IVF #2 Update

It has been a busy month (and longer) as we went into our second round of IVF.  I wanted to give you all an update.  We have two embryos frozen but David and I wanted to do another egg retrieval with the hope of having a few more embryos for our future family!  I started the process again with birth control pills, which just makes anyone TTC crazy!!  My Doctor changed my protocol slightly this round and I began with Lupron injections every morning, we then added Follistim and Menopur in the evening on Day 9.  These medicines stimulate the ovaries to produce a large amount of follicles.  I began monitoring on Day 9 and would go for monitoring every other day, which then increased to everyday the closer we got to the retrieval date.  LOTS of shots later, we were given the go ahead to do the "Trigger Shot," which completes the maturation stage of the follicles.  David gave me this shot in my upper back hip at 3 am on Mother's Day...talk about a sting!  It is amazing what I will do and already have done to have a child and I can truly say that love hurts sometimes!  The trigger shot has to be given exactly 36 hours prior to the egg retrieval time.  By the way, David and I had lovely Mother's Day celebrations with both of our Mother's!  My mom and sister each gave me sweet gifts honoring me, as a mom to my embryos and also encouraging me for the road ahead.  It meant so much!

My egg retrieval was on May 9th at 3 pm.  I couldn't eat or drink after midnight the night before retrieval so needless to say, I was hungry and thirsty!  The retrieval went smooth and I wasn't as anxious since I had already done one a month and a half ago.  The Doctor was able to retrieve 36 eggs!!!!  We were thrilled and feeling very hopeful!  Last round, there was an issue with the eggs fertilizing naturally.  This time, ICSI was performed immediately and our results were amazingly better.  ICSI is when the embryologist uses a micro-needle to put the sperm into the egg.  By the next morning we had 29 that were fertilized!  They continue growing into blastocysts that are eventually frozen on Day 5 or 6.  I went home to recover after the retrieval and took it easy the rest of the day with my heating pad.  I also had a nice spaghetti dinner!

The rest of the week was spent at work and getting excited for our fresh embryo transfer on Saturday!  I had trouble sleeping on Friday night...it was definitely more exciting than Christmas Day!  I cleaned Saturday morning to distract me from the transfer and so everything was pretty when I returned and wanted to relax!  David and I drove the 1.5 hours to the transfer center on Saturday afternoon.  It was surreal thinking that in a few hours I would be pregnant!  Something I have waited and tried for years to accomplish.  We prayed before we entered the center...for God's blessing on the Doctor and team performing the transfer, for our embryo to attach and stay with us, for the provisions allowing us to seek infertility treatments and for our hearts to trust God for the outcome.  I just have to say, I am SO blessed by my husband...there is nothing better than having a man that seeks God and encourages me in my daily walk!  I love him!  The transfer was about 15 minutes total...so fast!  David was able to be in the room with me, which was so special.  It is definitely not the conventional way to make a baby, but we are blessed to have this opportunity and it's pretty amazing to get the "behind the scenes" look (just trying to stay positive)!!  We decided to transfer one embryo this cycle.  I consulted with my Doctor earlier in the week and we made this decision.  My progesterone levels were high at the time of Trigger, which causes the lining to be thicker than desired (even though all you hear is how you want a very thick lining...confusing!) so it isn't the best environment for an embryo to attach to the uterine lining.  David and I decided to proceed based on our feelings and the Doctors advice.  Again, this process is such a roller coaster!

They transfer the embryo using a catheter.  It is not a painful process just slightly uncomfortable for a few minutes.  The Doctor and team take such care in making sure the embryo has left the catheter and also with making us feel so special as new parents...even if only for a few weeks!  David held my hand the entire time and WE GOT TO WITNESS THE MIRACLE OF LIFE!  It was beautiful and incredible!  When the Doctor released the embryo into the uterus, you see a "flash" on the screen...it is so fast but just incredible to know what happened.  After the transfer, we received a picture of our embryo and of course, I think it's perfect!!  It is amazing that at this stage, the sex of the baby, hair color and eye color are already determined.  Wow!  So, we then left the center, a little dazed and trying to let what just happened absorb!  I'M PREGNANT or PUPO (pregnant until proven otherwise)!  I went home to my couch and watched movies and was pampered by David, had visits from family and so much love, excitement and encouragement from family, friends and my TTC community!

I feel so blessed to have made it this far!  Now I'm on Day 4 of the dreaded two week wait...

The shots have gotten easier, but this long needle HURT!

Before Egg Retrieval #2

We snapped this picture right before transfer!

In Love!  Staring at my beautiful embaby!

There's my baby!  I'm Pregnant!

Fun socks I wore for the transfer!  The nurses loved them!

xo,

Jessica

Good News AND God's Perfect Timing!

