Transfer Today!

Well, things don't always go as planned. On day 3 (Saturday) we were told we had several great embryos. They were growing exactly as they should be for a "Day 3 embryo"  

This morning, Lance and I were expecting and discussing that we would  transfer one perfect embryo, then freeze the rest for future use. 

Instead, when we arrived, the doctor told us that all of our embryos except two stopped growing. We were left with 2 less than perfect embryos and none to freeze. These two embryos are considered Day 4 embryos which is not ideal to transfer. They are classified this way because they are growing at a slower rate. They advised us to transfer both to increase our odds because the odds decrease with this quality of embryo. The normal odds with a Day 5 embryo are close to a 50% success rate. With these embryos, the success rate is closer to 25%. This is why we were advised to transfer both. Normally, we would not want to transfer two since this is a higher risk of twins. We have been highly educated on the dangers for both mom and baby with a twin pregnancy. Although most people think a twin pregnancy is normal and easy, we know differently and the last thing we want  after going through all of this is a difficult or dangerous pregnancy. That being said, God knows what he is doing and we trust his plan. You may wonder how I'm feeling... I'm actually feeling good. I feel relieved that we have finally completed this difficult process and my faith lies in God. Regardless of the outcome, I am still going to praise him for all he's done in our life. We are so blessed. Two isn't many, but it's just enough. :)

Thank you all for the prayers! Keep them coming, our pregnancy test is set for April 8th! I'll post again to keep you guys updated. 

I have included a picture of our two embryos (I think they're super cool looking) as well as pics of me and Lance preparing for the procedure! 

Transfer Day

So long as everything stays the same with my health and the embryos health, we will be transferring at 12:15 Monday! I will post again tomorrow (Monday) night to let you all know how it went and how many we decided to transfer. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. They are SO APPRECIATED and you guys are the BEST!

Pray without ceasing tomorrow!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Embryo Update

Hi Everyone, 

 The embryologist called today to tell us great news! We have 4 excellent embryos, 2 good, 2 average and 4 poor. These are fantastic numbers and we are so thankful. My transfer is scheduled for Monday at 12:15 but that is tentative because  I am still sick. I have been severely sick since Tuesday with little relief. I plan on calling the doctor tomorrow and getting her advice on whether or not we should do the transfer on Monday or freeze them until next month when I can be totally recovered. 

Pray diligently that I feel a ton better tomorrow and pray diligently that God gives my doctor wisdom on what is best for me and for our embryos. We want to do whatever is best! 

Thank you all so much for your prayers. I will update tomorrow when I know a definitive answer on the transfer.

Love you guys! 

Embryologist Update

The embryologist called and told us that out of the 40 eggs retrieved, 18 were mature and 12 fertilized. He's going to call us again on Saturday to let us know how many we will have to transfer and/or freeze.  Some of them may not make it to transfer day, which may be Monday.  This process happens naturally on its own. So we leave this in the hands of our Lord. We are so happy  and we are so thankful God had his hand on this process. And we know his will is perfect. 

All of that being said, I am in a lot of pain. My doctor told me my pain would get worse before it gets better and boy she wasn't kidding. I have been so miserable all day. I'm praying I will start feeling better tomorrow. Please please pray for me because my spirit is weak from all of this. If we get to transfer on Monday I want to be able to enjoy the experience instead of being in pain. I pray God touches me and shows mercy on my body. Thank you all so much for the prayers thus far. Keep um coming! 

I'll update again on Saturday!

Retrieval

Hi Friends, 

Today was retrieval day and everything went great. They retrieved 40 eggs! FORTY!!! I'm an over achiever..I know!

We won't know how many were viable or how many will fertilize until tomorrow. The embryologist will call us tomorrow afternoon with the information. 

Now... Everything has gone so well, there's bound to be a hiccup right? 

Well, the hiccup is this....

Because I had so many eggs, and my estrogen level got so high, my ovaries began to hyper stimulate. This is when the ovaries swell too much, and it causes pain, swelling, and many other side effects if it goes from mild to moderate or severe. I'm taking a new injection to help lower my estrogen level, so hopefully it begins to work. The doctor said over the next 4 days I will probably feel worse and worse before I begin to feel better. 

All of that said, that means that if I continue to hyper stimulate, the doctor will not transfer my embryos right now. She will freeze them, and we will transfer them next month. I am at peace with either direction we take. I know that God knows what he is doing, and his timing is perfect. I know he is directing this entire process so I will trust in him. 

For now, pray specifically for me and the hyper stimulation. Pray it remains mild and does not cause significant discomfort or pain. Pray that our embryos fertilize properly so we have healthy embryos to transfer when we are able. 

