The Sisterhood of the Blue Stilettos

[Angie65]

Mmmm - Sassy your feast sounds delicious - can I come too? What a good daughter in law you are. Hope you have a special family ocasion.

Vicky - have a wonderful cruise - put your feet up and relax and come back refreshed and ready. Hope AF does exactly what she is supposed to do. I 've gone 3 months before w/o getting her (this was before all the drugs interfered even more with my cycles) so fingers crossed for you.

Fee - look forward to hearing your update. GOOD LUCK!

[sassynlv]

Fee: where are you?? Dying to know how it all went! Will check in later... letting the guys do the dishes from dinner while i ducked in to check in on you... back to serve up pie! Hope everything went well!

[amy]

I feel so BEHIND! I am sorry to say that I had to get some chores done around the homestead and am falling so far out of the loop! I did however clean out my garage and find a few more items for EBAY. Let's hope for more than a buck this time! I have even been eye balling our recycling bin and thinking about taking the cans and bottles in for money. Might start hitting up the neighbors bins before the truck comes.... desperate times call for desperate measures!

SASSY - Rachel Ray has nothing on you! How do you manage to get all those things prepared and warm at once? Do you have a trick? I am utterly hopeless at the idea of it, but love to dream that one day I could manage to serve more than two things warm at a time. Mostly we eat sandwiches... or cereal. You are so gourmet too! did you really "reduce" something?? Tricky! So are you all set to start your "Super Cycle" in March?? Still dreaming of your meds? I am thinking we are going to need an amazing theme song for this feat. Rocky?? The one they play when he is running of the steps? Seems appropriate... I will keep my ears peeled til I find the perfect one.

WANNABABY - You definitely need to take your own advice! Let go! I am a big fan of that - although coincidentally I am a bit uptight about things. I know it is hard to do, but in this case all the worries can't help. Has the fullness gone away? Sometimes (this may be TMI for some so stop reading here...) Sometimes when I feel that way I just need to hang out in the bathroom for a bit with some good magazines and catalogs and continue to drink lots of water until I feel that in some way I have "emptied" the fullness. When is your next appointment? For this day I dedicate to you the country classic - "Well I got friends in low places where the whiskey flows and the beer chases my blues away..." Friends in low places = embies - get it!?!

FIONA - So how did it go? What is the good word? How is the diet treating you? Have you dropped a line on receding Ray?? Casual of course! All in "good fun". Psycho Killer is not a good tune for transferring your embies... Try Black Bird - the old Beatles song- if you don't know it - find it. Perfect for your situation.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

I actually prefer my lullaby version by a woman, but you get the picture. Nice and calming with a solid message of hope!

VICKY - Enjoy your cruise and don't worry about AF. She will be there when you get back!

ANGIE - How did you house hunt go? Any one you can't live without? I totally get the suburbia issue. I grew up part time living in the mountains and the other part in San Jose (by San Francisco) and now find myself residing in neither. I am stuck in a valley - a hot valley - not sassy or Mia hot, but pretty hot. Never thought I would be living here in Sacramento. With that being said, we have tried to make the most of it and chose an older neighborhood with large lots and only a five to ten minute drive to downtown and we can ride bikes to the river trails. I think at the end of the day you have to decide what you love more... and what is super important in your daily life. Our new neighborhood has grocery stores I can ride my bike too and that is important to us. We enjoy being active, but not cooped up in the downtown with limited parking and shotty neighbors. I say the right outside downtown is perfect. You can still have a short commute in, but have more of the clean living that suburbs have to offer. And isn't there that saying, "If you build it they will come"?? Maybe moving to the families will kick start something.

MEG - How are you feeling? Are you done working yet? What is it that you do? How far along are you now? I did have morning sickness - but as you are learning it is really just an all day kind of gross feeling - but it did end at 12 weeks. Thank heavens! I used to throw up quite a bit. All day long. Tried all the "tricks" like eating saltines before getting out of bed and small meals all day long... but really they just gave me more to get rid of. It did finally go away and then watch out for second trimester. You can eat all you want and never feel sick. Greatest feeling in the world! Then by the end discomfort and heartburn kill your love of food so you have that to look forward too... which is nice.

