Maybe next time ...

The dreaded two week wait went by pretty fast with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays but today we got the news that my pregnancy test was negative. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement...

As we haven't been in this situation before, I'm not quite sure what happened or why but it obviously just wasn't meant to be. We'll know more once we get the results from the genetic testing in a couple weeks and determine if we can schedule a frozen transfer with the last two embryos.

Until then, we'll enjoy our sweet boy and be thankful for the wonderful little family that we are. That's more than enough to make anyone smile, even when times are tough.

Thanks for all the well wishes, hugs and prayers.

Two Embryos Transferred

When we got to REACH this morning, we were greeted by familiar faces. The same anesthesiologist was there as well as my doctors nurse. She doesn't usually come down for the procedures but made an exception for me :).

All four embryos survived the thawing so two were transferred and two were refrozen after they were biopsied.

Now I'm trying my best to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet for the next few days!

Transfer day!

Well here I am...wide awake at 4AM in anticipation of the mornings events!

Compared to the last transfer, this has been pretty uneventful but we are ready. After an ultrasound and blood work confirmed that I am ready, my transfer was scheduled for noon tomorrow (well today!)

We began the oh so fun progesterone shots last week, and I added a whole slew of medication. (Steroidsantibiotics, aspirin, etc.) We need to be at REACH at 11 so they can prep me for anestesia and confirm the amount of embryos to transfer. We are planning to transfer two but need to see how they come through the 'thawing process!'

Alex is packed and ready for his visit with Mia and Papa while I'm on bedrest. While it's always an ordeal getting out the door (due to the dramatic nature of both of us), as soon as I'm gone, he's happy and has a great time!

I'm off to bed to try to get some sleep before Alex is up!! Wish us luck!!

FET Update

This frozen embryo transfer is a whole different world!

Since we already have the embryos, there is a lot less preparation needed. We've been doing one shot a day (yes, only one!) and I am now loaded up on estrogen patches. While we are only a week from the transfer, things are a lot less hectic than they have been in the past. I have an ultrasound apointment tomorrow to make sure that everything is going according to plan and will know more after that. Until then, we're getting ready for the holidays and my upcoming bedrest. 

I'll update more tomorrow once I know what the next steps are :)

Shots!

Well we've had a pretty uneventful two weeks ... all our medicine arrived on Friday and I got my first shot tonight. One small shot isn't too bad and we continue until my ultrasound on December 2nd. So until then, we'll do our best to relax and enjoy the holidays!

And so it begins AGAIN!

First of all, thank you all for the messages, e-mails and hugs over the past few weeks. When we embarked on this journey, we knew it wouldn't be easy but you can never be prepared for how it will effect you. Your love, friendship, and support have made such a difference and has helped more than you know. As Steve said last week, it is simply another chapter in the book and one that makes us all that more grateful for what we have.

After an emotional couple weeks, we decided to jump right back in and discuss next steps. We had a great appointment at REACH yesterday and left feeling positive and with a plan. My doctor explained that since I did get pregnant, the problem is not with me and it was simply an imperfect embryo. Apparently, only 40% of embryos are perfect enough to make a healthy baby and it is simply mother natures way letting us know which ones are healthy and which ones are not.

So now we begin a new journey ... the frozen embryo transfer (FET). We have four embryos frozen and we will transfer two of them, leaving us with two more if we need them. Given what happened last time, we have decided to get all four genetically tested. In order to do this, they must thaw all of them and take small samples of each one. They will then transfer two of them and refreeze the other two. While we won't have the results prior to the transfer, at least we will have more knowledge if we do not achieve a successful pregnancy. 

Although this process is somewhat easier because we don't have to go through egg stimulation and retrieval, the time frame is about the same. I begin birth control today and injections on the 21st. At this point, they are estimating a transfer date of December 19th so I better get started on my Christmas shopping!!

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Sad News

Yesterday we received the news we had been dreading. My HCG levels dropped to under 100 which means that I was unable to sustain the pregnancy. This is certainly not the outcome we had expected but it makes us all that more grateful for the blessing we received in Alex. There's nothing better to heal a heavy heart than a hug and a smile from a sweet little boy.

