Today was a bit different. I actually had my songram done by my doctor. She told me I didn't have 6 eggs but that I had 6 in each ovary approximately. Better news. She said things were going along just as she hoped. She confirmed that my retrieval most likely would be Thusrday. I thought that as extremely ironic. Thanksgiving = future childre. That is a lot to be thankful for!

I also received my estrogen levels and instructions:
My estrogen level this morning was 1366 which is good according to the nurse.
Saturday night I am to take 300 IU of Gonal F. On Sunday evening, I am to take one shot of Antagon. On Sunday evening, I am to again take 300 IU of Gonal F. On Monday, I am to wake up, take Antagon and then go in for a sonogram, and blood test.

Here are the future kiddies!

Not much to report yet.....

Yesterday morning, which was CD 8 (one week since my period started), I took my first shot of Antagon. Antagon suppresses your body from ovulating. It basically keeps the eggs cooking. Last night at about 10 PM, I took 375 IU of Gonal F. The Anatgon is easy to take. It is in a pre-filled (glass) syringe so I don't have to measure anything. The only thing I was told to do by the nurse is pull the plunger back a bit to break the seal. I shot up just as I did with the Gonal F. Both are subcutaneous.

Not much to report other than I still feel bloaty. I certainly am not eating as much as normal. I feel full all the time and once I start eating, I feel even more full and bloaty.

I am heading to bed as I am out of the house by 630 AM so I can be at NYU tomorrow at 7 when they open. I want to go in and get out quick. I have a sonogram and blood test scheduled. Hopefully, my follicles have grown. Maybe I even have some new ones growing.

The sample 'No Lupron EF Cycle' calendar Jennifer from NYU gave me shows that I might have my retrieval Thursday. Thursday is Thanksgiving. Happy Tday to me.

CD 7 Sonogram Pictures

If anyone knows how to read these, let me know.

Some good articles...

In my research, I came across some pretty good articles that I will list occasionally.

Basic article with scientific information about FSH, LH levels.
http://www.gfmer.ch/Books/Reproductive_health/Monitoring_IVF.html

A one hour radio show about egg freezing and the recent advancements.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/creatingafamily/2008/04/30/Human-Egg-Freezing-

Here is an article (which I consider quite negative) that examines some of the considerations that should be made before proceeding with egg freezing.
http://100infertilityquestions.blogspot.com/2008/01/egg-freezing.html

Excellent information about recent breakthrough; Egg Selection and freezing process combined increase success rates.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m4PRN/is_2008_Oct_24/ai_n30934531

Article about the Hope Registry. The Registry is enrolling women of reproductive age over a three year period. These women will have their oocytes frozen, thawed and the resulting fertilized embryos transferred. My doctor mentioned this to me as a way to defer the costs of egg freezing. However, my purpose in doing the freeze was to have the eggs for later use.
http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-technology-1/EMD-Serono-Launches-Landmark-Patient-Registry-for-Egg-Freezing-9001-3/

Keep cooking....

Thursday was a huge day. I got to NYU at 7 AM. I was taken in for my blood test within minutes and then had my sonogram.

This time, the sonogram felt very uncomfortable. It was like I had a full bladder, which I didn't, and there was enormous pressure from the sonogram 'thingie' when the doctor was searching for the follicles. The doctor took, what seemed like forever, to search around for the follicles. She then told me that she found some follicles. I believe she said she found about 6 or 7 follicles (how could they not know the exact amount)? I asked how large they were and she said they were all around 9 mm. I could be wrong about that though. I was just happy they found something and the stimming was working. I asked if it was normal to only find 6 or 7 at this point and she said it was average. I thought the number was low and the doctors probably say 'average' not to upset you.

The doctor did say that I could make more eggs if I stimmed more (which she said I probably would do another round or two of Gonal F at 450 IU). She also added that I could also do another stim and retrieval process. That made me feel uneasy because it was tough for me to borrow the fee for this process as it was. I certainly could not do another. Literally, all my eggs were riding on this one procedure. If I even got a couple of eggs from this process, I would feel more
comfortable then never having done it.

I did ask for sonogram pictures of the follicles before the doctor even started looking. Yes, she did look at me a bit funny. I asked if anyone else ever ask for pictures and she said, yes, 'a few'. I have this nagging feeling I might be the only one though the way she said it.

The doctor mentioned that since they had not hit the optimum size, I would need to stim a bit more as well as start Antagon in a day or two to ensure I do not ovulate. I was done by about 7:20.

I headed out to Metro Drugs downtown and picked up my refills on Gonal F. At about 2, I got a call from the nurse at NYU informing me of the results of my blood test from the morning and instructions for the next several days. I asked the nurse if she felt 6 or 7 follicles were about average and she indicated that my chart showed 9 follicles. I think I wasn't listening carefully to the doctor. I would love to know what was really found. I guess I have to wait until Saturday.

