Another Shot Added

August 30, 2004

Last night a third shot was added to my treatment. It's called, Antagon, and it's to prevent my ovaries from releasing the eggs so that they can be harvested. The needle was so dull that it didn't slide into my skin. It stopped on the surface and I watched my skin depress before the end of the needle popped through the skin. Still, it wasn't horrible. I discovered that if I put an ice pack on the injections sites for a short time after, it minimizes the bruising.

My doctor said that my hormone levels are too high and my body is not going to produce more than three follicles. Normally they would stop treatment and try next cycle. Because my insurance only covers one cycle and because Robert and I have already lived apart for two months so that I could complete my treatment before joining him...I must go forward regardless. If all three follicles produce eggs I can have IVF. If my follicles do not produce three eggs, then I must get IUI. Naturally we are hoping for three eggs because with IVF I have a 40% chance of pregnancy and with IUI, I only have a 5% chance. More blood and another sono tomorrow.

Three Follicles Later....

August 27, 2004

Today I had more lab tests and another sono. The sono revealed that I had 3 follicles forming. My doctor didn't seem enthused because with IVF they like to see a bigger response to medication. I'm still very optimistic. I see it as two more follicles than I would have without medication. I see it as three more than zero. And...you only need ONE healthy egg to make a baby, so I think my odds are pretty good.

Another Bruise

August 26, 2004

...and another.

First Bruise

August 22, 2004

 I just got my first bruise.

Stimulation Phase Begin

August 20, 2004

The stimulation phase begins. I must self-inject 600 i.u. of Follistim in my abdomen every night. This is to stimulate egg production.  It doesn't go up to 600 so I have to give myself 2 shots.