PATIE - Fame is always a fun soundtrack to reference. Lots of upbeat eighties music to cheer us all up! How are you doing? Is DH back yet? I did my immuno testing from Repromedix here in the states. I did get a positive on the antiphospholipid antibody panel and now they recommend I try heparin and aspirin with my next cycle. If the people on EBAY would just cooperate and over bid my items I could get there sooner, but that is a whole nother problem! I highly recommend the testing as it can't hurt and it could provide an answer and potentially a solution. I am glad we did it, although wished we had done it before my FET to save us that money and I have to always think that it might have worked had we just used the heparin. Let me know if you have any questions. I have actually researched it all quite a bit in the last few months. There is a clinic started by a Dr. Allan Beer that has a great website full of information. He has a book out too I believe.

MIA - How are you feeling? Do you have any more appointments coming up to hear the heartbeats?

Hope this finds you all well and I do promise to keep up better this week!

[meg12]

Hey!! I, like Amy, have been trying to get stuff done around this pig sty we call a house, and yes today was my last day in my 7 day work stretch, so woo-hoo---2 days off! I'm so excited. I'm going to do fun stuff like laundry and cleaning out closets et cetera~! Jealous, eh? I am going to go see my sister, Mia, tomorrow (yep, I have a sister named Mia, but unlike our blue stilleto sister named Mia my Mia is not pregnant with twins...at least I'm pretty sure she's not!) Anyway, my Mia is an estitician (skin care specialist, obviously I don't know how to spell the word, guess I'll have to ask her tomorrow!) Geez, the point is I have to go see her because I have more zits than really should be humanly possible. Forget the nice pregnant glow---I've got the evil red spots staring down everyone in my path! Leave it to me....

Amy--I am coming up on 8 weeks on Tuesday (or so they think---since it was a natural conception we're just going by the size that's showing up on the ultra sounds....so not as accurate as most IVFers.) I've tried everything I've heard for the morning sickness, too. The ginger snaps work the best so far (take notes, ladies....it's coming for all of you!) I go back on Thursday for another scan. Congrats on the Ebay finds...we'll get you going yet. Did you watch the Grammys tonight? I figured with your theme song finding abilities, you'd be a fan!

Sassy--Mrs. Fancy Cooking Pants! Wow. In our family, my husband is the chef. I'm clueless in the kitchen so am always impressed by anyone who can cook. Sounds like it was fabulous. Bet you're exhausted, though! Cracked me up that you're dreaming about shots---we're a sick, sick bunch!

Fee--------You're killing us.....hope everything went well. I've been thinking about you!


Hope everyone has a great day/night. Thanks again for being here...don't know what I'd do without you guys!

[Angie65]

Amy - you talk my language girl. We like our bikes too and this suburb is near the river tracks - I could bike to work in 15 mins - how fit would I be then? I like walking to the supermarket too - builds in a bit of exercise to my day. Just don't like having to get in the car to go everywhere - the suburbs in Mel are horrible - 3 lanes of traffic either side. walking to the supermarket is one of my criteria - actually I have a confession to make - I have just purchased a shopping trolly. Just call me nana - I will probably be thrown out of the sisterhood for this. It is very cool - a green canvas bag on wheels - perhaps if I promise to wear my blue stillettos when I use it, you will let me stay!

[amy]

Meg - YES! I am watching the Grammy's and refueling for our theme songs. In fact, I did chuckle to myself when they played, "It's Getting Hot in Here. So Take of All Your Clothes" as just a good overall song I picture when you have to strip down to your blue stilettos with the RE. Glad you have accomplished your LONG work week and have some fun times to look forward too!

Angie - I won't kick you out of the sisterhood for the green canvas trolley, if you don't mind my tricked out Townie that has TWO wicker baskets on it. Yes, you read the right, not one but TWO! I have a market basket that hooks on the front and more recently pimped out my ride with a wicker basket on the back that can hold our dog or my groceries. I look ridiculous, but it is all about the efficiency. The dog recently had her knees operated on and needed the comfort. How could I resist? I might need to try posting a picture. Sometimes I think I might be getting a bit pee wee hermanish.