Today I experienced God's promise that His timing is PERFECT!  Let me start by going back a few weeks.  On March 21st, I went for my Egg Retrieval procedure as scheduled.  Everything was going smooth and I was being prepped for the procedure by the nurse and anesthesiologist.  Right before I went back to the operation room, my Doctor came in and said my last blood work came back with some of my levels low so there is a chance the "trigger" shot didn't actually work.  This was something David and I never expected to hear and took us by complete surprise.  Anxiety quickly crept in so David immediately prayed with me and asked God's protection over my body and the procedure.  I went under anesthesia (while talking about what I wanted to eat later that day) and next thing I remember was being awake and lying in the recovery room with David by my side.  I felt okay just had some cramping.  The sweet nurse served a "picnic" on my belly of crackers and water!  My doctor came in a while later and said he had some "not so good news."  He attempted for 25 minutes to retrieve the mature eggs from the follicles, however, they were not yet released.  So, for whatever reason, whether human error or another factor, the trigger shot did not work.  He quickly reassured me that I could trigger again (with another type of medicine) that night and we could come back for another egg retrieval two days later.  I obviously was sad (and cried) but was clinging to the hope that we would have another chance in 2 days!  I went home to recover and enjoyed a lovely home cooked meal by my mom and David!        

Two days later, we went back for an early morning egg retrieval and David and I were both cautiously optimistic.  In these situations, you have NO choice but to cast your fears and worries at the feet of Jesus.  After the procedure, as I was still coming out of my nice little "nap," the two nurses came running in and held up a piece of paper that read "32 eggs!!!!"  David and I were elated!  That is a lot of eggs and my heart was just so happy!  I happily went home, got in bed and took a nap with my heating pad!  I woke up and had my sister and her brother in law visit and then later my other sister, niece, nephew and my mom came over and we had dinner together.  It was a good day filled with hope for our family!    

The next morning, I was woken up by a call from my Doctor.  I knew this would be the update on how many eggs fertilized, matured, etc.  The doctor said that of the 32 eggs, 14 fertilized, which was a big drop but only 5 had matured into embryos.  This was a big shock and disappointment and quite confusing to the Doctor, as he didn't have a solid explanation BUT I was very grateful that five were still developing.  The Doctor then proceeded to tell me that we would need to cancel this round of IVF and not proceed with the fresh transfer because my uterine lining was too thick and it would not be a successful environment for an embryo to stick and grow.  I was devastated.  I was strong while I finished my conversation with the Doctor and then let the tears flow.  I felt like a big, ugly failure.  I was right where Satan wanted me to be.  I called David and decided that since my body was failing me, I didn't need anymore time to recover.  I showered, dressed and got in the car to drive to David and meet him for lunch.  It was so good to see him, hug him and be encouraged by his unfailing love. He loves me so much and I am SO blessed to have him as my partner, as we fight this battle!  We went through Easter weekend and had a wonderful time at Church, dinner and having an Easter Egg hunt with family!

The following Monday, I got the update from my Doctor on how many embryos were developed ready to freeze.  ONE.  One top grade embryo was developed and would be frozen and another embryo that was behind and they weren't sure if it would make it.  We went from 32 eggs to ONE embryo.  It is "the little embryo that could!"  This was yet another disappointment in the roller coaster of IVF and infertility.  The emotional ups and downs are so daunting.  I had a good cry and got myself ready to face the work day.  Don't get me wrong, I am SO SO grateful to God for this one embryo, my child.  I have thanked Him every day since, for the miracle of my sweet little embryo.  During the conversation with the Doctor, I asked if we could do another fresh egg retrieval first and then proceed with the fresh or frozen transfer.  He said absolutely.  IVF is very, very expensive (as you all know) and with the program I chose and paid for, I am allowed two fresh retrievals, so financially this was the best option.  Plus, ideally, I won't have to do another retrieval again (if we get enough embryos this next cycle) and can proceed with building our family in the coming years.  I was put on progesterone to force my cycle to begin and was informed to let my nurse know on Cycle Day 1, at which time I would start the process for the next retrieval.

My cycle began this past Sunday, so I immediately emailed my nurse.  Yesterday, I got the updated protocol from my nurse with all the dates for injections, procedures and also the list of medicines I need.  I was going through the motions of getting everything done and ready to begin these next steps but honestly, I was not feeling hopeful or excited.  It wasn't just the physical toll it takes on your body that had me feeling low, I think it was more being afraid of the outcome, nervous of more bad news and opening yourself up to potential pain.  I talked about this with my husband, mom and sisters...I explained my hesitations and fears.

