Oh my!

I got a call from the Wizard's office today. They wanted to fax a medication schedule to me. They told me I was starting lu.pron on April 2. That is not even a week away! I was stunned. I was really glad I called. I go off BCP on April 5. Hubby has not printed out the schedule from the efax, so that is all I know right now. Will post more as I know it.

M over at Quiet Sanctuary sent me socks! I will also post more about this later, but I love them. They made my day.

Really, more later as I get my thoughts together.

I think I needed a small break.

I just have not felt up to blogging a lot lately. Not that there has been a whole lot to blog about, but I have not been updating as regularly as I could. After I got back from Ch*cago, I spent the rest of the weekend playing at agility with Gertrude. On Sunday I could not move very far from the couch. I was really tired. Monday I spent catching up with house stuff and running errands. Today I had to work a 12 hour shift. I am very tired, and I get to work 10 hour shift tomorrow. Sigh. At least I am with a really nice urologist tomorrow. That is small consolation. I also have an in-service outlining why my job is cutting back on perks. Apparently things are tough all over. I just wish they would not make morale so low. At least I have a job.

After starting BCPs, I remembered why I do not like them. They make me feel awful. I am tired. (But some of that could be from all the stuff I have been doing.) Some of my co workers noticed I was a little flushed today. Some of that could be from getting sunburned on Saturday, but I wonder if some of that is from the homone in the BCPs. I think most of the redness is from the sunburn, though.

I need to call the Wizard and the Apprentice. I need to call the Wizard to make sure that he has been paid, and make sure everything is a go. I also want to make sure that I know the dates I need to see the Apprentice. Also I need to ask the Wizard when I start Lupron. Then I need to call the Apprentice and make the appointments for the vag ultrasounds I need. I think my schedule worked out. I got the vacation week I asked for, so I should be able to do retrieval and transfer the week we planned. (Hopefully!)

Anyway, I am still here. Hopefully I will be able to catch up soon. I think I have had too much wine to post more coherently.

I have been busy!

I have been watching agility trials all day, and I think I am addicted. I had the worst time leaving because I loved watching how people handled their dogs. I also realized I have a long way to go with Gertrude. At least I started doing agility training. That is something. I have to start somewhere.

And my IVF meds came today! I could not believe it. I now have a whole door shelf in the fridge just for IVF meds. There are a lot more medications than for IUI. The box was huge! I just wish they would not order me a new follistim pen every time. I have three now. Or are you supposed to use a new one every cycle? That just seems silly to me. Maybe I should try to get them to leave it off, if we need to do this again. By the way, does anyone need want, or desire a follistim pen? (Not the med, just the pen.) Apparently, I have a few extra lying around.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Ahhh....

Traveling is really fun, but I love being home again! I missed the puppy dogs and the Hubby! Very happy to be sleeping in my own bed.

Chi.cago was awesome! The EL was a lot of fun. The views from the Han.cock tower were amazing. The Japanese and Chinese art collections at the Art Inst.itute were fantastic. I loved the genetics exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. We went there for the U-boat, but discovered the genetics while we were there. I could have spent a couple of hours in there, just looking at the info. I forgot how much I love that stuff! I think I miss basic science. Oh yeah, the A.ORN conference was really great, too. I actually did learn stuff about OR nursing.

I started my BCPs on Monday, like a good girl. Suppression has begun. Hubby got the financial info to his dad, so that can be started. Apparently he needs the pharmacy info, though. I will get that to him today, I think.

At any rate, it is good to be home!

I think I am ready.

I finally ran all my errands this morning. It took me a couple of hours, and I think I bought more stuff than I needed. But I needed new clothes, anyway, so it is not all bad.

I am really starting to look forward to my conference. The hotel we are staying at is apparently right downtown and close to a lot of stuff. One of the other ladies I am going with wants to go to the Art Institute while we are there, and I may go with her. I think there is something planned for almost every night we are there. Reps for several different products are taking us out to dinner. (Their treat.) The days look pretty full, as well. There are a lot of talks we can go to, and lots of free stuff and CEUs to get from vendors. I have not processed it all yet. I do not have a plan or an agenda. I am just going to go and experience. That seems to be the best way to do it, from what I can tell. I leave tomorrow morning, on a direct flight to Chi.cago.