Alright, back to the Grammys!

[FionaA]

Ladies, I am now PUPO to quote Sass.

The ET went quite well. Got a call aound midday to say one embie did not thaw properly...but one was doing well.

I managed to find the time to get to the chemist to purchase blue sparkly nail polish in the Sass tradition, then make my way to my mate's house so she could do my hair. I emerged looking suitably glamourous but only having left 10 minutes to get to the clinic which is 25 minutes away.

I channelled my current psychotic state into some pretty impessive road rage and manged to cut the trip down to about 24 and a half minutes...

Strapped myself into stirrup bed and away we went. the nurse who commented on my "big ovaries" last time said "Big bladder" this time. In fact everyone laughed about the size of my bladder. Why can't I have small ladylike innards???? With the size of my bladder being what it is I didn't dare think about the Repoducers for fear of a nasty accident....

Oh well the little bugger is in there now. I have grounded him already so hopefully he will stay in his room for the next nine months.

Sass I was DROOLING at MIL's feast....Man I wish I had your skills. For some reason I can never time things right and get everything on the table at once....and don't tell me you make your own bread????? My idea of a good meal is some crackers with Vegemite and maybe a yoghurt for dessert (two courses = impressive by my standards).

Vicky, by now you are probably on your cruise?? And your doggie is probably playing with all his new mates...know how you feel about leaving your "hairy child" behind. An understandable psycho moment I think for you ....enjoy the Pina Coladas and tell AF that she had better back off B*tch!

Angie, I HATE househunting!! DH and I just moved from inner city to burbs last year. Did not want to but had the opportunity to buy my grandpa's old house, too good to refuse!! (even though my parents now live in the same street as me though) No nightlife around me now though...but have the river close by for riding my bike..

Amy, yet again you cracked me up. I'm seeing you at the crack of dawn rummaging through your neighbours bins and tearing off with all of their "valuable" recyclables....and thanks for your song, much more appropriate and soothing for angry smurf. I've calmed down a bit now so those around me can breath a bit easier...

Mego, thanks for thinking about me mate, Right now I am feelign pretty damn good but I am jealous that you have a skin specialist in the family, damn jealous actually. I have been discussing the pros and cons of botox with my secretary, we both think that the time is approaching fast when we will get some...maybe if we both rock up at the same time we can get a bulk discount? Sorry to hear about the zits, I bet they make you look quite youthful though!

Thanks all for your good wishes, means a lot sisters!!

Fee

[Angie65]

nice one Fee - well done on a good effort today.

Amy - would love to see a photo of you and your customised dog mobile if you are brave enough to post one - I haven't plucked up courage yet - preferring to remain an international woman of mystery.

Must dash - off to the supermarket with my trolley.

Am feeling more wired this week - had a stressful day at work - a rant is not too far away I feel. Just in time for the stims. I knew work was going to get stressful just about now and sure enough....

[FionaA]

Bloody hell, forgot to talk to my two sisters Wanna and Patie..

Wanna good luck today with dildo (rude b@stard taking advantage of u, no flowers or anything...) He'd better treat Angie better than that on her Valentines Day date. Hope your follicles are going great guns but that your E2 levels are not insane....Please let us know how you are going, hope you are feeling better, this stage of IVF sucks A$$ as far as I am concerned....

And Patie, hope your parents are mollycoddling you, lap it up girl while you can. As you can see from my previous post, I've moved into the same street as Ma and Pa. In fact I'm in their house using their computer and eating their food right now. Does it get any better than this??? Now where has Mum hidden the choccies....probably in the shoe cupboard if I know anything...

Fee

[amy]

Fiona - I am glad the song change came into effect. You are going to need the peaceful calm stylings on anyone other than Talking Heads. Are you usually tardy or was this a one time thing? I am ALWAYS in a hurry and tend to push every appointment to the minute. Not usually late, but NEVER early. Sometimes I think my friends tell me an earlier time so I will get there when they need me! But the hair and the toes are a must and I am glad you took the time to do it all right. That is really the most important thing. Nothing worse than plopping unpedi'ed feet into those stirrups for the world to view. So your official oven count is one embie? What day are they doing the testing? For this occasion I dedicate the Kenny Loggins favorite (from footloose) "I need a hero!"

