CD 3 tests today.

Today was baseline and another snow storm in Milwaukee. . . and all the way to the RE.

At the RE, I had my blood drawn, blood pressure tested (109/71) and had the "good 'ol" vaginal u/s during AF-- I hate that.

We also paid the remaining $2,500 bucks for the FET cycle. This gives us a grand total of $2,900 for the cycle and another $300-500 for the meds. (FET= $3,100-3,300...not including lost pay for missing work).

This is why I argued for transferring three embryos if one of the first two doesn't survive the thaw.

Here's the scenario in a nutshell:

• We plan to thaw two of our four remaining embryos. (6AA, (5BB?, 4BB?), 3BC)
• We would like to thaw the two highest embryos first; 6AA and 5??
• If both survive the thaw, we will but both in and there ends the story.

Where this gets tricky. . . .So if we thaw the best two and ONE doesn't survive the thaw, we will need to thaw another of our remaining two embryos to have TWO thawed to deposit during the FET. Sounds fine, right?

• Not if I think about my one low-quality embryo left just sitting in the deep freeze.
• If one doesn't survive the thaw in the beginning-- I prefer to just automatically thaw the other two at the same time and put whatever survives in. (A possibility of three).

My reasoning is NOT to create triplets. Triplets are a higher risk for both Mom and babies--not to mention financially afterwards. My reasoning is that one low-quality embryo has a very small chance of making it either way. Why leave it in the freeze--keep paying for it-- and then either never use it or pay the almost $3500 for another FET cycle for just one "not-so-good" embryo? To me, I rather use it, giving the best chance now. The chance of all three surviving is ridiculously slim--not impossible--but slim.

My hope it to give us the best chance possible with what we have.

Saying that, what DH and I really want is TWO PERFECTLY thawed, thriving embryos right away-- leaving two more in the bank--just in case. After all, we could use them after the little one(s) arrives from FET#1!

MED CHANGE:

• Lupron moved from 10 units to 5 units daily.
• Aspirin and vitamins still going strong.
• Add estrogen patches: One patch today through 2/9. Then two patches through 2/12. Then FOUR every 72 hours until 10-15 weeks of pregnancy--CRAZY THINGS!!!

Next Appointment is a blood work and ultrasound check-up on 2.23.11.

In other news: GO PACK GO!!!!

MEDS--Again.

Tomorrow I order my next round of meds.

I will get everything from last time except for the Gonal-F. . . I think. I told them I also want the estrogen pills instead of the patches since they make me itchy, rashy, and sticky from the adhesive. BLECH. I seriously rather take PIO than wear those patches every hour of the day. I just hope they work as well.

Anyone heard of any difference between estrogen patches and the pills?

LA Times article about Pill vs. Patch

(BTW: Don't type in "rash" or "estrogen patch rash" into google to find a photo for your blog). . .

UPDATE: Yeah, I've read enough. Pills apparently cause a much higher risk of developing many diseases, heart attacks, and can actually make women with IR and PCOS's symptoms worse since it effects the insulin. Patches and cream have shown no such effects and seem to supply a more steady stream of the hormone.

So screw that shit. I'll deal with the rash.

You owe me, future children. You owe me BIG.

Oh for F*ck Sake!

I'm still recovering from yesterday (and the day before).

So when today hit, I kinda. . . .wanted to throw myself under the train.

. . . . . . . . . .

This morning, we left for a very welcome WEEKEND (insert angel music) visit to the RE. It was the second u/s and blood work test--the first since going on stims (Gonal-F).

When we arrived just after 9 am, we were promptly taken back right away. The first time this as happened, might I add. When the nurse told me to come back, I looked around and actually asked, "Me?"

It wasn't worth rehashing what happened two days ago. So I didn't ramble on when she said they now have all the clearance needed. She took my blood and then sent me in for another ultrasound with the foreign lady.

She is an interesting woman. The first time we met, she went on and on about what a "beautiful uterus" I have. But every time we've met since then, she's been crabby as Hell. DH and I think she must never want to be there.

Anyhow, she did the ultrasound and seemed to roll her eyes as I asked for another print out of my ovaries (this time the left one, see: below).

But what do I care? I feel like we've paid BIG BUCKS for this. So if I want 20 photos a day, I've paid for it.

And then. . .we were done. In and out in twenty minutes. Yet it takes us over two hours to drive there and back. It did feel weird to leave without having to stop at the little payment window. Well, at least it did until we realized we had already paid last visit. I think that amount should cover us for a while. :)

On the way home, I did the mortal sin. Although I stayed vegetarian, I ate breakfast with DH at McDonalds: "The death bin". I have many issues with the animal practices at most fast food restaurants. But we were very hungry and a long way from home. I did enjoy a "Cheese and Egg McGriddle" with greasy hash browns and an OJ. Felt a little sick-- that's what I get.

Once home I anxiously awaited the results of the blood work.

Around 1pm, the RE's office called.

I was expecting, "All good, see you on Tuesday."

I got, "You need to come in every day this week."

WHAT?!?!?

Apparently, I'm "responding too well" to the stims.

What the Hell.

I have a new teaching job, in a new district, which is enough on it's own. Now I need to miss a week? Before I miss for the ER and ET? BAH!

My estrogen levels were at 424. They should be between 150-300. I don't want to get overstimulated and 'kick the bucket' so I know I have to go to these appointments each day.

I am just so sick of everything going wrong over the last few days.

I'm nervous that I'll develop OHSS or have to cancel this cycle.

Hopefully, it's just another bump along this screwed up road of infertility. Next stop? I'm only getting off in "babyland" :)

Tomorrow: Another RE u/s and blood work scheduled. . . Just like the rest of this week. . .