Jan/Feb 2010--Cycle Group

[Hope644]

oh!

First of all, Miyaya, Sam, and Bethany - I'm so sorry, dears. I wish there was something we could say or do, but having been in your shoes, I know that not much helps... but please know that we are all thinking of each one of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.


Katie and Sonya - so happy to see those betas rising steadily!! Fantastic news!! OH, and I'm all for a multi-month group for preggos... Having had a March cycle with a DS born at the beginning of Dec sux to miss all ur buddies who had EDDs in Nov!! Go for it! I hope to join you all soon!!!

Ashley - What a RELIEF!! I'm SO happy that the girls are doing well and that there are TWO!! YAY! Couldn't be happier for you!!! Go Carolina Mom Go!


Roshaunda - Glad to hear you are doing well and can't wait to hear how your U/S goes on Friday! Hoping you see strong little

PositiveT - Funny that you, of all peeps should ask about PMA - It's POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE! Just your thing! and for both you and Lou - you're right, it's all about QUALITY! My DS came from my longest stimming (13 days) and lowest number of eggs retrieved and I only had 4 embryos to fertilize - and by Day 3 for 3DT, I had only 2 good ones. And my DS couldn't be more perfect (biased, i know ). I know God was making me hold out for the perfect little egg for us. Keep up that PMA and hang in there!!! Positive, Rockville was fine. I have never found it to be like a factory, personally. I think it's comfortable and small enough to not be overwhelming, yet large enough for all the folks they have coming thru. I even asked the nurse (thinking of you) how many bays they have for patients in waiting for ER, ET, etc. They have 6 bays with enough space for 2 stretcher type beds inside each with large curtains for privacy. The only thing I don't care for is that they are so close, you can sometimes hear the nurses or doctor talking to the folks next door - I don't exactly like that! But overall, I think it's ok.

Claudia - Glad to hear good numbers for lining!! Keep it going!! (I know, like you have any direct control, right? ) We'll keep thinking thickening thoughts for you!!

Tracy - hoping for that wonderful BFP for you today!!! Let us know!!

Karen! Congratulations!!! Can't wait to hear those growing beta numbers today!!!


Gi - #7 will be your time! Sounds like you are about ready to pop, girl! Great growing follies and
killer cells!!

Lauren - how are you doing on your stims, girl? Keep growing follies!!! Just a few more days now!!

Sarah - You should be triggering today, right?!! YAY!! Can't wait to hear the juicy eggie report!

Ronda - good luck at your S&S on Friday!! Can't wait to hear the progress!

And special good luck to Shika, Merri, and Ktelise for those upcoming betas!!

I know I missed some, I'm so sorry... I can't go this long without updates and try to keep up! Those of u who do are better women than I!

AFM - So the last few days without you have been pretty uneventful.. hahaha... We had ER and PESA on Valentine's Day! My DH was looking oh so in the pink ultra-mini op-gown they provided him, but the hair net really put me over the top. Too bad we are out of commission in the "baby dance" arena for a while! hahaha!

All went well. We got plenty of swimmers and 25 eggies, 18 of which were mature enough to perform ICSI and 9 of those fertilized normally - we were expecting that since we've never had a fert rate greater than 50%.

As of yesterday, all 9 embies were still growing strong. My RE said they were looking "FABULOUS!" She expected them to be in the 2 to 4 cell range at that point and we had four (4) 4-cells, (1) 2-cell, (1) 3-cell, and our three little over-achievers - (1) 5-cell, (1) 6-cell, and (1) 7-cell. We were shocked to get the news that we'll be doing a 5dt on Friday. We've always done 3dt, so we were totally expecting to go today (Wednesday).

No report today (UGH!) but they will call tomorrow with an update on the embabies and a time for Friday's ET. I'll soon be PUPO!! Can't believe it's here.

[Tiger04]

Hi Everyone!