Angie - I am waiting for your rant. We haven't had one in a few days so it is time. And please try to write it while you are still good and mad so we don't miss any of the good angry details. You will feel so much better once you let it all out! Here is a teaser - I am SHORT! about 5 feet 1 inch (1.7 meters) and about 47 kgs. The bike has got to be at least twice my size with all the gear! It is a sight. But like you, I love the mystery here as I have pictures in my head of what you all look like - like you are all my IVF characters in a book!

Wanna - You back from your appt?
Sassy - You still doing dishes? I would be!

[sassynlv]

Fee: Hahaha! Leave it to you to describe a transfer in such a way i started laughing at my desk and got some looks! wooohooo! One beanie in there for the long haul. Like they idea he has already been grounded... for 9 months!!! Now, i am VERY impressed that you had your hair done... have never gotten that gussied up for any appt! Most importantly, though, the nail polish!!! You were properly coiffed and colored... so i am thinking there is no way this will fail!!!! You get a pass on the whole "thinking of the reproducers scene". It appears you, like me, are a bit overassertive when it comes to bladder filling!!! OOOO, like always, i'm thinkin Amy has the perfect theme song for you!!

Meg: ahhhh, yes the zits. As i have had acne straight for the last 8 months, and can't take any of my normal acne treatments (thank you ivf... the gift that keeps on giving)... i am feeling your pain. BUT, i guess i was naive enough to think it may end when preg. WAAAAAA. I guess i should go in for microdermabrasion. Used to get them all the time, then stopped in order to save money for the BOATLOAD of ivf cycles... You have inspired me... back to the aesthetician for me!!! Hmmmm, ginger snaps helping, huh? banking that little nugget for another time.

Angie and Amy: you two sound quite sporty with your "green canvas trolley' and "tricked out townie". Actually quite jealous... wishing i could walk or ride to the stores. Oh, i'm getting all nostalgic for our cute little place in denver *sigh*

Amy: yep, getting a bit excited to get started... but also somewhat conflicted (see below). btw... as for dishes... my bil and dh know that when i cook, i don't do the dishes . So w/o even saying anything... they get done... in fact bil won't let me near the sink. I actually did some last night (just the glasses, sterling, etc) as the guys were playing on dh's new wii (bday present).

Angie: oooooo, i am waiting... here it comes.... an Angie rant!!!! Wait, let me get some popcorn, junior mints and a blanket!!!!

Wannababy: now when is your egg retrieval??? Sorry, i just get confused sometimes. Hoping you are doing all right and aren't too uncomfortable.

Patie: how's it going w/o dh?

Dinner went well. Had a great time... just exhausted!

All right, don't have a rant, just a general comment/whining session... I am excited to get started, yet conflicted. Mostly just not looking forward to the 2 wks of injections, plus feeling like the shot schedule and appts rule my life... then there is all the abd discomfort and serious mood swings. then, of course, the surgery... don't get me started on my retrieval anxiety. Sorry for the beotching.... but know it isn't news to you all. The best part is that i won't have the wait to see if any embryos develop, and no 2ww (at least for 5 months!!). So thus, i am conflicted. Excited, dreading the not-so-fun parts, but grateful for another chance. So... on that note... was listening to Bonny Raitt this am on my way to work... "Push me to the limit, maybe i may bend... but i know where i'm not going... i will not be broken." I start bcps tonight, so here goes nothing... i mean here come my babies!!!!

[wannababyIVF]

Damn…I’ve missed a lot. No more taking a break on the weekends for me. Too much to catch up. My attention is span is not log enough to read all these posts at once. I have got to check in more often.

But anyway, hope all you lovely ladies had an awesome weekend.