Okay, NOW we can jump to today and the BEST NEWS that God chose to give to me today, the day that I started my first birth control pill in this second cycle of IVF.  I received a call from the clinic today, while I was working out at the gym, and let the call go to voicemail because I was afraid to answer it and receive more bad news and have a breakdown surrounded by complete strangers.  I listened to the message immediately after and it was my Doctor informing me that one of my embryos that was fighting along MADE it!  I have TWO EMBRYOS!!!!!!!!!!!  They are both top grade embryos!  My heart could burst with happiness, hope and gratefulness.  I had no idea that there was even a chance this embryo was still developing.  I assumed that since I had not heard anything, that the other one didn't make it.  I had no idea that this was still a possibility.  Today was the perfect illustration that God's timing is perfect!  This little Serendipity that He chose to bless me with today was just what I needed to encourage my heart and mind to keep fighting in my journey to become a mom.  Even though I knew God was my strength in my weakest times and I never doubted His faithfulness, I delight in knowing that He met my need today!  As a side note: My mom has always called me her "little Serendipity," her unexpected pleasure.  I was the only one of her four children that wasn't planned.  My mom was scared because she got pregnant with me while my older sister was still very little...she was worried she wouldn't be able to manage.  God knew what she needed, and when, better then she did!  Today, we own a bridal salon and event design company together called "Serendipity Bridal and Events!!"  

This verse in Ecclesiastes immediately came to mind, after the news:
                                   
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end" Ecclesiastes 3:11

I am so thankful that I serve a faithful and loving God that cares for His children.  "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."  Psalms 37:3-4  The Lord gave me the desire to be a mother and I know that He will fulfill that desire.  I have to trust when and how He will fulfill that desire, but I do have faith that I will be a mother one day (and hopefully soon)!

I hope this leaves each of you with HOPE!  Hope is what instills confidence.  I pray that each one of us, as we move forward, we hold our heads high and move through our days with confidence of the beautiful women we are!

From Retrieval Day #1

Ready to go!

xo, Jessica

Want Amazing Skin? Try Rodan + Fields!

I love quality skin care products and was so excited when I was introduced to Rodan + Fields!  I started using the products a while ago and fell in love with them!  I knew I wanted to offer this amazing skincare line to other ladies so  I decided to start a new business venture and became a consultant.

You may have heard of R+F before via social media, but they are now the 4th largest skin care company (and growing daily) in the country founded by two of the top dermatologists- the same ones that created the award winning Proactiv brand for acne. They have dominated the acne market and are now taking the anti-aging market by storm with R+F and have created four lines of products to battle sun damage, aging, acne, and sensitive skin. The before and afters from clients are incredible. It's amazing and these products really work!! I started with reverse and my skin feels amazing!  Now, I do reverse in the morning and redefine at night.


Also, the extra income is a necessity and a blessing.  With the staggering costs of infertility treatments, IVF and medicine, my husband and I are taking on very large expenses to begin a family. So, the extra income by doing this has been such a blessing to me. I thought you might be interested in learning more about these products because skin care is so important to all of us as we try to maintain that healthy and radiant glow and PREVENT aging! I mean who doesn't want that??!! As my preferred customer you would get a 10% discount and free shipping with great customer perks! 

There's also the option to become a consultant and give yourself the opportunity to make some cash while getting 25% off products.  I know of other ladies that are dentists, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists that have started as consultants and are now making more money that they would be doing their job part time or in some cases full time after only 18 months to 2 years.  So it gives them the ability to stay home with their children in some cases or continue their practice while still maintaining an extra source of income.

Let me know if you'd like to discuss any of the products. I'd love to have you on my team as a customer!! and I know you'd LOVE the products!!

Check out my website: www.jhathcock.myrandf.com

Use the Solution tool to see what products we'd recommend for your skin type! 
 
Love,
Jessica

P.S.-If you email me your mailing address, I will send you a FREE mini facial!

Here are a few before and after pictures...proof that the products work! 

 

Check out my website: www.jhathcock.myrandf.com

Injection Night One-Complete!

Well...we made it through the first night of two injections!  My husband, David, and I both had a busy and long day at work.  He actually beat me home for once and had dinner ready for me!  I got home around 8:30 pm and we had dinner quickly and caught up on our days and then started prepping our drug lab!  I had to do two shots tonight and will continue this for the next three nights.  David was the mad scientist (I think he secretly enjoyed this) and handled the mixing of diluent and powder to create the injections.  The first shot was the Gonal-F, which provides the hormone  follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) that helps cause the ovaries to produce eggs (we need lots and lots of eggs)!!  We made sure to take our time reading the instructions because we really didn't want to mess this up.  David went to inject the needle into my abdomen and it didn't want to penetrate the skin...OUCH!  I started crying at that point and David was pretty upset too.  After a quick pep talk for both of us, he just had to "jab" the needle into my stomach really quickly with force...he did not like this part at all.

The second injection was of Menopur, which provides FSH and lutenizing hormone (LH) that help healthy ovaries to make eggs.  Menopur is a preparation of gonadotropins extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women (umm...ok?!), which has undergone additional steps for purification...THIS is something I really don't think I needed to know!!!! LOL!  I've read a lot about this medicine really burning when injected for many patients.  For me tonight, it actually didn't burn as bad as I was expecting...maybe I was just traumatized from the dull needle from the first shot?!  We will see how the next few nights go.  I have confirmed that I could not be a nurse or a scientist! HAHA!!  I just kept saying, "it's for our baby"!!  Right now, my stomach is just a little red in the injection spots...one night down, lots more to go...

Here are a few pictures from our exciting night of shots! 

 

 xo, Jessica