Egg Hunting

Stimulation Day 8

Our donor had her first ultrasound this morning! So far, everything looks great! She is responding to the stimulation meds and her labs are within normal limits. My nurse told me that she has about 12 follicles that are >12mm and a bunch more that are <12 mm. She said that this was a very good number for the first ultrasound. If I recall correctly, I had about 4 follicles with IVF #1 and 8 follicles with IVF #2 at my first ultrasounds. Work it little 23 year old girl...popowww! Of course, the final number will be split between us and another couple, but I'll be happy with whatever! Thank God for the shared-risk program!

Normally, the follicles mature around 22ish mm, and then she will receive her trigger (HCG) injection. The trigger injection is one of the most critical parts of the cycle. It induces the final maturation of the eggs, loosens the egg's attachment from the follicle wall, and allows for timing of the egg retrieval. It basically prepares her body for ovulation. However, my doctor will manually ovulate her before her body does the deed itself. She will have the retrieval exactly 36 hours after she gives herself the trigger.

Her next ultrasound is scheduled for Wednesday, and I will receive an update that afternoon! As of now, she suspects that the retrieval will occur Friday or Saturday, but we won't know for sure until Wednesday. Andy will have to drive down to Charleston on the day of the retrieval to watch porn in their lab so that he can provide a sample. I don't know why he needs porn...all he has to do is think about me. In those stirrups. In my tube socks. Haha.

Oh, the life of an infertile couple.

So my transfer could take place anywhere from next Monday 5/2 through Thursday 5/5. Which means I may have to ask for another last minute day off work, but whatever! Priorities! We will probably head down to Charleston Sunday night to just wait it out next week. Hopefully we'll get a good fertilization report so that we're not on pins and needles the entire time we are there.

Andy got me this cool piece of chocolate for Easter. If you look closely it has an awesome Faith verse:

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

I just love a good Faith verse. It is so very true and I'm trying to keep that mindset through all of this! My awesome mom also cooked Easter dinner last night. I chowed down on some homemade fried chicken, butter beans, mashed potatoes, and cheddar-garlic biscuits. For dessert we had a delish egg shaped cheesecake/mousse dessert from Jrs Cheesecake...it was fantabulous! It was just Andy, myself, and my parents. My youngest sister moved to Chicago last week, and my other sister lives about 2 hours away with her husband and child. My little brother was out of town. It was kind of depressing, but Skype came to the rescue. How can something so awesome be free??

For those who celebrate Easter, I hope that you had a wonderful day!