still take B. Asa & Folic Acid + other daily med
Femara CD 3-7, 5mg
CD 14 u/s
Trigger when ready
IUI
Progesterone
Start Heparin w/ BFP

Where am I now? .… CD 6 & experiencing minor headaches from the Femara ?!?!

Upcoming Appointment: CD 14 U/S - 1/5

XMas Decor/ICLW

Thank you for all of your continuing support during this difficult time. Things will start to look up; I just hope they do so soon.

Welcome to those visiting from ICLW!

I love the holiday season so it should be a great distraction! I hope you enjoyed the pictures of a few holiday touches that we have added this year:

Not what we wanted...

Thank you all of your support, but it hasn't turned out the way we wanted. I was prepared. I had been taking HPTs since 10dpo. My beta came back negative. I am heartbroken. I feel broken. I am lost...

I am away trying to regroup. Someday, this will all be worth it...today, I just can't see that.

Do the Right Thing, Holiday Cheer

I received this email yesterday.
Please read and pass on. Do your part!

"This is a sad, but amazing story. I just spoke with my brother who is a counselor in this students building, and they delivered over 600 cards today.......

There is a young man that has been told that he is going to die and there is nothing more that the doctors can do for him as he has terminal cancer. He was asked what he would like for Christmas, as this will be his last one, and he replied "I want a million Christmas cards." Do you think you could find it in your heart to send this young man his last Christmas card... per his one last Christmas wish.

If you were curious, here is a little information on Nate. He is a 9 year old little boy who has been battling brain cancer for several years and was just told from his doctors at St. Jude's that his battle will soon come to an end and there is nothing more that they can do for him. He has been a true fighter, unfortunately he has exhausted all forms of treatment that exist. Just another reason that we keep "Relaying" to find a cure for this horrible disease. They have had a "Nate's Mates" Relay for Life team the past several years in honor of Nate.

Please when mailing out your Christmas cards this year, take the time to make out just one more. Hug your kids and count your blessings this holiday season and please keep Nate and his family in your prayers... And forward this on, lets make Nate's Christmas wish come true.

Please pass this on to your friends, family and co-workers and lets see if Nate can get his Christmas wish."

His name and address is as follows:
Nate Elfrinck

2415 Taylor Blair Road

West Jefferson, Ohio 43162

* Yes, this story has been confirmed.

Missing Mom

Missing you Mommy . . . 12.14.06

Pics of Beautiful Blasts

2 Beautiful Blasts

That's really all that needs to be said, but here are a few details:

~ Drinking that much water is torture. I had to ‘partially release’ twice and my bladder was still huge.
~ The winds we have experiencing is crazy.
~ I have been much more relaxed this go around. I am not sure if I should contribute that to acupuncture, listening to my music ahead of time or just that fact of my past experiences.
~ Both embies made it through the thaw.
~ Both are expanding nicely.
~ One was graded 1.5 and the other 2.0. The embryologist even showed us pictures from this morning and we could tell the difference between then and the picture from this afternoon.
~ Warm blankets are amazing.
~ Transfer went very smoothly, except for the fact that the lights went out right in the middle. (The embies were in the catheter, in my uterus.) Yep, that was interesting.
~ Acupuncture did wonders today.
~ The prescription for H.eparin has been faxed and I should be hearing from Ascend shortly.
~ I am back to work, school, tomorrow.
~ My beta is 12.18!!!
~ I am absolutely in love with these embies!

Transfer Day

It's time. I will update when get a chance. Thank you all of your kinds words and support. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

.... off to get ready and start drinking my water!

Chugging Right Along

Nothing too exciting going on here, yet. Only two more sleep s until I meet my sweet babies. I am trying to remain stress free, but between being excited, getting things ready around the house and school work it’s hard to do. Acupuncture, hot baths (I know as of Wednesday that needs to stop), candles and music have really been helpful in that area. I have been eating my pineapple since Friday evening. Tomorrow, I will take my last dose. I also have an acupuncture appointment scheduled for Tuesday evening. I am looking forward to that. By the way, has anyone ever gotten bruises after acupuncture? I have one right under my bellybutton. PIO is going well. I found that icing the area ahead of time works the best for me.

Like I said, not much happening here. We are just busy with ‘last minute touches.

It's On

And the countdown begins.... wait, I can't lie. I have been counting down for weeks now. I can't believe how quickly I got in and out of the office today. I barely sat down and I was called back. Of course, no complaining here. My lining is good. I never did hear a number from my RE, but while I was looking at the screen I am pretty sure I saw 9.8. Not bad there is still time for it to improve. My RE confirmed that I will be starting H.eparin after a + beta. My RE and nurse told me to expect a call from the clinic with my final instructions.