Wow! So much has happened over the last week! I went on a skiing trip up in Michagin with the whole family. It was really nice to get away for awhile!

Katie, I just started crying when I read the news. It took serious self control not to go to a more recent page to get the news, but I did patiently go back to page 101 and read all the way through to get the full affect I am so so so happy for you.

Ashley, I can't wait to keep reading the updates! TWINS! YEAH! and two girls. I have a sister and there is nothing better than a sister They are going to be so special.

Sam, My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep your chin up and get lots of hugs from your DH. Remember how lucky you are to have a wonderful husband

DandMe - I knew it all along! I just knew things were going to be great for you! I can't wait to hear how everything keeps going. Enjoy this and don't stress about it. You are going to be great! Congrats Mama!

AFM - Still moving forward with Donor Sperm and IUI. The clinic doesn't have an appointment until March 15, so we'll have to start with my March cycle. I got my period yesterday night, which was a little early. So, hopefully all of the IVF crap didn't completely screw up my cycle, because I didn't have any issues before! I'll keep you guys updated. I'm a little bummed about the delay, but it will be okay.

- Lisa

[DandMe]

Sonya- my beta was 14dpo (8dp6dt). My RE said it should be between 50-100...so I felt relieved to get a 71! Tomorrow I'm using my PMA to get a 150! So excited!

Karen we were really close - my beta was only 54.2 - and on 17dpo it jumped to 272 - slow starter but doubling quickly. I'm really happy for you - congrats!

[lou71]

Statsgoddess -- Thanks so much for your story! I appreciate the information and I am optimistic that a couple more might catch up. Your emphasis on quality is taken to heart. I know I only need ONE good one to make a perfect baby. I too make eggs in a week, hehe. Did you have a three or five day transfer? Somehow I've convinced myself that it will only work if I get a 5 day transfer, but my clinic won't go to 5 unless there are more than 4 embies.

Ashley -- Twins! Wow! Double congratulations!

Gi -- Thanks so much for the info. I'm really hoping a few more catch up. I know it's possible and I'm saying my prayers!

Bethany -- I'm so so sorry your embies didn't make it to transfer. It must be so disappointing. But you will try again, and you will get that BFP and it will all be worth it. It's such a shame the ups and downs we have to go through on this road to get there. My thoughts are with you.

Positivethinking -- It's reassuring to read the success info from the study you found. You've convinced me, I'm going forward. Thanks!

AFM-- Earlier I posted that I needed advice on whether or not to go forward with a low egg yield cycle. After reading all the helpful information everyone posted and talking to the nurse at the clinic again, I've decided to go forward. RE told the nurse to tell me that realistically he thinks the two 7mm follies could catch up. He's decided to hold off one more day on starting my Ganirelix too. So I'm doing another 450 follistim tonight (day 5 of stims) and tomorrow with 250 Ganirelix tomorrow as well. I have another SnS on Friday morning. Wish me luck!

I have another question for everyone.... I've sorta convinced myself that to be successful I need to have a 5 day transfer. Maybe that's because my fresh cycle three day transfer of two perfect 8 cell embies was a BFN. But who out there with a BFP had a three day transfer? Anyone? I'm wondering if I should push RE for a 5 day transfer if I have more than two embies since only two will be transfered. That way the embryologist can truly pick the best two. I was also thinking that since a 3 day embie can't implant yet.... couldn't it easily float down to the cervix where it's undesirable to implant or fall out with a sneeze or something...lol . You would think that with a 3 day transfer we should all hang upside down for a couple of days (eating Chinese food!) . But seriously, thoughts?

[msmac]

Lou- I had a 3 day transfer and didnt even do bedrest after my transfer. I took it easy for a couple of days but I did not just sit on the couch or in the recliner. I went shopping for goodies for my DH and everything. I didn't even eat chinese food and got a BFP!!

All you can do is say a prayer for you embabies and hope for the best.


