I can't believe it's been over a week since I took my first injection. Time is flying, this is a good thing for sure. D & I have learned so much just in this past week with these shots-- I feel like a pro for now (until I guess the next stage rolls around). For the most part it's really been fine-- we have found it's much better for me to give the injection to myself in the stomach. We have done it twice where D gives me the shot in the back of my arm... one time it went well and the other it hurt... I think it reached my muscle. I feel so bad for D. I know he hates thinking that he is hurting me; I think I have to remind him that really it is helping me!! He has such a loving heart though; he can't help it❤. These are all "Sub-Q" injections-- so just in fatty tissue. Clearly, I thought my booty would be the perfect pin cushion but for some reason it's not one of the spots on your body that they recommend for these shots?!?! Go figure. Anyway, we really haven't had any issues with the Lupron. As far as side effects go-- if you search "Lupron Side effects" what you can come across is a little frightening but luckily I've just been more tired and have only had an irrational moment or two, hehe:)
So anyway, I am moving right along here. Yesterday, I took my last birth control pill---so here's to lucky cycle #17!!! This week sometime I will go in for my baseline ultrasound to make sure the Lupron is doing it's job and everything looks good to add the Menopur and Gonal-F starting on Saturday. Then I will have blood work and ultrasounds every other day until everything looks good for the surgery.
Someone was honest enough to remind me that sometimes even IVF cycles don't go as planned (and I'm not even talking about the pregnancy part). Sometimes cycles get canceled because you don't' respond (or respond too much)enough to the hormones. I think coming from canceled IUI cycles in my past-- since the IVF process is so much more controlled you just assume nothing can go wrong ...but really anything can happen. I have to just keep praying that each stage of this process is successful and I can keep moving forward. I know I will be a nervous wreck before all of those ultrasounds.
Other than that I'm just trying to take it kind of easy. I've had to stop running for now at least. Walking only. Not that I ever was a real "runner".... I jog two miles a day with the pup and that includes some walking for her 'potty' breaks and sniffing around in the bushes. So maybe I was just a "jogger", anyway :)
This past weekend was great. We were actually in town for once and got to see friends and had a lot of laughs. <3
I finished off my Sunday by spending time with my nephews and SIL. My nephew was cracking me up--- he is going to be just like his Uncle D, loving boats and anything that goes fast! I feel so lucky to have my brother and his family living just a few miles away from me. I used to be so sad thinking my nephew only would get to see me a few times a year. I love having family so close-- it's really a special thing.
Lastly, I had to just mention a thoughtful gesture from a couple very special to us. They sent us a note in the mail to remind us that our faith in God will keep us strong and that "If He brings you to it; He'll bring you through it". How true is that?
“How can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can
you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never
understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the
earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of
his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the
powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired and
young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will
find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will
run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:27-31
NLT)
I know God is listening to my prayers. I have felt so much peace and love in my heart these last few days that I just know is because of Him and I couldn't ask for anything more....