After stopping to get gas on my way home, I went to pick up a pineapple. First dose is tonight. I did this for my fresh cycle; so I am going to give it a go again. I plan to eat pineapple (with the core) through Tuesday evening. I was in the grocery store maybe five minutes; yet, I somehow missed the call from the clinic. I had only left my RE's office 50minutes prior I didn’t think they would call that soon. Wow, no complaining here! Anyway, I had a pretty detailed message about what meds to stop and those to start and more information about my transfer.

Here's the basic run down:
1. Start M.edrol tonight
2. Start PIO tonight
3. Lower E.strace dosage tomorrow
4. ET Wednesday - Must drink 48oz. of water between 11 & 1pm. I am to arrive at the clinic at 1:15pm for a 1:30pm transfer.

I am getting excited.... off to my sister's for my nephew’s birthday dinner and back home to eat pineapple and get my shot in the rear.

Get to Know Me! ICLW

1. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? A couple of days ago in the bath.
2. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When I slow down, it’s not that bad. But, I tend to write really fast.
3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Honey Cured Ham
4. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? I will soon!
5. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Bite Sized Frosted Mini Wheats
7. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope
8. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Mentally, yes! Physically, nope!
9. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
10. RED OR PINK? I look better in red, but I am hoping for 2 pink lines soon. So, I pick PINK!
11. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Mom.
12. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Homemade Skyline Chili!
13. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? ESPN- NFL Countdown
14. EYE COLOR? Brown
15. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
16. FAVORITE FOOD? Just food in general!
17. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Blind Side (at theater) & Transformers (at home)
18. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Black
19. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter
20. FAVORITE DESSERT? French Silk Pie
21. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? Both. I like to multitask.
22. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? My Biology & Zoology Book! I can’t help it; I am a teacher.
23. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? Beige Siding with Chocolate Brown Shutters
24. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? Black
25. WHAT TYPES OF PETS DO YOU HAVE? Dogs

At the Starting Line

I have been doing my stretches, running a few laps to warm-up and shined my running shoes.

O.k, so I haven't really. But, I feel like it. It seems like we have done or are currently doing all we can to try to ensure that all of our loose ends are taken care of. In the weeks following the D&C, we have taken many steps towards bettering our chances of FET success.

Tomorrow starts the marathon. I guess I have been training all this time....

The "W" Word

It is truly unbelievable how much waiting IF patients have to go through.

Right now, I am waiting on AF and my start date of E.strace. I am waiting to start M.edrol and PIO. I am waiting for my lining check and the go ahead for ET. I am waiting for the day of my ET and the moment that I get to see the pictures of my beautiful embies. I am waiting to be PUPO. I am waiting to get my BFP and to start H.eparin. I am waiting to hold a perfectly, healthy baby or two in my arms.

Not to mention, I am also waiting on my evaluation results at school, Thanksgiving break, Black Friday, for this graduate class to be over, to shop for presents, XMas, ... o.k so my list could go on and on.

I am sure all of our lists could go on for days. You'd think we'd all be good at waiting by now... nope, not me.

I despise the "W" word!

What are you waiting on?

For Reference

Just posting this info. for later reference. It had previously been on my sidebar.

Now, we are on our way to FET success!

Bloodwork (8.19.09) - Checked TSH antibodies, other clotting issues that weren't checked before and both of our chromosomes. Increased thyroid medication.

Bloodwork Results (9.2.09) - All NORMAL

D & C Follow-Up (9.9.09) - All is well.

D & C Results (9.16.09) - Normal Chromosomes

RE 1yr Anniversary - (10.8.09)

AF #1 Start BCPs- (10.11.09)

Start Metanx - (10.11.09)

Pre-Op Appt w/RE. - (10.12.09)

Pre-Op Phone Call w/Hospital - (10.15.09)

2nd LAP - (10.27.09) Remove tube

Angel Baby

Today, was the EDD of our 1st Angel Baby.

To be honest, I was o.k most of the day. I had been anticipating this day for several weeks now. When, I got home and started reading other blogs I saw the date, it brought tears to my eyes.

Forever in our hearts. . .

3.15.09

Post-Op

Yesterday was my post-operation appointment with my RE. It went well. RE briefly went over the results/findings of our 2nd LAP. The pathology of my tube, the one she removed, came back normal. Heck, it I didn’t even know that they would send it way in the first place. There was a little bit of scar tissue around my other tube. She removed a little of it, but said that the tube was still held down in one little place. She said that there is a possibility that I could get pregnant with that one. I don’t have much scar tissue in my pelvic region, but I do have some in my upper abdomen. I used to have this persistent cyst on my ‘bad’ side. RE was unable to locate it during the LAP. Perhaps, it’s gone for good!

I asked her about the D.oxycycline I started yesterday. When I got the pills from the pharmacy it said that my DH should take them also. We were a little confused by that. I was surprised to learn that she thinks neither of us really need take them. She just encourages IF patients to take them once a year. But, that if DH and I ….. well, if we want we can take them. I am going to take them as normal.