Angie & Vickie--I went to Acupuncture this weekend. Yes, I to have jumped on the acu bandwagon. Hey, I’m willing to give anything a shot. Poor choice of words. With all these damn needles in me, I think I might look for a part time gig to make some extra cash. Maybe a pin cushion. I’m sure there is a seamstress somewhere that can use my services. lol

I have another acu appointment tomorrow, then Saturday and then on the day of the transfer, which consequently will probably be moved.

On Friday Dr. Smelly fingers (my DH’s nickname for him, I don’t particularly care for it. Don’t want to think of someone with smelly fingers touching me.) But anyway, dr told me ER will more than likely be Thursday. After my date with dildocam today (he didn’t even call all weekend), Smelly fingers said that the ER will probably be on Friday or Saturday (hate the uncertainty). But it would be nice if it were Saturday so I wouldn’t have to miss a day of work. He said the follicles are growing, but slowly. The biggest one is about 16. Still need to get to about 18 or 20. My estrogen level was still low on Friday. Wonder what it will be like today. But anyway, I have to go back to see dr and dildocam on Wednesday again. Hope dildocam got me a nice Vday gift. I asked dr how do we make the follicles continue to grow without a risk of OHSS like last time. He told me, not sure, we just have to wait and keep watching them. Oh GREAT!! That makes me feel really good. So now ladies….I’m just waiting….waiting until Wednesday when I see dildocam and Dr. again. Let’s pray for the best and do a “grow follie but no HSS dance.” If there’s such a thing.

Patie—Just a few more days before DH gets back. I know you are so excited!! Do you guys have any big plans? Love the picture of blue stiletto’s!

Mia—How are the twins doing? Feel any different yet?

Meg—How are you feeling? Are you still having morning sickness? Have fun with your sis! Sorry to hear about your face. I heard that is a side effect of pregnancy. Guess the fun never ends. Hormones still out of wack causing little creatures to appear on your face at the most inopportune times. I’m so looking forward to it! But the morning sickness….no thanks, you can keep that. I love to eat too much to bring it back up. Doesn’t taste nearly as good coming up as it does going down. Whew, that was gross..TMI. But anyway, It’s nice to have you going thru this stuff (although I know you don’t think so) so you can share their wisdom.

Vicky—I know you are on vacation already. But wanted to give you a shout out in case you check your email from the ship. DH and I went on a cruise last year and he was in grad school at the time. He was going to use the Internet to check in with his group mates for his class project. Once he saw the cost of the internet; he changed his mind. lol Hoping the cost isn’t too much of a shock for you. If it is, we’ll talk when you get back. I can relate to your “don't have kids so have a hairy baby instead syndrome". DH and I also have a hairy baby. I wanted a furr ball to take my mind of the infertility issues. Can’t say it has; but having him around is a good distraction. I know how you feel about dropping your “furr baby” off. We recently took our little guy to get neutered. I was so emotional. I think he could sense it also. But I kept telling the staff to take good care of him. Then when we picked him up I wanted to hold him all the way home, but DH did as I drove. That same night DH wanted to go to the movies. I told him NO, we have to stay home to make sure the furr ball is okay. lol I have it bad for that little guy. He is my baby. My first (non-biological) born. lol

Hope you are having a wonderful time. I also hope AF didn’t show up and ruin your plans. I remember back in the day (before this IVF stuff) I would take BCP continuous so AF wouldn’t come visit during vacations. It’s amazing how your priorities change. I pray that AF shows up as soon as you get back home.

Angie—The house near the school might be a sign for you. It’s something to think about regardless. You will want to live in a neighborhood with good school and nearby schools. We bought our first house together almost two years ago. It’s a nice size and it’s only the two of us. Everyone keeps saying that we’ll probably move again. I don’t see that happening, unless we down size. There has been a sign up about the construction of a new Montessori school less than a mile from our house. It’s been up there for at least two years. That would be prefect for our children…if they ever start to build it. Sorry to hear work is stressing you out. Feel free to rant. Can’t wait to hear it. I think we need one. It’s been too long since the last one.