Hubby and I finally got some time together this afternoon. It is a rainy day, and that time of the month, but we spent time together just holding each other. We both had long hours and stressful days this past week. Now I am leaving town for almost a week, so we will not see each other again. Fortunately, next weekend I will not have my period. That should go a long way to make up for being gone. Gertrude will miss me, too. But I have special activities planned with her next weekend. We are doing an agility seminar together on Friday. I think she will be happy about that. I know she was not happy about the suitcase coming out. I will make it up to her, I promise!

I have my BCPs packed! I start suppression on Monday, so I have to take them with me. I guess I am on my way to IVF. I am trying to take this one step at a time, and hope everything falls together.

I will likely be MIA this week, as I am not taking my 'puter with me. I may try to slip out early at some point and use the computers at the hotel, but I am not sure if that will be a regular thing. We will see what happens. I will take my camera with me, and try to take pictures, but I am not a great photographer.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Thank Goodness It's Friday!

Whew! The week did not get any better, as I figured would happen. I worked 12 hour shifts Wednesday and Thursday. Then I just woke up at 3 AM this morning and I could not get back to sleep. Very tired all day today. Fortunately, I was in a fairly mindless room today. Dental usually is. That was sort of nice to have an easy day for a change. The one thing I learned today was to make sure any children you have brush their teeth. Really.

Now all I have to do Saturday is get ready to leave for Chicago. I am printing out Con.gress info as I am typing this. So that helps. Hopefully I will not have to do too much running around tomorrow. I probably will, but we will see what happens. I think I am just so exhausted right now, that I am not thinking straight.

I may try to post tomorrow when I am hopefully more coherent. Oh yeah, my period started yesterday. That made Thursday's 12 hour shift double the fun. I am off to retire my couch with my dogs, my Mi.dol, and my red wine.

Busy Day!

The problem with having a day off during the week is that all of your appointments end up on your day off. I spent a good part of the morning at the car dealership getting my car fixed and maintained. While I was waiting, I called the Wizard's office and asked about paying for IVF. (I am eligible for the shared risk program, by the way.) I went by the wine store while I was in that part of town, and stocked up on beer and wine. Then I had to go wash my car. (I never got the chance to wash it after the snow we had down here.) Then I had to go grocery shopping. I finally got lunch after the grocery store. After lunch I had an appointment with the Apprentice for my pre-IVF PAP. I also got my blood work done while I was there, and I got orders for hubby's blood work. I went by Target on my way home for a little recreational shopping. After I short break, I walked both dogs, and cleaned the kitchen prior to starting dinner. Then Hubby got home and I could finally relax on the couch with some wine.

Wow. Writing all that out made me tired. I really did a lot today. But I should be able to relax this evening. I have to work 12 hour shifts the next couple of days. I just hope they will be kind to me during those shifts. Not that I am expecting that, but there is always hoping.

I realized that I leave on Sunday for Chicago and the AORN meeting. I am way exited. I have never been before, so this is all a new experience for me. From what I have heard, it is usually a great experience. You learn a lot, and then there is all the free stuff.

Just thought I would share:
For dinner I made a fantastic roasted shrimp salad I found in Hou.se Beau.tiful. It was really good. I never thought about roasting shrimp, but it was really easy, and very yummy! I did modify a little. I used lemon juice, and skipped the orange zest. Otherwise, the recipe is the same.

A beautiful day, for a Monday!

Amazing what really nice weather can do for my disposition. I know I am due for my period at the end of the week, but I am not all that crabby today. Generally, I feel pretty darn good right now! The weather will get cooler by the end of the week, and my period is due, so I do not expect this to last. But it is nice while it is here.

