It's been awhile since I've blogged, so I figure I'm overdue for an update.
Our donor's genetic consult and psych consult are complete, as is our psych consult. We're now waiting for her medical screening appointment to be scheduled - the nurse guessed it'll be the first week of September. Shocking that September is so close - it sounds so far away but when I look at a calendar, it's right around the corner.
We have a few infectious diseases to get re-tested for (thanks, FDA), and I have to get my immunology bloodwork redone to see how it's looking, but otherwise are on hold.
Checks have been sent for all the donor payments, and I've had the financial consult for the IVF cycle. Due to the DQ Alpha partial match, we'll be transferring one embryo at a time. Annoyingly, that means we aren't eligible for the shared risk plan at our clinic. We meet every other criteria, but the "following doctor's recommendations, including transferring two embryos at a time". It's extra annoying, because it's in everyone's interest that I transfer one at a time.
With a partial match, 75% of 2-embryo transfers will result in at least one match, which means my immune system will flare up and reject the embryos. And in a shared risk plan, I'd get 90% of my money back if I didn't end up pregnant at the end of all the transfers.
With a single embryo transfer, only 50% of my transfers will result in a match. So I feel like I'm being punished for having this extra information, which in fact helps everyone be successful. Grr.
I'm still waiting for AF. CD 42... I think it's a reflection of the state of my ovaries, honestly. Good thing we decided to move on...
Once the donor passes her medical screening, we'll both go on the pill for a few weeks and then start stims. Depending on immunology, I may do Humira shots again in September.
My nurse's best guess is that we'll do a retrieval around mid-October. I just want to get started so I know we're on a path.
My puppy is keeping me busy. We started puppy class and took her to a puppy social today which was really fun. I'm still a little dubious about the whole puppy thing - she's so much work. I'm looking forward to being past the puppy days but wish she'd stay this size.
Sending loving thoughts to C who's dealing with a BFN from her FET.
My husband and I started trying to have a baby in 2007. We ended up doing 5 rounds of IVF with our own eggs, miscarrying twice due to chromosomal abnormalities, and then moved to donor eggs. Our son was born in 2012. After two unexplained miscarriages trying for a sibling, we found a gestational surrogate, who carried our second son (2015) and our daughter (2018).
First of all, thank you so very much for all of your love and support. You are an amazing person and I am honored to be on this crazy ride.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I am beyond excited for you to started. That does stink about the shared risk program but it sounds like they are doing the best thing for you medically. I kind of like the idea of one embryo so you do not have to worry as much about the risks of multiples. One healthy baby is a good goal to have.
Here to support you along the way. Hope you can enjoy the time before the start of meds.
sending lots of love to you now and always...
I just found your blog (when you commented on mine) and I am excited to read everything tomorrow and get caught up with your journey! I just wanted to quickly comment and say good luck with it all!
ReplyDeleteThat shared risk program rule seems totally unfair! I'm not all that familiar with it but can't they just treat you with intalipids either way? I guess I'll have to head over to dr sher's blog and do some more reading! (seems like I do that everyday...)
ReplyDeleteHaving a puppy is a lot like having a newborn, and my advice...now having done both. Really try to enjoy the puppy days--take lots of pictures and enjoy him while he is small and cute. I found the puppy time to be so stressful and then it was gone. I'm not sure we'd ever get another puppy and wish I could repeat it.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that you're getting everything ready for your DE cycle! But that sucks that you don't qualify for the shared risk program. Definitely seems like you should be some kind of exception.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the puppy! My boys are now 5 years old, and I miss their oh-so-cute puppiness. But you're right, I don't miss the work. They're SO easy now...
One step closer! Excited and hopeful for you. Hope puppy is behaving. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Dr. Crazy thought we were going to have the DQ alpha match, but we didn't. It's crazy --- all of this stuff---but information is good. =)
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying your puppy! They are the best.
I am just slightly ahead of you in the process. I will be praying for a positive outcome! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
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