We have an appointment next week to discuss next steps and determine when to proceed with a frozen embryo transfer. As it's new territory for us, we don't know what to expect so will share information as we get it.

Thanks for all your love and prayers.

Ups and Downs

We have had another exciting week here at the Miller house. My second HCG test was on Monday and it had risen from 58 to 257. This was great news and the doctor was happy with the increase in numbers. My third, and typically final, test was yesterday and showed that my levels had risen to 1058. At that point, an ultrasound was scheduled for November 8.

While we felt we could breath a sigh of relief with the positive results, I started spotting and cramping last night. The doctor feels it could be from the implantation of the embryo but we won't know for sure until Monday. Since I just had my levels measured yesterday, another blood test won't be conclusive until Monday. Until then, I am supposed to stay in bed and rest in an effort to stop the bleeding.

While we are definitely worried, we're trying to stay positive and are hoping for the best on Monday. Please send out good thoughts and prayers that we are able to sustain our second miracle.

The early results are in and ...

We are officially pregnant!

Since we're headed out of town tomorrow, my IVF nurse let me come in a day early for my blood test. She called this afternoon to report that my 'beta HCG' level was 58, which is great. I need to go back in on Monday to ensure that the HCG levels are rising but so far everything looks great! We are thrilled and excited but know it is very very early and we have a long road ahead of us.

We're hoping and praying for strong numbers on Monday so keep all those good thoughts coming our way!!

Two Embryos Transferred

Yesterday was another very exciting day for us as we got to transfer two beautiful embryos!

 

The procedure was more difficult than the doctor had anticipated but he was able to successfully complete the transfer. Fortunately, I was asleep so didn't feel any of it.

We also managed to freeze two embryos to use in the future. We didn't have any left over last time so weren't expecting it this time but it was a nice surprise.

In addition to continuing the progesterone shots, I've also added estrogen patches so am chock full of hormones. Now that all the procedures are done, I'm trying to take advantage of my bedrest while I can!

No more appointments until the 21st when I go in for my pregnancy test. So now we wait...

7 Embryos Growing

After a quick visit to REACH this morning, the doctor confirmed that there was no more fluid in the uterus. This means that we are all ready for a transfer on Monday. The embryologist also told us that all 7 embryos are still growing which is great news. We have five perfect ones which are eight cell, one that is ten cell, and one that is twelve cell. (Apparently, those that have a higher number of cells don't do as well as the eight cells.)

Our transfer is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday so we're optimistic that we'll be able to transfer two healthy embryos. Until then, I'm doing my best to rest up for the big day!!

We've also successfully completed our first two progesterone shots. While these are my least favorite shots of them all (given the huge nature of the needles), Steve is doing a great job!

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers :)

Seven Eggs Fertilized

We got the fertilization report this morning and are happy to report that all 7 mature eggs fertilized. That means we have 7 little embryos growing in the lab. The hope is that they will continue to grow until Monday (day 5) so we can implant the strongest. If there are any extra, we will freeze them for use in the future. As we didn't have any to freeze last time, we aren't anticipating this, but you never know!

During the retrieval, the doctor had to drain some extra fluid so I need to go in on Saturday to make sure it hasn't returned. Provided all looks good, we'll be set for a Monday transfer. 

Keep up the good thoughts and prayers for our embryos :)

Eight eggs!

We made it through the retrieval and the doctor successfully retrieved 8 eggs!! Of those, 7 were mature so we hope to get a few good embryos. As usual, as soon as I got my IV, everything went smoothly. We'll get our first fertilization report tomorrow so will be praying that our embryos are growing big and strong tonight.

It's been a big day and I'm exhausted so am off to bed...will update more tomorrow.

Retrieval Tomorrow

After a busy busy busy few days, we're finally ready for the retrieval tomorrow. The doctors saw between 8 and 9 follicles so hopefully we'll have some good quality eggs. I got my trigger shot last night at 11:00 PM and the retrieval is scheduled for 11:00 AM tomorrow (exactly 36 hours after the shot).

I brought Alex today to pick up my pre-op instructions and he was able to meet the people that helped him come into this world. Hopefully his visit there will be good luck for his future brother or sister ;)

Off to bed to rest up for tomorrow. Keep up the good thoughts!!

