Lupron Day 1

Ryle and I got up at 4 this morning to make the long drive to Baton Rouge. I had an ultrasound and some lab work to rule out cysts. And good news - all clear! We were told to continue the birth control pills through Sunday. We also started the Lupron shots this evening. Ryle was great - I think he secretly enjoys giving me shots. The Lupron goes into my thigh and will be taken every evening until they tell us to stop - this should wipe out my hormones. As soon as I start my period, I am supposed to call and they will tell me when to take the next set of shots (Follistim and Menopur). I told her that yesterday I actually started spotting and according to my ultrasound, this may be all I have. My lining is very thin and may not produce a full period. So if by Thursday, I have not started, I am supposed to call her and she will give me instructions as to when to start the shots then.

While we were eating lunch at Don's Seafood (amazing by the way), I was telling Ryle that I feel really confident about this cycle. That has never happened - never. But here's why... at FINO, the same lady does the bloodwork, the same lady does the ultrasounds, and the same lady talks to us about the cycle plans everytime we go. They all have their assigned areas to work so that they are consistent. I know, it doesn't really seem like that big of a deal, but in Shreveport, it was never consistent. We always had someone different do the ultrasound, bloodwork, and give us cycle instructions. I just love that I know exactly who will be doing what when we go in. All in all, it was a great day! I hate the drive to Baton Rouge, but I absolutely love the time that I get to spend with my husband.

Update

Talked to the nurse yesterday to get my lab results. My LH level was 43.2 last time, this time, it was 24. Yes it's down, but not nearly enough! Your baseline LH level should be around 4 or 5. So mine is still very high. The birth control and Lupron injections will bring this level down as well as all of my other hormones. Ahhh ... scary thought - a woman with no hormones :)

On the Roll ...

Well surprise! I started my cycle on Thursday.

We went to Baton Rouge on Friday for our baseline ultrasound and lab work. He only wanted to recheck a few of my hormone levels - LH, FSH, and E2. My ultrasound was all clear - no cysts. I have not gotten the lab work results back yet. They were supposed to call me yesterday afternoon, but I didn't hear from them. So first thing Monday morning I am going to be calling. I really want to know if my LH level was normal. Last time they checked, it was 43.2 on day four of my cycle - extrememly too high!

We got to talk to the nurse about the treatment plan for this cycle and it seems very complicated. There are all kinds of medicines that I will be taking. Starting Sunday, I will take birth control pills for 14 days. I will then go back to the clinic for another ultrasound to check for cysts one more time. Starting on that day, Ryle will get to give me shots in my thigh. This will be Lupron - it is used to supress my natural hormones. This will take place for 14 days. On my next cycle, I will start the Menopaur and Follistim shots in the stomach. That's really as far as she got with the instructions - they will go over more on our next visit. They did order my meds and I am currently waiting on the specality pharmacy to call me back.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers....

Here we go ...

Well I am happy to say that this treatment cycle officially started! This morning I started my Provera. This will induce my period and then we will really get the ball rolling with a trip to Baton Rouge to see Dr. Dunaway in about 10 days. I am so hoping that Ryle will be able to go with me this time. I always feel better when he is able to go with me. That's all I really have to report on that front.

I started back to work today as well. Let's just say it was very hard to get back in the routine after being off for two weeks. But it went well and I was in a good mood ALL day - this was a nice change!

When I got home from work, I checked the mail and YAY! I won something! A few weeks ago, I entered for a chance to win a necklace from a fellow blogger. So I want to say thanks to Kerry at Our New Normal for picking me as the winner of this beautiful necklace from Premier Designs. You can read her blog by clicking on the link above.



I have been thinking a lot lately about getting a tattoo. I don't really feel like I am the "tattoo type", but I seriously want one. The one I picked out has meaning to me and I just can't get it out of my head. This infertility journey has changed Ryle and I in many ways. And we are so much stronger as a couple and individually because of it. I think I want to get the word "believe" on my wrist with the infertility awareness ribbon behind it. Is that a crazy idea?! I know that I may not be "infertile" forever, but it has been a MAJOR part of our life for the past three years (plus it's not over yet). And I have to constantly tell myself to believe that anything is possible. In fact, I think that's part of my new year's resolution: To stay positive and believe that anything is possible.

I want this with the pomegranate colored ribbon behind it for infertility



So you can be honest and leave a comment on the blog and tell me if you think it's a crazy idea or not. And it will be hidden while I am teaching by my watch, so the kids won't see it.

One last update: I got a deer over Christmas break! Not the one I wanted, but this one showed up by our stand. He had already been shot in the back leg by another hunter the night before. He was limping, but not bleeding anymore. When we saw him, two coyotes were circling him and just messing with him. I guess they knew he was wounded. So I just couldn't let them get him. I had to shoot. Here's a picture of him ...

7 pt.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'll update as soon as I know something more about our treatment cycle!