On my new schedule, the nurse had marked off Baby A.spirin. Well, I had already been taking it because on my original schedule it was there. RE said that the entire clinic was changing their policy on taking baby aspirin. But, since I have a past history of m/c my RE said I am to take it.

RE has also agreed to put me on H.eparin after getting a positive beta.

So, what’s different this time:
1. 2nd LAP (removed bad tube)
2. Taking M.etanx (folic acid)
3. Taking Baby A.spirin (throughout FET cycle)
4. Acupuncture (Starting today, 11.7)
5. H.eparin (Starting after + Beta)

Show & Tell # 4

I am standing at the front of the class.... so, please don't laugh. : )

For some reason, I have been in the cooking mood lately. DH & I have always had our favorites that we cook regularly. But, lately we have been feeling more adventurous. To you, these foods may sound like common everyday meals, but for us they haven't been since we married. Neither of us cooked much when we lived at home. In the last few weeks, I have pulled out my cookbooks (We have gotten several over the last few years, but we have never used them). We made homemade vegetable soup and pumpkin bread one Sunday. It was a hit. The soup was gone by the next day and we had enough bread for other family members to try. We were so proud of ourselves.

And, then last weekend I made meatloaf. This is how it turned out (instead of a loaf pan I used a cupcake pan):

O.k. So, they may have not looked the best. However, they were yummy! DH & I had some for lunch and dinner that day. Then, I took a couple to my Dad and finished them off the next day for lunch at work.

I know that there are many recipes out there that vary from book, to website, to the person using them. But, what do you suggest we try next? I am tired of cooking/eating the same old food each night (in others words frozen chicken).

What are others showing?

One Less Tube

That's right.... I only have one tube now. Not that the other one was doing me much good; it may have even been one of our biggest issues. Last December we had opened it opened it during my 1st LAP, but found out during my IVF cycle that it had closed back up. And, of course it was causing fluid to back up. That fluid can be toxic to developing embies. The cause of my m/c? Who knows?

Anyway, my RE suggested that we push back starting Lupron & Doxy. a few days to give me a little more time to heal. I thought it was best also. So, now things officially start this Friday. Everything was pushed back 9 days. I can handle that.

Guess what? Sunday is my birthday! I didn't think I would be feeling this good already. So, we hadn't made any plans. Maybe I can get DH to take me out to dinner.

2nd LAP

Not much to say, but many things I need to get done.

Tuesday is surgery day. I have to be at the hospital at 9:30, but the surgery isn't scheduled until 11:30am. I am hoping to be home by 4pm. It has taken me the last several days to get things prepared at school for my substitute. I hope things go well there. This is just bad timing. It's the end of a trimester at school.

We spent much of the weekend cleaning up around the house. I didn't want to be cooped up in a dirty house. DH is staying home with me Tuesday and Wednesday, perhaps another day if I need him too. My RE suggested that I don't go back until Monday.

I hope that I am feeling better by Sunday. It’s my birthday. I hope I don't return Monday to a mess. Geesh, I don't even want to think about that.

Wednesday, I am also scheduled to start L.upron and D.oxycycline. I hope the Doxy. doesn't make me sick!

I have to cut this short. I still have to take off my nail polish, sweep my floors, go rent movies, pick up junk food :) and take my V.alium.....

New Toy & More Meds.

Our insurance, through my husband’s work, changed this school year. One good thing about the change was the survey that they asked us to take when we first signed up. For each person in the household that took this online survey, you received a $75 gift card to a place of your choice. DH finished the survey first and decided on B.est Buy. A few weeks later, I answered as DH asked me the survey’s questions. I also got a B.est Buy card.

This is what we got.

I felt bad. At first I didn’t want to get it. Half of the money should have been his, but he encouraged me to go ahead. Using the gift cards, we didn’t have to pay much in cash and got all of the accessories at another store that had them priced better. Now, DH wants one!

Here was my reasoning on getting the I.Pod:
1. I have wanted one for a while now.
2. I love music.
3. I love its capabilities.
4. I want to use it during acupuncture.
5. I want to use it during ET.

What do you think? Good purchase? What’s on your I.Pod? What songs do you suggest?

P.S. This was waiting for me when I got home.

No Words Needed

Angel Baby 3.15.09

Angel Babies 8.25.09

My 1st Award!

Here are the rules for this award:

1.Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2.Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3.Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4.Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.
5.Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6.Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7.Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

Thanks Kari for nominating me for this award!

7 things you may not know about me:

1. I am a the baby of the family.

2. I have hyperextension is my arms and legs. My DH says I look like a grasshopper. It also makes doing push-ups really difficult.