Roshaunda

[Hope644]

I have another question for everyone.... I've sorta convinced myself that to be successful I need to have a 5 day transfer. Maybe that's because my fresh cycle three day transfer of two perfect 8 cell embies was a BFN. But who out there with a BFP had a three day transfer? Anyone? I'm wondering if I should push RE for a 5 day transfer if I have more than two embies since only two will be transfered. That way the embryologist can truly pick the best two. I was also thinking that since a 3 day embie can't implant yet.... couldn't it easily float down to the cervix where it's undesirable to implant or fall out with a sneeze or something...lol . You would think that with a 3 day transfer we should all hang upside down for a couple of days (eating Chinese food!) . But seriously, thoughts?

This cycle will be my first 5dt. My DS was born with 3dt. On my first cycle, I was so upset that I wasn't doing a 5dt and had to have a lengthy phone consult with my RE ref the whole thing. I was in tears. I had 21 eggs my 1st cycle and I was CONVINCED I would do a 5dt, and when she said 3dt, I was devistated.

She basically described to me that while there are two schools of thought on the matter, that the upside to 5dt is that it allows them to find the absolute best embies if you have several (more than 2) that are doing equally well or close. By day 5, the stand-outs really do shine and they can more easily choose those with the greatest implanting potential. The upside to 3dt - is that if they already KNOW which ones they are going to use - they are better off in your body - it's THE best incubator. It took me a while to finally accept it, but I did find it to be successful with 2 BFPs and only 1 BFN. In all of my first 3 cycles, they said they knew on day 2 which ones were the stand-outs, hands down.

The funny thing is, now that I'm about to do a 5dt, I'M NERVOUS about it!!! Wishing I could have the 3dt!! But, I have enough confidence in my RE to feel comfortable in having her make those decisions - or at least trusting that she knows what she's doing!

Hope this helps

[BlessedMama]

Hi Ladies. I don't have the energy for a personals post right now. I tried to do them last night, but the sight ate my post. Go figure.

My beta was today. It was a 1. Doc wants me to stay on PIO and estrace and do another beta on friday. "just in case" apparently, it happens, just very rare that I would get a better number on Friday. I am sad and have accepted the BFN. I will write more later, but just wanted to let you all know.

[meganlynn]

Well we had 22 eggs removed Sunday (and still feeling the effects!) and 18 were successfully fertilized. This is our first go at this but I am pretty happy with those results. I am scheduled for embryo transfer this Saturday. Still feeling uneasy about this but staying positive! What should I expect with the transfer?

Thanks and happy baby thoughts to all.

[sarita28]

Ashley: TWINS! Wow! Congratulations!

Katie & Sonya: Glad your betas are going up!

Katie: Thanks for sharing that you did the HCG supplement, too. I know it's not some funny thing he's trying just to see what's happening...it's just nice to know that someone else has gone through it as well.

Hope: Glad your ER went as well as you were expecting. Good luck Friday with your ET!

AFM: I don't feel good, so I'm going to bed soon. It's been a long day. I triggered tonight at 9pm, and ER is 7:30am Friday morning. Tomorrow I have an acupuncture appointment, but other than that I am hopefully doing absolutely nothing!

[bei]

katie - ur second beta is great congrats ,
ashley - congrats for twins wow thats a great news
anyways i already start lupron from today so i m so exited too

[sarita28]

Positivethinking: Wow. Someone who knows about BOTH of my major life stressors! I know people used to stay here and not have to go back to their home country to await their green card. That all changed after September 11, 2001, and it has affected so many families. We kept holding out that a bill would pass that would allow my husband to stay here instead of go home, but it's not going to happen any time soon, and we need to get on with our lives together. I think it'll be around $4,000 or $5,000 for lawyer's fees and immigration paperwork when it's all done, and our lawyer is cheap compared to some! Honduras is a very beautiful country. I went there last June to meet all my in-laws and attend my SIL's wedding. I can't wait to go back and see all of them this summer! And go to the beach! Hopefully I'll be a hot pregnant mama (ha!) but I'll be enjoying it the whole time. What country are you from?