The sonogram picture is interesting. I definitely see what appears to be 6 follicles on 3 pictures. I cannot tell if it is 6 in total for one ovary or 6 in one ovary and some more in another. When I figure out how to post pictures here, maybe someone can help me read it. I will ask for help reading a sonogram on Saturday as well. best to be an informed patient!

My results and instructions were as follows:

E2 / Estrogen is now 541! Yeah me!!
LH is 1.4. The nurse said that was good. I have to look that up myself and see how 'good' it really is.

On Thursday night (tonight), I am to take 375 IU of Gonal F. I just did that so I am all set for tonight.
On Friday morning, I am to start the Antagon. It is a pre-filled syringe so all I have to do is open it and shoot up. The nurse did mention there is some air in the needle and explained how to get that out.
On Friday evening, I am to shoot up 375 IU of Gonal F.
On Saturday morning, I am supposed to shoot up a vile of Antagon and go into to NYU for more blood work and a new sonogram.

I am all set now to research the LH level and estrogen level and then head to bed. I still feel very bloated and I assume I am going to feel more 'bloaty' as I stim more. I am also not that hungry because I feel stuffed all the time. Today, I only had an egg on a roll right after the NYU visit and I just had a bowl of cereal. That's it. It was more than enough. I am also going to start drinking a lot more water. Maybe that will help with the bloaty feeling. It could also make it worse but whatever (as I always say).

Another 450 IU of Gonal F.

I took another shot of 450 IU of Gonal F Wednesday night. I have finally decided that the bloaty/ full feeling cannot be the burrito, knish with kraut, cream soda that I ate yesterday since I still feel bloaty 24 hours after eating all that crap. It HAS to be be because of the medication. I feel bloaty and some abdominal pressure. Almost like a full bladder but not like I have to use the bathroom. I almost want to say that it feels like I would be about 3 moths pregnant but since I have never been pregnant, I don't know what that feels like.

Anyway, other than the bloaty feel, I fell fine. No headaches. No cravings. I think the knish, burrito, kraut and cream soda was part of where I was at a certain time and not being able to not eat them because I was there....if that makes sense. I was right in front of Katz's so I couldn't not have a knish with kraut. What goes with with Katz's food? Dr. Brown's Diet Cream! I couldn't not have that leftover burrito from the night before otherwise I would have to toss it. No reason to waste food. Now, I feel like having a cream soda. OK, maybe I cravings.

Tomorrow is a HUGE day. It is the first day I get sonogram results after the start of stimming. This is HUGE! I will find out if the meds are working. I will find out if the follicles are growing. I will know if I can keep going forward. I feel very positive and hope that I get some good news tomorrow. Considering my E2 levels Tuesday were 185, I hope those numbers double or triple by tomorrow.

What's also quite odd is that I feel very, very protective of my tummy area. I am very, very careful doing things. I don't want anything to go wrong and I don't want to 'hurt' my growing eggs. I cannot fathom that that will happen but I am just being super careful.

It's also odd to know that half of your future children are growing in you and you haven't even met the possible dad/ husband yet. I really am amazed by that. Some guy better thank me one day. If he is really a lazy guy, he literally doesn't even have to have sex with me to have a kid with me. OK, that is way TMI but whatever.

Eeesh.....

I just read my post from last night about putting my eggs to sleep. I meant that they should be put in a bed and go get some rest. The other meaning would be gruesome and defeat the purpose of all this work I am doing.

I am going to shoot up tonight a bit earlier than usual as I want to get into NYU at 7. Since I will be coming from Brooklyn again, I have to leave and drive in by 615 AM :( I will need my sleep.

Antagon.

I have to rewrite since the original never posted. The joys of blogging. I called to confirm that I will need to bring my Antagon in to the center tomorrow. I don't know why they want me to but I will. I also have to refill my Gonal F prescription. I had the scrip transferred to the downtown Metro Drugs so I won't have to go all the way uptown again. Metro Drugs is awesome in that they have everything you need and do not have to order it. The pharmacist in the uptown location was super nice as well.

I wonder how people without insurance pay for all these drugs. The Gonal 5 450 IU is $950 a box. My insurance co-pay for 5 boxes of Gonal F 450 IU is $25. Instead of paying $950 x 10, I will be paying $50. Amazing. I have such a love/hate relationship with my insurance carrier. Usually, I want to strangle every person who works at Oxford. Today, I could kiss them all (maybe not on the lips, well, maybe if there is a cute guy that is cute).

Another 450...

....one to go. Nothing much to say. I shot up at about 11 and tried to sleep but couldn't. Kind of anxious but feel fine. No headaches like I had the first time I shot up 450. I should probably put the eggs to sleep.

Maybe this will help me feel better...

...I found this and someone on Craigs List also sent this to me.....


