Try 5 Update

Try 5 proved a failure so we're starting the IVF cycle for the drug trial with blood tests on D's days 2 and 3 (day 2 is tomorrow). We're also required to attend a seminar on IVF. Even though we're obviously disappointed that we've had five failed attempts, we're still optimistic. And at least D will be more closely monitored during the trial than she was in previous IUI attempts.

Pregnant Guinea Pig

We've been approved for the drug trial that I mentioned in an earlier post, and that will afford us one free cycle of IVF, which normally costs between 10,000 and 12,000 dollars at CRM. The chances of conceiving are much greater with IVF than with IUI, so we're thrilled that we're candidates and we don't mind being guinea pigs as long as we end up pregnant guinea pigs -- well, one of us anyway. We're still waiting for confirmation, though, on try # 5 and should know by Wednesday. If try # 5 doesn't work, we'll start the testing for IVF; however, we were told that it's not likely that we'll actually complete the IVF cycle until January since it's much more involved than IUI. We decided one free and successful IVF cycle is the best Christmas present we could ever hope for. So, we have a short list this year -- just one item there -- a family.

Brokedom

As you might have guessed, we're waiting to find out if try # 5 worked. We have about a week left. This time Dr. J added a cycle of Gonal-F to our drug regimen -- so now D took the Letrozole from day 3 to 7 and Gonal-F injections from day 5 to 8. We went in on D's day 8 for an ovary check, and one follicle was already 20 mm. so we were directed to take the Ovidrel that night and come in 36 hours later for the insemination, which we did. Apparently, the Gonal-F improves the quality of D's eggs, so we're hoping that this will be our last cycle. Fingers crossed! For those of you planning to go through this process yourselves, 'just a heads up about Gonal-F -- it's really expensive! It was about $260 for the pre-filled syringe and of course the expensive fertility drugs aren't covered by most insurance carriers (the Letrozole is covered so that costs us a copay of $40; the Ovidrel is not covered, but that costs only $50). As we plummet into brokedom, we're praying that this is our last cycle. More later...

No News is Good News

There's no news yet on try number four. We should know either today or tomorrow. I think both D and I are afraid to get excited or to jinx anything because we've both deliberately not mentioned the fact that right around now is the time that we should be testing. We had a consultation with Dr. Jaffe to reassess our situation given the past few unsuccessful attempts. I had anticipated that Dr. J would remind us that the chances for success drop significantly after three failed attempts, but she actually encouraged us to keep trying IUI with a slight change in our drug regimen (she suggested that we try four more times before considering more extreme -- more expensive -- measures). Most hetero couples try for six to twelve months on their own before seeking treatment at fertility clinics, so Dr. J reasoned that the available stats wouldn't be accurate for us, given that we hadn't had the months of trials before beginning treatmentm. She suggested adding Gonal-F injections into the mix. She also tested D's hormone levels to determine whether something else might need to be adjusted in our treatment plan. The results showed that D had slightly elevated DHEAS levels (androgens that have something to do with insulin resistance), which can, apparently be corrected with a perscription. This could have a slight effect on egg quality and lessen our chances for pregnancy. However, when the doctors were looking over D's chart, they realized that she might be a good candidate for a certain drug trial that the Center is particapating in. Our participation would afford us one free cycle of IVF, which is not covered by our health insurance carrier and normally costs about the price of a car. Participation requires that D not take any drugs besides the one that's the focus of the trial, so the doctors chose not to correct the slight hormonal imblance that they uncovered. The ovary stimulation drug involved in the trial has already been approved in Europe and has been in use for quite some time. We're going to discuss this option further should try number four prove a failure. Keep your fingers crossed, rub your Budha's belly, and I'll be back to post in a couple days.

Fast Charmer

Try number 3 failed, so we've kicked Eagle Scout Drummer boy to the curb. Perhaps the Eagle Scout was too squeaky clean for us? Anyway, we've chosen a new donor called "Fast Charmer," and we're hoping he charms D's egg and gets us pregnant. Try number 4 will be Friday. Everyone think good thoughts.

Three Times the Charm

I apologize for being lax with updating this blog. Baby making has become a long and arduous process. So, the incredible Hulk of follicles was a bust, and we're onto number three. On Sunday, the ultrasound revealed one follicle at 16 mm and another at 13 mm. After reviewing D's E2 levels and the ultrasound results, the doctor instructed us to wait until Tuesday to trigger. We were a little concerned about the timing since we've missed our window several times and follicles can grow anywhere between 1 and 3 mm per day (you'll recall that 18 mm is optimal), so we asked for a second opinion. Another doctor reviewed D's chart and instructed us to trigger one day sooner and to listen to D's insight into her body. So, now, we're triggering tonight (Monday) and inseminating Wednesday. Let's hope this is the one. Dr. Jaffe's nurse told us that we'll need to schedule a consultation prior to continuing treatment if this IUI doesn't work given that the chances of pregnancy decrease significantly after three well-timed IUI's. I'm not convinced that we've had any WELL TIMED IUI's and neither is D, so we'll probably continue for a few more cycles before considering alternate treatments. So, that's the news. Wednesday's the day. We're hoping for lots of baby dust and good luck!

The Incredible Hulk of Follicles!

We went for D's second ovary check today (cycle day 11). Surprise, everyone, her ovaries are still there! Actually, we got some good news (I think?). Two follicles were found in D's right ovary -- one was 27 mm (which is "too large," according to the technician), and the other was 14 mm. The gargantuan 27 mm follicle made the nurse think that D might have already ovulated (which would mean that we missed our window). She drew blood to test for E2 and progesterone. The results came in this afternoon. D's progesterone level suggests that she hasn't yet ovulated but that she's very close (1.2). Given the blood work results and the extra large follicle, the doctor recommended that we give her the trigger shot tonight and do an insemination tomorrow. So, tomorrow is try number two with the Incredible Hulk of follicles. Baby dust come our way!