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

Happy, Happy, Happy

If any of you have not seen Duck Dynasty, yet, I strongly suggest you watch it.  It’s good for the soul!  One of my two favorite characters (they’re actually real people, but sometimes, it’s so hard to believe) is Phil Robertson.  He’s always talking about things he does or his wife, Miss Kay, does for the other that makes them “Happy, happy, happy.”  Well, their show makes me happy, happy, happy.

And that is how I have been this week.  The last few weeks have been quite awful at times.  Don’t get me wrong, there have been some wooooooonderful (another story about Todd’s cousin, Kathy, inserted here) moments.  However, there have been some of the lowest moments I have had in many years.  Basically, I have been fighting some deep depression.  However, Todd has been home this entire week, and we’ve made some changes that seem to be getting me back on track.  I’m very glad about that!

Thank you for checking on me today, Carri.  It made my day!  J

On another note, I have given up boot camp…for now.  My joints just can’t handle it.  However, I have taken up water aerobics.  I am hands-down the youngest participant in the class.  I have taken two classes and enjoy them kind of.  Honestly, I get bored doing that for an entire hour!  Todd is taking me this weekend to show me how to get a workout swimming laps.  Maybe I’ll enjoy it better.

Good news…I had my last shot a week ago today.  I’m thrilled!  My nurse, Kelly, says I can go back to boot camp in about 3 months.  I’m hoping that she’s exaggerating, and it will be more like 4 weeks.  J  I go back to see Dr. Bundren on January 2.  At that point, he’ll put me on birth control pills to normalize my cycle and “plump my insides back-up” (as the nurse put it).  I’m just very happy to almost be moving onto the next phase of this process.  That’s one step closer to Making Baby Provence!!

Getting Pathetic

I Facebooked with a girl this week that I have known forever. She's pregnant after lots of fertility complications. Anyway, she said to me that this journey can be really lonely at times. I couldn't agree more! I'm sitting in my car, in the garage, in the complete darkness, dreading going inside. My house has never felt as lonely as it has this week without Todd. I have pretty much done anything I could to avoid going home every night this week. I have cried on and off for the last 3 days. It's been a very lonely week! These mood swings are kicking my tail!! So glad Todd comes home tonight. I wonder how long I can stand this darkness...

On a happier note, Audrey, your notes this week were a happy spot in my week. I'm so excited for you and your pregnancy! I can't wait to catch-up on your blog!

Todd...

...I miss you something bad right now!

Our House is a Very, Very, Very Fine House, Fine House

Our house has been put back together! Last Wednesday, we got carpet. I love it!! It's just what I wanted. It's so soft. Sometimes, when I'm walking between rooms, I just want to stop and lie down on it. Thank you, Sherwin Williams...er, Carpet One, for finishing putting my home back together! J

For the record, one of my girlfriends informed me that Sherwin Williams does have a flooring department.  Who knew?  Well, subconsciously, I did.  J