Estradiol (E2) Day 3 25-75 pg/ml Levels on the lower end tend to be better for stimulating. Abnormally high levels on day 3 may indicate existence of a functional cyst or diminished ovarian reserve.

Estradiol (E2) Day 4-5 of meds 100+ pg/ml or 2x Day 3 There are no charts showing E2 levels during stimulation since there is a wide variation depending on how many follicles are being produced and their size. Most doctors will consider any increase in E2 a positive sign, but others use a formula of either 100 pg/ml after 4 days of stims, or a doubling in E2 from the level taken on cycle day 3.

My Day 2/3 Estradiol Level with no meds was 41 in June. My 'number' this morning, if it is estradiol, was 185 and it is on meds. Therefore, that would be good.

What I learned today: 1) I will have to ask much more questions of the nurse next time. 2) I will always carry a pen and paper and my questions with me at all times when I am expecting the nurse to call.

185?

I was at the Center at 715 AM and had only a blood test. What a let down! I was hoping to see the beginnings of my future clan! I was out of there in 15 minutes feeling kind of empty.

At 2 PM, I received a call from the nurse with my instructions for the next 2 days. Tuesday PM, take 450 IU of Gonal F. Wednesday PM, take 450 IU of the Gonal F. On Thursday morning, I am to report back to the Center for a blood test and sonogram. I also was told to take medication with me to the Center. I think she said to take the Gonadatropin. But, now I realize the Gonadatropin (I call it Gonal F) will be all gone by that morning. Why am I taking it with me anyway? I have to call tomorrow to confirm what I am doing. I was online at Katz's Deli when the nurse called and was all a flutter in knishes, fries, corned beef, kraut, cream soda and hot dogs. No, it wasn't all for me and yes, I do have heartburn now.

I did ask one question that was sort of silly...I asked if my numbers in the morning blood test were good. OK, maybe it isn't a silly question but WTF do I know what is good or not? What numbers was I talking about? The nurse said, yes, they were good. 185. 185? What's that? I said, oh, ok. I will see you Thursday and hung up. WTF?

OK, so I get home and try and google 185, fertility, gonal f, etc. I don't find a thing. I am guessing it has something to do with estradiol but I am not sure. I went on craigs list and posted a question in trying to conceive. no response back yet. I am rechecking there constantly. I wish someone would answer.

OK, time to shoot up.

Waiting...

....not much to report. I was at the Center at 715AM and only needed a blood test. My FSH levels from my test Saturday (day 2) were 10.8. I have never had a FSH level reading that high. Each of my tests from the last year have gone up. One year ago, they were at 6.5 I think. Then they hit8 or 9. I am gald I am doing this egg freezing if the levels are rising so rapidly.

The nurse calls later to let me know what my AM and PM doses of Gonal F are. I will post again then.

CD 5 Let's hope for several 3mms!

Today is a huge day. I will find out if anything is growing.

Last night, I took my PM dose of 225 IU of Gonal F. No problemo. No headaches. I am awake though at 150 AM when I need to be up at 6 and out the door at 630! No too smart.

The Center said I should be growing follicles at a rate of 1mm a day so since I started on Saturday, I am hoping to hear that some follicles are at 3mm.

I will find out soon! I am also asking for my blood test results and photos of the sonogram to post (not sure if they will give me the info but i don't see why not).

UGH...My Head is Killin' Me!

I just took my 225 IU Gonal F shot tonight and I cannot bear to post much. My head is killing me. I got a little headache reprieve towards the late late afternoon but after just taking my PM shop, it started up. I also feel a tad vomity but that could be the small amount of ice cream I just ate. I am going to bed.

My Eggs are Making my Head Hurt....

I took my AM dose of 225 IU of Gonal F this morning and my head was killing me all day. Why is it when there is a side effect to a medication, in this case 22% of Gonal F users get headaches, that I get the side effect? I know I cannot take Ibuprofen or aspirin so I have to wait until tomorrow, 2 more doses later, to see if I can take anything. :(

I Shot Up!

OK, a tad rocky start but day one is complete. I shot up!

With the Gonal F pen, which is what I use, you are supposed to prime the pen to make sure the pen is ready for use and see if the liquid comes out of the needle. I, of course in my haste, primed it but never took the cap off to see if the medication was coming out. I wasted a bit doing this but there is an extra 100 IU in each pen so I was ok.

I watched a video of the shooting up process here http://www.fertilitylifelines.com/serono/products/gonalf/pen/instructions.jsp and then rewatched it as I went along and did the injection. No problemo. Only suggestion is to get a dispository (red box) for the needles from the pharmacy. Mine are now in a Poland Springs Water Bottle. Not too sanitary.

