Hold on Little Embryo

 My stimming process was quite a stressful time period. It went on for 18 days; I required 9 boxes of 900 iu Gonal F pens, 3 (10 pk) boxes of Menopur, and then from there the typicals (Cetrotide, Ganarelex-3, and Ovidrel). It was a difficult road getting follicles to develop. To my disappointment, I was only able to generate 6 follicles after all that medication. I have suspicions that the protocol simply wasn't appropriate for me. From what I read other protocols, such as 'estrogen priming' would have been better suited and generated more follicles. I had my egg retrieval on Tuesday (5/3/11) and much to my surprise, when I awoke I was informed that three of the follicles were empty. There was no oocyte (egg). I was astonished, disappointed... heart broken. I saw my chances of motherhood again just dwindling. The next day I received a call from the RE explaining that although the follicles were of a size that suggested the eggs were mature, while in the lab they learned 2 of the 3 were not mature and hence those did not fertilize. Now I am down to one embryo.

I hope this little guy is a fighter and that he is strong and can hang in there until egg transfer day, which is scheduled for Monday (5/9/11). Of course I hope that today and tomorrow brings no news from the RE, because 'no news is good news' - it will mean the embryo is progressing and I am still on track for a Monday morning transfer.

It has really been an emotional week. I really thought I would have a chance at 6 oocytes and perhaps 5 or 6 embryos, given the 6 follicles. I had no idea 3 follicles would be empty and two of the three remaining would be immature. As much as I don't want to face reality, it seems I have to come to terms with the likelihood of a 2nd IVF cycle. These cycles are so difficult to go through emotionally, financially, and to some regard physically (numerous daily injections).

I'm pulling for you little embie... this would be the most wonderful Mother's Day gift!

xoxox