And keep praying for God's will to reign over our own. 

I have included a lovely picture Lance took of me in recovery for your viewing pleasure haha!! 

Exciting Update!

My follicles are ready and I have quite a few they believe will produce mature eggs at retrieval. My doctor has set my retrieval for Wednesday at 10:15am! We are SO EXCITED!! I will inject ovidrel at 10:15pm tonight and this will "trigger" the follicles to ovulate. Exactly 36 hours later (10:15am, Wednesday) the retrieval will happen. At that time, I will be given general anesthesia and the process of extracting the eggs will take place.

The eggs will then be given to the embryologist who will babysit my precious embryos for 3-5 days. On the 3rd or 5th day, 1, 2, or 3 of the best embryos will be transferred back into my uterus and we will pray pray pray for a keeper! The number of embryos we transfer back will greatly depend on the quality of the embryos. Obviously, the better quality, the less we transfer back. Any remaining unused embryos will be frozen for future use. 

We are so excited, and anxious about these next few days. So many factors play a part in how all of this turns out, but I know the greatest factor is my faith! I am remaining faithful and positive that God's will is best, and that he knows what he is doing. I am leaving it in his hands! 

Please pray for a safe procedure on Wednesday and for our beautiful embryos to make it safely to transfer day. Thank you all for your love and support! 

Progress Update!

Hi friends!

 Today I had an appointment that confirmed everything was on track and going as planned. My body is responding to the medication exactly how it should be. I have a total of 42 follicles growing. 15 of which are above 10mm. I need at least three to reach 17mm before the retrieval can take place. We are anticipating next Wednesday or so for the retrieval. The follicles are similar to cysts, so you can imagine the discomfort I'm feeling. My belly is very bloated and I'm experiencing quite a bit of discomfort if I move around too much. 

The shots continue to be pretty painful. 

My stomach is bruised up pretty badly from the injections, but I keep reminding myself of the end result and the reason we are doing this. I keep holding onto the faith that this short sacrifice will produce the life changing desire of our hearts. 

Please keep praying for us, and holding on to the faith! I have another appointment Monday morning. I'll post again and hopefully by then, we will have a firm date for the retrieval. 

Here's some pics of my tummy. :(

Walking on Water

^{Matthew 14 22-33}

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

 

James 1:2-4

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

The message that was given at chapel (at work) this morning spoke directly to my heart. The message was about trials and troubles. I have struggled this past week with many things. Pain, doubt, faith….everything. Once the injections began, and the pain began, my spirit weakened. Doubt settled in and I began to wonder what I was doing to myself. I am human, more human than I prefer to admit. I fall short daily despite my best efforts.

I have learned these past 4 years that trials are important to our walk with the Lord. Trials and troubles are allowed in our life to deepen our relationship with the Lord. Our Lord suffered the ultimate trial on our behalf and now at times, we must suffer alongside him. What deeper knowledge do we receive of our God’s greatness and glory than when we have walked with him hand in hand during our troubles? He is there for us when we need him most if we will just call out to him and trust him. What a miraculous peace we can have if we begin viewing our trails in this manner. The physical pain, the heartache, the mental anguish we have experienced during these past 4 years is innumerable compared to the suffering our Lord has already experienced on my behalf. I realize now that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I can stand up and declare that my suffering will not and has not gone in vain. My suffering is glorious because my God has counted me important enough to want to experience this extremely intimate and special walk with me. He growing my heart and teaching me things through this I never realized before. I am so grateful for this experience because so few will ever get to experience this type of trust, faith and dependence on the Lord in this manner. You might wonder why treatments were the route God led us down as opposed to just waiting out a natural pregnancy. I do not have any doubt that treatments were the right route for us. I know for certainty that God knows my heart. He knows my spirit. He understands how I best learn what he is trying to teach me, and he knew that through these physical processes, I would grow closer to him. He knew what my spirit needed in order to fully submit to his will and plan.

I cannot tell you how many times in the past I have doubted, cried, begged, screamed, given up and felt hopeless. I am done doubting. I am ready to put forth 100% of my faith in God. I am declaring here and today that we WILL be parents from this experience. Like Peter, I have asked to step out of the boat. Like Peter, in the beginning my feet faltered because of my fear and uncertainty. And like Peter, Jesus picked me up and proved to me that I do not need to doubt him. He will provide the desires of your heart, if you only ask and seek and trust in him. I am asking Lord and I am seeking. This is the time, and I have prepared for this. I have asked to step out onto the water, and I am trusting you to allow me to walk.

 

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my savior

 

Keep praying...

 

Meds and More Meds

Hello!

