Just a few updates and items to update our readers:
- Our updated calendar . . . I tried my best to list each drug / hormone I have to take daily.
- A gadget they've been using for my ultrasound. Needless to say, it has made for an interesting week:
- On Friday, we received my instructions from PRC regarding my schedule this week. My blood test showed 1196 for my E2 levels (more than double that of Wednesday's appointment levels) and my endometrium lining at 13 mm. The doctor also measured 3 mature (over 16mm) follicles in my left ovary and 1 in my right (it was 21 mm!). Today (Sunday) I will be taking the hCG injection (more on that in the next bullet). John will be having his Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) procedure on Monday afternoon. [Please say prayers that it goes smoothly and successfully for him on that day.] On Tuesday morning, I will be checking in to PRC for the Egg Retrieval day. With a 48-72 hour period that they will need before the Embryo Transfer, we are anticipating the Transfer day to be either this upcoming Friday or Saturday. Here are the instructions:
- We had quite the panic Friday night going into this Saturday morning. Since the hCG injection day was coming and was back into discussion at PRC, I started doing a mental inventory of all our pills and medications received and I just knew that the hCG was not included in the meds we received. The hCG trigger injection is one of the most critical parts of the IVF medical protocol. After the eggs / follicles have been stimulated to grow and develop (with the help of FSH like Gonal F and Menopur), the hCG trigger is the final medication given before egg retrieval. The hCG injection triggers the maturation of the eggs and prepares them for retrieval. Timing of this shot if vital. If it's given too early, the eggs will not have matured enough. If given too late, the eggs may be "too old" and won't fertilize properly. The ultrasounds and blood tests I had all this past week are meant to time this trigger shot just right. Usually, the hCG injection is given when four or more follicles have grown to be 18-20 mm in size and my estradiol levels are greater than 2000 ph/ML. (With my E2 levels at 1196 as of yesterday and with it doubling every two days, it would be safe to assume that I will be past 2000 ph/ML by Sunday night). Anyway, we had to do a series of phone calls to PRC, directly to Dr. Salem, and finally, to Peninsula Pharmacy, a pharmacy in San Pedro that PRC had to call and order an emergency vial set of HCG from. Both John and I breathed collective sighs of relief when we drove the 1 hour to San Pedro Saturday afternoon to pick up the hCG. I am scheduled to get this shot tonight, Sunday night, at exactly 9:30 p.m. This allows for perfect timing for the retrieval of the eggs early Tuesday.
- Finally, on a very sweet note, this was spotted on John's nightstand last night. I've known for a while he's had this (I was with him when he purchased it) but actually noticing again tonight brought a smile to my face and some optimism to my spirit:
I am anticipating a video post of the hCG shot tonight. Until then, thank you for your continued reading, support, and prayers.
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