Here are some things which have happened, and I have forgotten to tell you all. My IF pharmacy called and said they had my med order ready for shipment. I called them just to get the price of what it will be, and knocked around $500 off the order because I already had a couple vials of Follistim! So the price is not that much more than our IUI orders. How cool is that! Now Hubby just needs to get the info to his dad so he can pay for it. Then we can get it delivered. If we cannot manage to be at home, we may arrange for the meds to go to Hubby's work. He works in a small office, and people will be there, and it will not get lost. All important factors, I think.

I picked up my BCP yesterday. I think it makes the IVF more real to me. The BCPs had the Wizard's name on it. I start taking them next Monday. How bizarre. I have an appointment for a PAP tomorrow, and hopefully I can get my pre-IVF bloodwork done then, too.

Hubby has a jury trial Monday and Tuesday, so he is not really available for anything right now. After Tuesday he will likely talk to his dad. That will give me time to call the Wizard's office and ask a few questions about payment. I think it is important to have a plan in place to pay for it.
I have tomorrow off, so hopefully I will have time to make the call


And just 'cause I almost forgot!


moar funny pictures

Hope everyone has a good week!

Happiness!

What a beautiful day it is today! The sun is shining, with a gentle breeze. It has given me the energy to do a little housecleaning, and even some dusting! What a difference! I love spring! As I type this, I am sitting on my little deck, along with all of my dog throws. (Now that the weather is nicer, I have started airing my throws regularly.) I feel like I am waking up now that it feels like spring is here.

Another really nice thing, is that Katie over at Happy Hours nominated me for the Sisterhood Award. I now feel all warm and fuzzy inside, too. Katie's blog was one of the first ones I found within the Stirrup Queen's community. I love her story. She has been through so much, and she keeps a positive attitude though it all. Thank you Katie! You rock!




The rules for accepting the award are as follows:
Put the logo on your blog or post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude and/or gratitude.
Be sure to link to your nominees in your post.
Let your nominees know they have received the award by leaving them a comment on their blog.
Be sure to link this post to the person who nominated you for the award.

1. Jess over at Life in the White House. She is making the transition from infertile to pregnancy after IF with grace. I feel bad because I have been pretty quiet on her blog lately, but I still follow her on my reader. She is a wonderful and generous person, with a fantastic blog.

2. annacyclopedia and Working On It. She is another blogger who I found early on, and she is also very supportive. Another kind and generous woman who writes a wonderful blog!

3. Queenie over at Baby, Borneo, or Bust. I love reading her blog, another fave of mine. I found her early on, as well. Just a wonderful person.

4. Guera! at Portraits in Sepia. Her blog is just beautiful. I think that is why I was drawn to it initially. Her blog is beautiful to look at and to read.

5. Arian at Fractured Rainbows. I am not sure how long I have been following her, and I have been a terrible commenter on her blog, but she is in my thoughts. And she is definitely on my reader! She is just wonderful.

6. Duck at The Duck's Big Ol' Blog of How to Build a Nest. I lost her for a while, but I was so glad I found her again. Her story is amazing, and I am really happy for her!

7. Ann at Our Emotional Journey. She is in the 2ww right now, and could use some distraction. I also really like her blog!

8. Io over at Who Shot My Stork? I love her sass and her attitude. She really kicks but and takes names. And usually makes me smile while she is doing it.

9. Mrs. Joyner at Trying to Make 3... I recently started following her, but I love her blog, and wish her all the best!

10. Tammy over at Normal is Just a Setting on My Dryer. Last, but not least. She is another one I found early on, and I love her! She has a wonderful blog.


Whew! I think that takes care of the award. Hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Frustration

I am frustrated because I am stuck at home watching the dogs while we have some work done on our house. This would not be so bad if I was not working tonight. I actually have some errands I need to get done today before I go to work this afternoon, and Hubby left to do some work stuff at his office. I am leaving for my errands as soon as he gets back, if not before.

The work on the house is going to take forever. The guys we have doing the work are in their 60s, I think. They are really slow. All they are doing is replacing a door, but I know it will take a good part of the day. They will probably still be working when I leave for work. Hopefully they will take a nice long lunch, or run and get something, so I can at least leave to try get my stuff done.