Well, I have been taking my meds for a few days now. There are three different ones currently. All of which are injected into the stomach. Lupron, Follistim and Menopur. The Lupron is used to keep the ovaries from ovulating on their own while the Follistim and Menopur are used to stimulate the ovaries to grow as many follicles as possible. My doctor said everyone is different but it could be anywhere from 10 follicles to 40. THAT'S ALOT of follicles in my abdomen...just sayin. 

I started Lupron last Thursday and I must say...that is a painful shot to take. It burns  quite a bit when injected. It's also keeping me pretty tired. It's the only side effect I've experienced thus far. I started the stimulating meds yesterday and already I can feel my left side having a bit of pain. My left ovary always causes me problems because it's usually pinned to my pelvic wall due to the endometriosis. I'm praying the pain stays minimal, but I can't help but feel a little nervous. Please pray for my pain and my peace of mind. 

I have a doctor appointment Tuesday for bloodwork that will test my estrogen level, and again on Thursday to test the estrogen as well as a sonogram to take a look at the growing follicles. After that, the appointments may become daily depending on the follicle growth. 

If everything goes as planned we will be having our eggs retrieved between March 25th and 28th. That's right around the corner! Plus, the 27th is our anniversary.😊

Please keep praying for us. 

We are so thankful and blessed to have such amazing friends and family. Thank you so much for your love, prayers and support. We are also so thankful for our Lord's mercy and grace. Lord, please touch us and keep your hand upon us. To all things we give you praise.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Baseline Sonogram Appointment

Hi Everyone!

I had my baseline sonogram and blood work  today. Just as a reminder this was to make sure the ovaries were quiet and without cysts, and the uterus lining was the proper thinness. The blood work measured my estrogen level to make sure it's where it should be.... And guess what?? Everything came back perfect! I'm so relieved to be past this first hurdle... now on to the next!

Yesterday was my last birth control pill and Thursday we will begin taking one of my many medications. Saturday we will introduce two more. I won't go into all of the details about each med, just know that these three meds will be used the next 10-14 days to stimulate my ovaries to grow multiple follicles (eggs)

Starting next Tuesday I will be monitored every other day (or more) via sonogram and blood work to make sure the ovaries are stimulating but not over stimulating. Over stimulation can cause big issues, so let's pray to keep that under control. I have already been warned that one of the side effects is pain. Considering the ovaries will be growing multiple follicles, it's similar to having multiple large cysts... Which I'm sure a lot of you know can be painful. I've been a bit nervous about this, but I'm trying to stay positive and faithful!

I have great faith that this process is going to go as planned. I have faith that God did not bring us this far to leave us. He is with us now and will continue to be with us throughout. Please keep praying for us. For now, pray specially that the process stays on track and that my side effects stay minimul. I have shared a picture below of my meds. There's a lot going on in this picture lol 

I have also shared some verses that are near to my heart this week. 

Keep praying!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 

Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

James 1:3 

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.

Hebrews 11:11 

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Psalms 84:11

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.

1 Samuel 1:27

We Won't Be Shaken!

This is our theme song right now.

http://youtu.be/9BJhOgb-unI

Building 429

I saw these guys in concert last night and my heart was filled. 

Praise you Lord for your word and for your presence!

WE WON'T BE SHAKEN!!

Keep praying! Let's band together and NOT BE MOVED!!!

Pre-Start Visit

Hi friends!

Today was our pre-start visit with our doctor. The visit consisted of an overview and instructions on the medications, how to administer them, consent forms, financial information, as well as a uterine evaluation and hysterscopy. Our medications were ordered and should arrive within a few days.

The hysterscopy and uterine evaluation were to make sure the uterus was in good/healthy condition. Thank the good Lord, all is well with mine and we are set to go. 

The amount of medication and the complexity of the administration of it is quite overwhelming, but, they gave us lots of great notes and a nifty calendar to help keep track of it all. I have included a pic of the calendar as well as a lovely pic of us waiting in the room for my hysterscopy. I also included a pic of the super cool camera they used to look inside my uterus. I was actually able to see my entire uterus as well as the openings to both of my Fallopian tubes. Pretty cool! 

My next visit is Tuesday the 10th. We will have my baseline sonogram done and a blood test to measure my estrogen level. The sono and blood work are to make sure all is quiet with my body, and if so, we will begin taking our medications two days later! 

I'll then be monitored about every other day until the eggs are "ready" to be retrieved. After retrieval, they'll be released back into my uterus and we will pray for a keeper!! 

Until then, please keep praying that everything stays on track, and the Lord keeps us safe and healthy throughout. Any little hiccup can cause back ups, and back ups mean extra money, time, and effort. So pray pray pray for us during this time! 

I'll post again on Tuesday!! See YA soon!