Fee—Glad to hear your transfer went well girly!! You inspire me to get all glammed up for the big day. I’m going to make a hair appointment for the night before…as soon as I find out when that is. You tell your little guy (or girl) to stay put or he (or she) will have some pretty angry aunty’s to deal with. I too have suffered the comments about body parts. I have a very small bladder. Have heard more that one corny joke about it. And unfortunately I could be the poster girl for adult diapers. I stay in the bathroom. I think I have used every bathroom at every place I have ever been. Sad, but true. Can’t go anywhere without making a pit stop. Now with the fullness feeling (such bad grammer) it’s even worse. I actually feel like someone stuffed about 20 water balloons under my skin. I have to walk gingerly so they don’t pop. I’m actually looking forward to my ER.

Sassy---Uh oh, sounds like you are having IVF flashbacks. There really needs to be rehab for those who have been on IVF and are now trying to adjust to the non-IVF world. Do I hear an after school special?? Maybe a TV movie? Oh, I’m going to call Lifetime. Man, your dinner sounds awesome. Where did you learn to cook like that? You make your own bread?!?!? I’m so jealous. My French bread usually comes out of a bag. I’m sorry I didn’t see your post until today. I might have caught a flight to Vegas yesterday just to pick up a plate. Don’t worry I would not have stayed; just get my plate and catch the next flight. Wouldn’t want to interrupt dinner with an extra guest. Hope your MIL and family appreciates all you do. You are just a wonderful DIL. Were there any left overs? Can you send me some?

Amy---There you are!! How goes the Ebay hunt? I don’t think your neighbors would mind. Give them the speech about the life threatening medical condition that you are raising money for. What about a yard sale? Bake sale? I can donate some brownies or banana bread. I also make an awesome pineapple upside down cake. I have often thought about donating blood, or my hair to make some extra cash. Hey, whatever works? Like you said desperate times, call for desperate measures. The fullness is still there. I am not sure if it’s from all the water I’ve been drinking, or the growing follicles. Whatever it is, it’s doing a number on me. I feel like I constantly have to pee or poop (sorry TMI). A good magazine or book sounds good. I might need to get two. One for that dreadful wait before the EC and ET. Those magazines in the waiting rooms are the worst. Some are dated back to like 1985. Geesh, with all the money they are getting, you would think they can get some new magazine subscriptions, a television or something. I get sick of playing with the strings on the piece of lightweight paper they call a gown. And there’s only so much that DH and I can talk about. BTW…love the friends in low places song. I think I’m going to sing that to myself during my next visit with dear ol dildocam. Man, I totally missed the grammy’s. When did it come on? Okay, for the next time, I think we need to put a reminder in our post because I’m so unhappy right now. I think I was watching the homemaker over show (or whatever you call it) that comes on before desperate housewives.

I think I’m all caught up. If I missed anyone, I’m so sorry. But regardless you are all in my thoughts and prayers!!

I’ll chat with you later. Have a great day or night (depending where you are).

[sassynlv]

wanna: oh yes, the ol' "grow follies grow... but no OHSS dance". Well, i pulled it out of the archives... Here you go!!!

[wannababyIVF]

Just got a call from the dr. Estrogen level was 176 on Friday. it's now 1048. He wants to see me tomorrow instead of Wednesday. Getting that sick feeling in my tummy. It's like it's happening all over again. I"m trying not to get myself all worked up. But it's rough. This happened last time with the HSS. He just said he wont have me skip a doss of the meds this time...but just have me in so he can watch it.

This really sucks and I"m geting nervous and sad all at the same time. I want the follies to keep growing and therefor want to keep taking my stimms but on the other hand I dont want the HSS. So now we wait.

Please say some prayers ladies.

[wannababyIVF]

Just got a call from the dr. Estrogen level was 176 on Friday. it's now 1048. He wants to see me tomorrow instead of Wednesday. Getting that sick feeling in my tummy. It's like it's happening all over again. I"m trying not to get myself all worked up. But it's rough. This happened last time with the HSS. He just said he wont have me skip a doss of the meds this time...but just have me in so he can watch it.

This really sucks and I"m geting nervous and sad all at the same time. I want the follies to keep growing and therefor want to keep taking my stimms but on the other hand I dont want the HSS. So now we wait.

Please say some prayers ladies.