Update from Monitoring Appointments

    We just wanted to take a moment and update those of you who are praying so fervently for us during our IVF treatment. On Friday morning I had my first monitoring appointment since beginning my medications. As usual they did blood work and an ultrasound. On my ultrasound, they found that I was already responding extremely well to the meds. I had 15 follicles (potential eggs) on my right ovary, and 17 on my left. As the nurse so lovingly put it, I am a "follicle factory!" This has it's positives as well as it's negatives.
    On my last IVF treatment, by the egg retrieval, I had over 60 follicles. My doctor believes this is one of the reasons we did not have a successful ivf treatment. The eggs were not able to grow to their full potential because then I ran the risk of hyper stimulating. However, with having a large amount, this also means more eggs to retrieve and fertilize which is a great plus. So, one thing you can pray for is that my response to the meds slow down, and that the follicles I have now are able to grow.
   They also decided to see me again today, so I went for another monitoring appointment. I had my blood drawn and another ultrasound. The doctors don't begin to measure the follicles until they reach 10mm. Today they began to measure them and found that I had over 14 follicles that were over 10mm, so that means I'm starting to get close to retrieval. They will retrieve my eggs after they reach over the 15mm mark. By their estimates, my retrieval should be by Saturday!
    My blood work showed that my estrogen levels haven't changed much since they lowered my meds, and they are a little high, so once again today they altered my dosage and they want to see me again tomorrow. So, in the meantime, here's a list of what you can be praying for:

1. We continue to glorify God, and others come to know Him through this process.
2. My levels come down, and my response to the meds continue to slow down a bit.
3. Comfort. I am very uncomfortable with my ovaries growing so rapidly. Also the daily blood work on my arms, and injections on my abdomen are becoming painful. I know this is just something you take on with this process, but any relief I could get would help!


I will do my best to keep everyone updated to the best of my ability. Thank you for your prayers, concern, and encouragement. Although I feel extremely vulnerable opening up and letting everyone in this time with our treatment, a word of encouragement here and there, or simply letting us know you are praying for us goes a long way, and helps bring us the peace we need to get through the day-to-day. Our hearts are very grateful for you all!