On my Day 10, my biggest follies were 15, 15, 13, and 13 and my E2 was 865. Did your RE up your meds? My RE wasn't thrilled with what she saw, but we're going ahead anyway. The nurse told me that the follicles grow an average of 2mm a day, and mature is 18mm. Grow follies, grow!

[Lauren1171]

Ashley: Twins!!! awesome!!!

I just came from my 4th S&S and I now have 11 follicles over 12 mm. 2 days ago I only had 4! I am waiting for the nurse to call with instructions, but I doubt I will trigger tonight. I am thinking they will have me go back tomorrow for another S & S then maybe trigger tomorrow night. But I will have to see what RE has to say.

[Arabsrcool]

lou,
I had a 3 day transfer, had BFP and went on to have my second DD. Now the January FET was a BFN and I assume that was still considered a 3 day (even though the embies were now 5 days old by transfer date?????). I am glad you are moving ahead with this cycle. You go girl!

Ashley,Wow, Twins!!!! How exciting. Congrats, Congrats, Congrats!!! You feeling ok with that?

Sarita,
Wow you do have ALOT going on in your life right now. You are a strong woman!

Blessedmama,

I will keep you in my prayers. I hope your numbers take off and you have good news to report after next beta.

Hope,
Wow, sounds like your embabies are doing AWESOME!! I smell a BFP in your future!

Claudiamy FET sister! It is so nice to have someone cycling so close. Sounds like our transfers will maybe even be the same day. I am hoping for 2/25, as 1st DD has a pre-school pizza lunch on 2/24 (which I would have no way of being there with a 3 hour drive each way to RE). Sounds like your lining is plumping up nicely!. I go for SNS tomorrow and hope my lining is looking fine. I am feeling the effects of the estrogen, I am bloated, constipated and kinda grouchy! Also had a few really nasty headaches. Ok, done whining, it will be worth it if I get my BFP.

Bethany,
I am so sorry your embies didn't make it. Take time to grieve and then look forward. (((HUGS)))

Lisa,
Glad you got to have some R&R in Michigan. Sucks you gotta wait until March, but I am glad you are jumping right back in there. How is your DH holding up?

Ronda

[statsgoddess]

Lou - We did at 3dt since there were so few embryos to work with. They do a culture change sometime between day 3 and day 5 and there is evidence to support that culture change isn't always the best thing for the embryos. Rather than subject the embryos to another change, often clinics will want to put back on day 3 when there are fewer and get them back in their natural environment rather than risk not having any to make it to day 5. Before you make the decision to cancel, I would certainly ask what they would change about your next cycle to try for a different outcome. Our clinic's response was that they would do the same thing they did the first time, which for me, would have been an increase in meds from what I did the second cycle. From the first cycle we found out that I was such a fast responder to them, I had 13 eggs ready in a week. I also was a crazy mess from the hormones and was borderline OHSS. It was not such a good experience for me, and we didn't like the idea of going down that road again because they "thought I could do better" when the reality was that this is all an odds game and they didn't really know either. So we took a chance and it paid off. The first cycle we did a 5dt with two perfect blasts and ended up in a chemical. Point is, science isn't perfect, the clinics don't know everything, and sometimes you just have to go with what is right for you. Had they suggested something other than we repeat the first cycle again, we may have considered it longer, given that we are paying out of pocket. But they didn't, so we made a decision and went with it.

[karenthescorpio]

Hi ladies. Anyone know how to add a ticker to your signature? I've looked in every area of my account settings and can't figure out how to turn on the avatar feature so I can add a pic?

Had blood test this AM. Just waiting for "the call" now. I'm going to go out and have lunch with a girlfriend. Not going to worry about when they call.

Hope everyone has a fabulous day!!!!! xo
Karen