3. I am 24, about to be 25 on November 1st!

4. I am almost 25 and I have a ton of grey hair. : (

5. I like to golf and go to flea markets.

6. I use to be afraid of dogs. Now, I have two of my own. And, to be honest, I am still afraid of 'big' dogs.

7. I have a fantasy football team this season and I think I am more into it than my DH.

7 others I would love to share this award with:

Adventures in Baby Waiting

A Few Good Eggs

My Infertility Journey

Making Me Mom

Life According To Leah

Diary of a Stork Stalker

Waiting for London

It's a Go!

Pre-op appointment went well yesterday (history & physical). RE told me what I had already heard from the nurse, all of our blood work came back normal and the chromosomes tested from the D&C came back normal. RE said that it worried her that it wasn't a chromosomal issue that caused the m/c. She still thinks it's an issue related to PCOS/clotting factor and the placenta not developing properly. I am 99% sure that I will be doing Heparin injections 2x a day even though I haven't had any blood work to show that I need to. RE also suggested acupuncture. I guess it's time I really look into that!

The nurse from the clinic called today. She left a voicemail that detailed much of my cycle.

2nd LAP- 10.27.09
Start Lupron - 10.28.09
Last BCP - 11.4.09
Post-Op Appt. - 11.6.09
Estrace - 11.11.09-11.25.09
CD 15 Appointments - 11.25.09
ET - 11.30.09
Beta - 12.9.09

She didn't give me the dates for PIO, BA or Heparin. She has already called A.scend Pharmacy for me. They should be calling me soon to set up a shipping dates and to discuss billing.

RE Anniversary

It's official. As of 3:00pm today, I have been under the care of my RE for 1 year. All I can say is WOW!

Show & Tell # 3

My favorite part of the year is finally upon us! I absolutely love the autumn time of the year. I am simply fascinated by the trees and the process of the leaves changing colors. Although, I am not a fan of the leaves, sticks and nuts falling in my yard as we speak (we live in the woods). I just wish the leaves would be the pretty golden colors and stay on the tress. However, since I am a science teacher, I know that's not how the process works.

The fall is a busy time of the year. As the weather starts changing, we begin to start thinking of the holidays coming soon and all that we have to accomplish in order to be prepared for them. It seems as though there's one holiday right after another. In addition to those celebrations, the fall also brings with it DH's and my birthdays. And, the birthdays of our extended family mainly fall during this time of the year. The fall brings with it the county fair, fantasy football, pumpkin bread and so much more to look forward to.

We bought our home in January of 2007 and ever since then I have been buying seasonal decor. Here's my deal though, I only buy it after that season/holiday has passed. I get it on sale that way. So, for the first year, I didn't have any decor around the house for that very reason. But, when 2008 rolled around I was set for every season and holiday to come. I have added a few things over the course of this year to my collection, but not much. Each season/holiday happens once a year and by the time another year passes and it's time for me to get the decorations out, I will have forgotten what I had in the first place. That means DH would have forgotten for sure! The decorations are seemingly brand new to me each time I get them out.

My two favorite seasons/holidays I love to decorate my home for are autumn and winter or Thanksgiving and Christmas. I would like to share some pictures of just a few of my decorations I currently have out.

See what others are sharing!

Is it Time Yet?

Is she here? No.

But, we do have a temperature shift. I randomly decided to start temping Thursday morning because I was getting impatient. Sure enough, it was low. I was hoping it was low because AF would soon show her ugly face.

However, the last few days it has be much higher. I expect AF to be here around 10/13. Not too exact on that though. Without medication, my LP had been 10-12 days and on medication it was on the longer side of that. After a D&C who knows. When she does show, I will be calling my nurse to get my FET schedule and starting BCPs that day.

And we don't want to forget, my LAP pre-op appointment is 10/12. I can't believe I have to have a pre-op appointment. Don't they already know everything about me?

So, even though AF hasn't arrived yet I am finally moving along in my cycle.

Side Note:  The bill came for my D&C procedure. The day of the surgery, I had already made a payment. I expected that, the hospital requires it. It was the same amount I had paid the day of my LAP last year. After my LAP last time, I got a bill for a very minimal amount. But, not this time. Needless to say, I won't be going out for a while. Sad thing is, my next LAP surgery is right around the corner. More bills.

Lost in Space

I feel lost.

Everyone around me seems to be pushing out babies, pregnant or at least cycling. I am waiting. I can't stand that word right now. That's all we do in the IF world, wait. And, normally what do we get? We get bad news. Worse off, when we do get good news we can't enjoy it because we know that bad news could be right around the corner.

When is AF going to be here? It's day 36. I don't know what to expect. I just hope she's here in the next week or so. I don't want my LAP to be moved back. Has anyone ever taken meds. to start AF after a D&C? Would they even consider? Or, does it have to come natural?

I feel like I am on my own. I have nothing to talk about of any interest. Me, waiting on AF, isn't really a conservation starter.