Because of my work schedule, my Friday baseline appointment happened this afternoon at 3 p.m. The appointment was to get baseline blood work done and an ultrasound to count how many follicles I have. My left ovary had 7 and the right, 11 or the other way around. Not completely sure which number goes with which side but either way those numbers are very good.

While I initially waited in the examining room, I closed my eyes and invited God into the room and the appointment. This was it. We're starting IVF.  (Well, it was official the day we wrote out the biggest check of our lives.) But this appointment was another step closer. It was exciting and I needed God sitting right next to me.

Our Pastor spoke last night about not giving place to the devil and his lies. Just like in the movie theatre you say when reserving a seat for a friend, 'this seat is taken.' Well, the seat next to me through this process is taken with Jesus who is full of hope, life, and good promises.

When my doctor walked into the examining room she smiled really big and said, "Are you excited? I am!" She is such a sweetheart and makes up for her on-and-off-again-nice staff. She is genuine and very thoughtful. After doing the follicle check, she told me the ANA Panel she ordered last week as part of my blood work came back.  Three out of the 7 checkpoints (normal is 0-1) for hi-risk miscarriage patients came back positive. As she explained, every woman, every time they are pregnant are at risk for a miscarriage but because they have this advanced information, they will take the extra precautions. Now, we already knew some of this information from previous tests. This was a more detailed look and could direct her more specifically on the drug doses.  Mostly, I will be on blood thinners after the embryo transfer to ensure it gets the nutrients it needs.

Speaking of which, here are the "stimulation drugs" for the next few weeks. Some are pills and other shots. I get my very own 'home sharps container.'

Beginning tomorrow, Friday, my friend Nicole will administer two stimulation shots in my stomach each evening around the same time.  As we get closer to the egg retrieval (see calendar from previous post), they will increase to three a day. After the embryo transfer, we change up the shots and begin steroids and blood thinner medication.  The nurse sat down with me (thankful Travis wasn't there because he's not so keen on needles) and went over how each needle worked, medication, and dose.  The ones she said 'you won't need this one till later and we'll review again then,' I gladly shelved in my mind. There is only so much room in my brain for this stuff. One day at a time. 

After my doctor's appointment I had an event for work Downtown. Some of the meds were in an ice pack. Being so terribly hot outside, I took my delicate, expensive drugs in with me. Why not? I hid the box under a table and walked it out with the rest of the decorations afterwards. he he he.

I am looking forward to mid-July and hearing the positive news that we are pregnant! Kindof takes out the picture I had in my head of surprising Travis with a positive pregnancy test but at this point, I would take the news written on a sticky note!

As you are saying your prayers, I have some specifics for you to pray:

 - Medications work as they are supposed to and for balance in my body (as much as possible).

 - Wisdom for my doctor to know how to adjust and guide the process.

 - Strong uterine lining; perfect and snuggly for an embryo to want to implant and grow.

 - Healthy and full-term pregnancy. 

 - Travis. For obvious reasons!

Thank you! Lots of love! Lauren