Follicle Checks

I've had a busy weekend filled with blood tests and ultrasounds. Now that I'm in the midst of the stimulation phase, follicles are constantly monitored to help determine the growth of my eggs. (The eggs are too small to see but the follicles are fluid filled sacs which each contain an egg.)

At yesterday's visit, the doctor counted 7 follicles on the left and 4 on the right. As usual, it was almost impossible to see anything on the right so this was more of a guess based on the limited visibility! Today's visit was about the same and I was told to continue with the stimulation and come back tomorrow.

The question on everyone's mind is, 'when is the retrieval?' At this point, the doctor needs to be satisfied by the number of swollen follicles and their size. Once this happens, I'll be given an hCG trigger shot to release the eggs within 36 hours. Fingers crossed we'll get the go ahead tomorrow!

Solo Shots

Today's big accomplishment was giving myself shots. Steve is out of town at a wedding and I have an early morning ultrasound so had to stay home. Fortunately, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I only have to do it three more times before he's home. (That's 12 shots!)  My appointment on Wednesday went well and at this point the retrieval will probably be mid next week. As always, we need to play it by ear and will know more after tomorrow's appointment.

Stimulation Begins

After spending the past two weeks ordering medication, and dealing with IVF logistics, we had an exciting day today. An early morning bloodtest and ultrasound confirmed I was ready to begin the stimulation phase.  This is the phase in which I receive daily injections in order to "stimulate" my ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

Most of my medication arrived today and we jumped right back into the shot routine. It was a lot less scary the second time around and Steve expertly gave the first of many, many shots!

So...one shot down and five a day from now until Wednesday when I go in for more bloodwork to see how I'm progressing. Wish us luck!

Nothing is ever easy...

As soon as we thought we were experts on this whole IVF thing, of course we were thrown for a loop.

During last weeks' visit, we discovered that the embryo transfer would not be as easy as it was the first time. At the beginning of every IVF cycle, the doctor performs a trial transfer which allows him to take measurements and make notes so there are no surprises during the actual embryo transfer. Unfortunately, the doctor was unable to complete the trial and determined that it would need to be done under anesthesia. While this is certainly more comfortable, it means that I need to go under anesthesia for the trial, the egg retrieval, and the actual transfer ... all within a few weeks.

The good news is we completed the trial transfer today. The doctor had very few problems and is now confident he can successfully complete the embryo transfer in a couple weeks. While I am exhausted, Steve entertained Alex all afternoon so I got to sleep off the drugs ;)

Now that the first hurdle is over, all my medication will be ordered tomorrow. And then the real fun begins!!

The cycle begins

For the first time since Alex was born, I set my alarm and was awake before him. I even got ready without a toddler hanging on my leg. The ironic thing is that I was up so early to go back to where it all started! It was my first of many early morning visits to REACH.

The purpose of today's visit was to obtain baseline blood work and have a baseline ultrasound. The results were almost identical to those of my previous baseline tests ... difficult to view the right ovaries and the presence of a small cyst on the left. As cysts typically resolves on their own, there was no cause for concern.

My blood work looked good so I was given the go ahead to begin birth control. This enables the doctor to have complete control over ovulation during the treatment cycle.

This means that we have officially begun our IVF cycle! If we follow the same path as we did with Alex, we'll have our retrieval and transfer in mid-October. While we won't have a definite timeline until next week, I wanted to share what's happened so far, especially as things have been moving so quickly.

Thanks for your continued love and support!

Ready or not, here we go!

Now that we have this parenting thing under control, we have decided we needed yet another challenge. Once Alex had his first birthday, I stopped nursing, and we had a minute to breath, we decided we should make a trip back to our good friends at REACH to see what they thought about baby number 2. Not surprisingly, their recomendation was to move forward as soon as we were ready.

While it's difficult to be 100% ready, the sooner we begin our next IVF journey, the better chance we have of giving Alex a little brother or sister. And, as I said in the last post before Alex was born, 'we're as ready as we're going to get.' The love and support we received throughout the process with Alex was amazing and we look forward to sharing another exciting journey with you all.

Ready or not, here we go!!