Just for the uninformed, the Gonal F medication is supposed to make your body produce more than the one or two follicles that it normally produces during a cycle. It's supposed to be like a super cycle. That is why tomorrow my dose will gradually increase and on Tuesday, they can see via the sonogram how many are starting to grow and if the dose should be lowered or increased. Pretty much 450 then 225/225/225/225 is the baseline beginning.

More updates tomorrow in the AM after I shoot up.

CD 2 Time to Take the Meds

I went in to NYU's Fertility Center at about 815 AM and the Center was packed. There had to be about 30 women there taking blood tests, paying, waiting for a sonogram, etc. I was shocked.

Today was also harmless. I was in and out in 30 minutes. It could have been faster but the line to pay was long. Basically, the first time you go to start the process, you get a blood test, take the paperwork to billing, pay and then wait for the sonogram. I got held up in billing. Others had the problems, not me, so the line was long. Everything else was a breeze. The blood test actually took as long as the vaginal sonogram.

At about 1230 PM, I received a call from a nurse at NYU with my instructions for the rest of the day as well as the next 3 days. She told me to take (ok, shoot up actually) 450 IU of Gonal F tthis evening, then 225 IU of Gonal F in the morning. Then later that day, between 8 and 12 hours later, I will take another 225 IU of Gonal F. The following day, I will again take 225 IU in the AM and 225 IU of Gonal F in the PM. Then, Tuesday, I will take no Gonal F. I just show up at NYU between 7 and 9 AM for a new blood test and another sonogram. Easy cheesy.

After 'the call', I gobbled down my yummy brunch (may I recommend Park Ave Autumn at 100 East 63 Street in Manhattan for brunch?) and went to the pharmacy recommended by NYU for the meds. Note that many pharmacies do not have these meds on hand and won't even know what they are. One pharmacy said they would order them for me but I did not want to rely on them being there so I went straight to the recommended NYU Pharmacy, Metro Drugs on Lex and about 68th Street.

Luckily, my meds are covered by my insurance because they cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Why my carrier covers the meds and not the procedure makes no sense but I am happy something is covered.

The Gonal F needs to be refrigerated so I drove straight home and put the boxes (5 in all) in the refrigerator. The rest of the meds (Antagon, HCG trigger meds and the antibiotics) do not need refrigeration. I don't need those until later anyway.

I am off now to actually watch the video that NYU claims is online showing someone shooting up the Gonal F. More on the shooting up after I shoot it up.

I totally forgot to ask the nurse what my FSH and estradiol levels were. Obviously they were good enough to proceed but I still wanted to know. In all my excitement, I forgot to ask. I will defintely remember to ask Tuesday.

CD 1 The Night Before the Eggs Start Cooking

Not many women can or will say this (well, unless they are 14 and in HS) but hooray, I got my period. Tomorrow, or actually today starts the first day that I start cooking my eggs.

I will digress only slightly because I am blogging this ONLY because when I went searching for information about egg freezing, I found virtually NO first-hand accounts of what it felt like and what happened during the process. Oh, I am freezing my eggs. I am not freezing embryos...I am freezing my eggs. Unfertilized. You know, the kind you get in the supermarket. This won't cost 2.19 though. Also, I hope to get more than a dozen but 12 will be ok.

So, basically, I am 37 1/2 (birthday was in July) and single. I want kids but I don't think I want to do the kids thing on my own so I thought, well, how can I stop my aging eggs? Bank 'em is the only answer.

At about 7 AM this morning, I will be heading into NYU's Fertility Center and get my Day Two of Period Blood Tests and Sonogram (or is it an ultrasound???). Yes, you get a VAGINAL sono/ultrasound on day 2 of your period. I gather it might be messy but whatever. Not my problemo. So, later in the day, someone from NYU will call me and say, "...we are a go, start taking Gonal F" and provide me with the Day 2 dosage. They could say, we need another month but it's doubtful since I had tons of tests before this point to see if my FSH levels and estradiol levels were good to proceed with egg freezing.

Anyway, so I am heading off to bed because I have to be at NYU in a couple of hours. Then I have to wait for the call. Then, I have to go place an order for the medication (Gonal F Pen, Antagon, HCG trigger shot and an antibiotic) and wait for it to be ready. Then I actually have to start the Gonal F injection that night.

So I don't forget tomorrow to explain this (as I might be all flustered tomorrow), Gonal F is a injection. I will have to self-inject myself (it's cubcutaneous) daily for 2 weeks. More on that later.

Although it is an injection and I hate needles, I am more worried about 1) the pharmacy claiming they couldn't get the meds I need (even though I called and ordered them today) requiring me to scurry around somewhere else to get them and/or 2) the pharmacy claiming I have to pay for the meds; they are about $6,500 without insurance (my insurance is covering the meds but not the procedure (which is $9,000).
Luckily, I have a letter from the insurance carrier so I will bring this with me to the pharmacy.

OK, time for the eggs to get to sleep before they start partying tomorrow.