Just Look at the Picture, You'll Get the Point

Stimulation Meds Day 8

The picture says it all folks.  I just hope the good people at Google Images either 1) don't catch up to me for my blatant and unapologetic unauthorized use of their photos or 2) are merciful when they do. 

I woke up this morning feeling pretty good.  I was excited about staking out the boundary for our new chain link dog yard, a much needed expansion of play area for my fur babies.  Their current fencing situation is about 12' x 12'. Those of you who are dog owners know, that is woefully undersized for a growing lab puppy and his two schnauzer sidekicks.  John and I went to Lowe's, which is to me as Nordstrom's is to most women.  We got some supplies and materials for some great weekend projects.  Generally, I live for home improvement and gardening projects during the spring and summer.  Unfortunately, when we got home I was faced with the task of staking out the boundaries of the fence.  This may seem simple but it is not...I did it last summer and by the time exact measurements were taken and angles perfected, four hours had passed me by.  Consequently, faced with a project that was going to involve a lot of measuring and a lot of math I began to feel quite overwhelmed.  This isn't surprising when you consider the following data:

The average estrogen level in women is generally below 30.  On day 4 of my stimulants, it was 159.  Yesterday, day 7 of "stimming", it was 790.  These numbers thrill my doctors and indicate that we are right where we need to be, but they make me feel like a big grumpypants, to put it delicately. That much estrogen makes me feel like every hair on my head is standing on end.  I can't get comfortable laying down, sitting up, or even stretching.  I guess it's good practice for actually being pregnant, no?

Good news though!  Due to my feeling absolutely miserable, I was able to parlay my pitifulness into getting John to agree to watch "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" with me tonight.  He even attempted a half smile after he managed to get his mouth open to utter the words, "Yes dear," through clenched teeth.  It's all about the small victories.  I have to get three injections a day into my tummy and he has to watch one measly chick flick.  He's a smart man, my John.  He's no pushover but he knows how to pick his battles. 

More good news!  Tomorrow morning we have ultrasound number 80 billion and one with our doc up at OHSU, and he indicated on Friday that we are nearing the end of stimulants, and will be moving on to the trigger shot soon.  The trigger shot is basically the hormones that tell a woman it is time to ovulate. The egg retrieval will take place exactly 36 hours after the trigger shot, and three days after that is the embryo transfer!  This is an extremely exciting and nerve wracking time for us, and my joy at our progress helps keep my crazy leveled out.  It's all about perspective, people.

The last time I was this excited and nervous were the days leading up to my wedding.  Heck, that's worked out pretty good so far.  I'm confident this will too!

If you are a praying person, please pray hard!  If not, send your good thoughts and positive vibes our way. I believe in the power of all three.

Will update soon about tomorrow's appointment.  Everything will go extremely fast from here on out....glad you're with us to share the journey.