Cycle Appointment 3: A Success

While I was not the first one in the office today as I had planned, I still had a great appointment!

As usual, blood work was first. I had a new nurse today and when I presented both arms, she chose the same arm that was drawn from on Monday. Both arms are already bruised, so I guess she preferred the straight, over the sideways vein. The draw was a bit more uncomfortable than usual and was followed by a bit of swelling immediately. I've already iced once today, but will give it another go before bedtime!

When I entered the exam room, the first thing I checked for was that my name was on the computer. I didn't want to have to deal with another awkward situation where I was handed the wand! The technician first checked my lining. She was very pleased and told me that my lining looked "Excellent," and that my body had done its job! Way to go body! In addition, my follicles were large enough to be measured today! On my right side, 3 were measured, and on the left, 4. The largest measured at 13 (I am guessing mm) and the smallest at 10. (The goal is to extract when the follicles are between 18 - 24). The technician explained that they only take the measurements of 4 follicles per side, so I am feeling pretty good sitting at 87.5%. When I asked the technician how many follicles she counted, she said not to worry about how many she saw because the type of ultrasound that is being done only shows gray shadows and her number is just an estimate. Because I insisted on knowing, she told me today she counted 4 on the right and 7 on the left. I was disappointed, but she reiterated that I should not be focusing on this number right now. While she may be right, I need something tangible to measure and can't help myself!

I missed the call from Joy, my nurse this afternoon, but she left me a detailed message. She told me that I am right on track. My estrogen level more than doubled to 372! (A 130% increase if you are interested in the numbers!). My instructions are to continue dosing as I have been and to come back in on Friday. I am guess going in every day won't start until Saturday but am really not even sure about that.

I'm feeling great about my follicles, my levels, and overall, how everything is progressing. I am cautiously optimistic and really am taking each day as it comes. I am feeling very proud of myself... at this point I'm impressed on how "together" I am. I hope to keep it going. Besides a little soreness with the needles and some pressure where I am assuming my ovaries are, I am not feeling too many side effects of anything. I've had a bit of a headache today but am not quick to blame it on the medicine as the weather has been awful.

All in all, I am very pleased with how today went. I hope to continue with the good news! Until next time...