Keep Calm & Cruise On

So, for those that do follow my blog, again thank you…and I’m sorry.  I didn’t blog over the last week because we took the kids on a Spring Break cruise.  (I would have posted that we were going, but I get the heebie-jeebies about putting that information on the Internet before we leave town.)  I’ll post more on the cruise later with some pictures.  It was fabulous, and we successfully impressed two teenagers and one tween.  Go us!  Not posting tonight, though.  I have some sort of a sinus infection, so Todd and I are resting, relaxing, and cuddling.  We were in the car for 12 ½ hours yesterday.  Can you imagine having to drive that much in one day?!  Me, either!!  (Todd did all the driving, duh!)  J  I love my hubby!!

Anyway, I have great IVF news!  Mary Kathryn called and said that my HSG test on March 4 showed a normal uterus and good uterine cavity.  This Thursday, March 28, we will have our “mapping” appointment.  This is where they will take measurements of my uterus and cervix, do a dress rehearsal for embryo transfer, run some labs, and give us a checklist & bunch of consent forms.  I’m so excited that I have a feeling the next few days will drag on.  I think that at this point, we’ll really have an idea of when we’ll be getting pregnant and what I can and can’t do for the next several months.  We’ve been putting some plans on hold until we have this appointment, so I hope this will give us some much anticipated information.  Fingers crossed that the cervix looks long enough for two embryos!  At this point, that is my biggest concern.

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock

Still waiting for the call from Dr. Bundren’s office to schedule my next appointment.  I’m starting to get a little anxious.  I really want to have that appointment, so I can get a schedule of how this IVF process is going to go.  How often is “too often” to call and check-in with the receptionist?  Every hour, on the hour?!  Only kidding.  I haven’t even called since my appointment last Monday.  I’m calling, now.  J

Everything Looks Good

I went in for my imaging test today.  First of all, it’s very uncomfortable.  However, they were able to tell that the septum in my uterus is gone and at the very least, my left fallopian tube and ovary are wide open.  This is great news!  This means the surgery in August worked, and we are ready to move forward with the IVF process.  Now, I just have to wait for Dr. Bundren’s office to call me with my next appointment.  At that point, we should really get some details the process.  I’m so excited!  I wish the appointment was tomorrow!!

Also, for those of you that have left comments to which I have not responded, I truly appreciate them.  I hope to get to them soon.

The Results Are In…

We went to the urologist today, and surprisingly, the process was very simple…well, for me at least.  J  Basically, the doctor read through the notes from the urologist that performed the vasectomy reversal and performed a quick exam.  At that point, he told us how he would be doing Todd’s side of the procedure in detail and all of the options.  He assured us that one way or another, he would be able to extract sperm.  We won’t know until the procedure if it’s viable.  However, the chances are high that it will be.  He was a great doctor with an excellent bedside manner.  He was very patient and answered all of our my questions.  J  I tend to ask anything and everything.  Todd even asked me before we left the hospital if I was sure I didn’t have any other questions for the doctor.  I feel satisfied that we will be able to continue on with this process without even considering the need for a sperm donor.  Dr. Miller said he wouldn’t even have one as a back-up plan.  Man, I love this doctor!

So all good news.  We are thrilled!  Tomorrow night, we’re going to celebrate with Heather Nichol!  Bring your party hat, girl.  J

Yep, I'm Scared!

So, I just read my friend Rachel’s post about the IVF shots.  She had to have 105 shots over the course of IVF, all of those being given to her by herself or her husband!  I’m pretty scared after reading it, but at least I know what to expect.  I’m glad I have her.  As a reminder, she’s my friend that’s pregnant with twin girls, now.  We go to the same doctor, per her request.  She’s awesome and patient and so good at answering my questions!!  Here is the post for those that are interested in more details about what we are about to embark upon:
http://thenolens918.blogspot.com/2013/01/ivf-meds.html?showComment=1359128016370#c4031630261711790935

Rachel’s posts after this one start making me feel better, less anxious, and more excited, though!  I just can’t wait for April to get here, so we can start this process.  Just as I start getting antsy, I hear my sweet husband singing in his best Eeyore voice, “Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry.  When you get impatient, then you start to worry.”  I love Todd!

More Details

Well, we received our first call today about the impending test appointments.  Todd will be going to the urologist in OKC on Friday, February 8.  The appointment is a lot less invasive than we had imagined it would be.  That’s good news!  However, that day, they will tell us if they will be able to extract sperm from Todd at all.  If not, we will have to start discussing other options.  Regardless, with our situation, we have to discuss if we want to have a back-up plan for when we go through IVF.  It’s a lot of big decisions in the next few weeks, so please, pray for us!

Ding-Dong, the Witch is Dead!

Sorry I haven’t blogged in forever.  I’ve really been meaning to the last few weeks, but I just keep letting it slip away from me.

Anyway, I have great news!  Lupron is finally leaving my system.  Hence, the entry title.  We used to sing this in our adaptation of Wizard of Oz at my sorority in college.  It’s the one song from that show that I still remember…however, I have now changed the words to “ding-dong, the witch is dead, the wicked witch, the Lupron witch.”  J  It makes me happy.

Almost three weeks ago, Dr. Bundren put me on birth control.  This is the next step in our process.  It will allow my ovaries to rest and all of my other reproductive organs to return to normal, instead of that of an 80-year old woman.  I will stay on the birth control until sometime in April when we will officially begin IVF.

In the meantime, Todd has to go to OKC to be tested to make sure that he will be able to partake in IVF.  That’s a big step for us, so keep your fingers crossed that everything goes as planned.

Near the end of February, I will have an exam with Dr. B to make sure the surgery and Lupron healed my endometriosis.  Also, another big step in this process.

The good thing about this part is 1) we’re getting closer to conceiving Baby Provence, and 2) my menopause symptoms are beginning to subside.  <singing> “Celebrate good times, come on!  It’s a celebration!”  My moods are more stable.  My joints don’t seem to hurt as much.  (I actually organized a Zumba group for some ladies at work.  We start tonight, so it will be the first real test to see how my joints are doing.  If they do okay, I may start boot camp again next week.  Yay!)  My hot flashes got really bad near the end of Lupron.  I’m not sure what it was, but they were pretty out of control.  Todd and I had some really good laughs about it during our cuddle fests.  He said it felt like I was about to explode from the heat I was radiating.  I’m also starting to sleep better.  Overall, things are slowly getting back to normal, and I couldn’t be happier.

Now, I just need to really get on the ball with losing this excess 30 pounds I’ve been carrying around.  I seriously have no motivation to change my diet.  I need a personal chef.  Any takers?!  J