Happy New Year!!!

As I sit here and reflect on 2014, my heart can't help but be conflicted. On one hand I'm sad and my heart is broken but on the other hand my heart is peaceful and excited for the new year. 

2014 was the year of "loss" for me. I experienced loss like never before. 

In Feb and March we lost our sweet furry babies. They were like our kids and we had Buster  for 12 years and Gizmo for 7 years. 

At the end of March we had our first IVF. What an amazing experience we had, but sadly it was unsuccessful. 

In July I received the worst news of the year my Mom passed away! I miss her so much every day. Its true what they say the first holidays are tough! My first birthday without her, I waited all day for the birthday call that I knew would never come. 

In Nov we decided to do another IVF. This round was a little tougher on my body and emotionally. The result was the same as the first one, unsuccessful:( 

Through all the struggles, questions and sadness I knew that God still had a plan. I still can't say exactly what Gods plan is for Mark and I on the baby front. We will continue to wait on him and follow His lead when we feel prompted. 

It the midst of my heartbreak we still saw the goodness of God all around us. We knew He was ever present! 

"Thank You" to all of my faithful readers! I've only been blogging for a year. My blog has had over 5000 views over 9 countries!! 

As we begin a new year I just want to share what I had to cling to most in 2014! Without God nothing is possible. You will face heartbreak but God is your comforter. God will never leave nor forsake you. God will make good come out of bad situations. Without anchoring my hope in God I wouldn't have become a stronger women of God, a better wife, a more caring friend and a better person all around. 

Happy New Year! May 2015 be your best year ever!! 

Day 31: Last Post :(

Once again Thank You so much for following my blog!! When I started the blog a year ago my goal was to be a voice for infertility, to give other couples hope, and to let them know they are not alone.

My blog saw over 800 pages views this month and I have readers in 9 different countries!!

If you enjoy reading please become a follower and share the blog with all your friends.

I currently have 10 friends battling infertility and all of them are fighting the battle privately. You never know what someone it going through!


Love to all of you!!!
Cathy

Day 30: When waiting becomes to much!

Day 29: Value in the wait

 

 

 

 

Day 28: Wating

Hey Readers!


Are you waiting until this challenge is over, so you will quit getting updates:)

I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am writing!


Thanks for following!!

Day 27: Transfer Day 2nd Time

Today is an exciting day! We have two  perfectly good embryos waiting to be transferred to my womb. Our appt is at 11:30 procedure scheduled for 12.

I am to arrive with a full bladder. "Please drink 30 ounces of water 30 minutes before you arrive" the instruction papers said.

We are stuck in Houston traffic so I begin to drink my water! Yay! Done!! As we in pull to

the parking garage. And boy do I need to pee already!

We go up the elevator into the small waiting room, rung the door bell and waited for the nurse.

The friendly nurse opens the door and leads Mark and I to the room. I sign some papers, one is concerning Ebola and one is my Post Transfer Instructions. The nurse leaves Mark and I to change into our hospital gowns, hats and booties!

                                  



At 11:55 I'm walked into the procedure room. The lights are green. The nurse does a belly ultrasound to see how full my bladder is. You want a full bladder so the Dr. can see the uterus better on the ultrasound when he's does the transfer. The nurse declares my bladder is indeed full and steps out to get our Dr. She returns just a moment later to inform us that our Dr. is running LATE and not sure how late he is running!

The thought runs through my head "I'm going to pee on myself". The nurse comes over to where I am laying on the bed and said "I can let you go to the bathroom if you really need to. You can pee for 4-Mississippi's."

I toughed it out!

At 12:25 our Dr. came in! YAY!! Time to get started. I have to tell the embryologist my name and date of birth. Just to verify our embryos for security!  Thanks to medical technology, we then get to see on embryos on the TV screen that are under the microscope.

Embryos are graded, A-D. A being the best.

One of ours was a HIGH A (#2) and one was a HIGH B (#3)! That is a good thing! 

 

 

#2 has already broken out of the protective shell and is ready for implantation. #3 still has the protective shell and as it continues to grow it to will break out and be ready to implant as well.

 

The transfer part of the IVF is really easy it takes less than 5 minutes.

 

I am now allowed to pee! Woo Hoo!

 

After I used the restroom I am lead back to the room and instructed to lay down for 10 minutes. 

 

Our 10 minutes are up and I get dressed and we leave.

 

Rest of the day is a no work day and light activity around the  house.

 

Then the dreaded two week wait begins............

 

 

Day 26: Q & A Part 2

Q. What goes through your head when a family member or friend announces they are expecting?

I wouldn't be human if I said I never think "when me God", or"when will it be our turn?". I remember when we first started treatments last year and a friend had just found out she was expecting. We were in a group setting and she pulled me to the side, told me she was pregnant and was about to announce it to the group. She wanted me to know so that I wasn't blind sided. The way that situation was handled spoke volumes to me. My feelings were thought of. I felt loved and cared for. You never know what someone is going through. They could have just gotten the news that the
treatment they spent thousands on was unsuccessful, they could have just had a miscarriage, or they could have just started their period which means they are not pregnant!  I remember the day I made our consultation for our IVF, another pregnancy announcement was made. I ultimately was happy for this couple but I was emotional and scared for what our future held. I had a moment of selfishness and was a little angry with GOD. I didn't understand why this was happening to us. I now know that God is using us and our story for his glory!!

Q. What kind of tests and all did you have to do be diagnosed?

I don't even know where to start. I have had numerous tests, ultrasounds and medicines. Be your own advocate. Research and don't be afraid to get a second opinion.

Q. What determines whether or not you are IVF candidates.

A. Our OBGYN made a plan of action. After we did all that he could for us he referred us to a Fertility Specialist in Houston who did a series of tests. We left the decision up to the professional.

 Q. How have you and Mark stayed positive and focused?

I would say our Church is the main reason! We have an amazing support system and attend a life giving Church!