I also had a really crappy day at work yesterday. All 12 hours of it. Stuck in podiatry hell with a pompous and/or incompetent team. At least the surgeon was nice, but that is small comfort when the rest of team makes your life hell. I was ready to kill myself by the time I left. I was so tired by the time I left, my eyes were crossing. Thank goodness for wine! I had a couple of glasses of Pinot Evil, and then went to bed.

Hopefully, today will be better, but I am not so sure. At least from the way it is starting.

Excitement! Sort of.

I got a message from my pharmacy today. Apparently, they want to arrange for delivery of my medications. That was fast! I guess I need to contact FIL.

Now I just have to call them back and figure out when I can be home. That is a challenge. Maybe I could enlist Hubby's help. He says he wants to take a couple days off next week. That could work. If we can get it paid for in a timely fashion.

OMG, It is really going to happen!

I cannot believe how quickly we are able to do IVF. I really thought that I would have to wait for something. But no! We suppress this month, and start hormones next month. I cannot believe it. I guess it pays to go back to a physician who already knows you.

I made an appointment for my pap, and both of us need to get our bloodwork done, but that is about all that needs to be done before we start. I actually do have questions about who will order meds, (the Wizard or the Apprentice)? My FIL said he would pay for it, but I am not sure how it will work. I may need to call the Wizard's office and ask some questions. Fortunately, these are things that the secretary should be able to answer. I can provide FIL with estimates from the office, and info on shared risk vs one cycle. But I am not sure how he wants handle things. Hopefully Hubby will give him what info we have, and we can go from there.

I moved my vacation back to April 19-25. That is the week of retrieval and transfer, and it seems like a good idea to be off that entire week. It is right after my birthday. I am sort of hoping for a wonderful birthday present, but we will see. It may not take the first time, and we may have to do it again in the fall. Though with around a 60% chance of success, I think I can actually hope for success this time. (That is 4x the chance of success as an IUI.)

I am nervous about it, but I think that being nervous is normal. Especially since IVF is a new experience for me. The Wizard said that I would likely be at a low level of OHSS during stimulation. I have already experienced this, sort of. I think it will be worse with the IVF, though. Egg production for IVF is higher than for an IUI. I have faith in him, though. He has been doing this a long time, and he knows what he is talking about.

You know are dedicated to your RE when...

You drive over two hours through the snow to make an appointment. Yes, we drove over 2 hours through falling snow to get to our IVF consult appointment so that we could sign a stack of papers. That is dedication, people! Poor Dr Wizard was without a secretary. The secretary could not leave her house because of the snow. But the Wizard was there! Rain or snow will not prevent him from doing IVF! (What I thought was really amusing was that the cardiologist office next door to the RE's office was closed for the weather. Who is the more dedicated doc?)

It was a very easy appointment. He reviewed some info with us, and then asked us when we wanted to do the IVF. I wanted to to be as soon as possible, please. No problem! We walked out of that appointment with our timeline.

Here is what it looks like: (Sort of.) The Apprentice is doing most of the monitoring, so much of this will occur in the 'Noke.

Around March 16, we start suppression. (Yes I know it is 2 weeks away. Can I just say I am really excited?)
April 2, start Lupron
Stop BCPs on April 5
Period should arrive April 9. (Need a Baseline ultrasound to make sure there are no cysts.)
Start FSH April 10.
2nd ultrasound and estradiol levels on April 15
Estimated week of transfer, April 19

I was amazed how easy it all was. (Once we got there!) I still have a few things to do before we start the IVF part. Mostly bloodwork and a PAP. I just need to call the Apprentice and get that taken care of. I do not think it will be a problem.

And just when you think I fogot LOL Monday...


moar funny pictures

Just sorta seemed appropriate.

We are off to see the Wizard!

Tonight we leave for C'ville to spend the night with my parents. Tomorrow we head to Richmond for our appointment with the Wizard. I cannot believe the IVF consult is tomorrow! Very excited and very nervous. But it is the right move for us.

Will post more after the appointment!