Day 5 Ultrasound

It's the Teenie Weenie Beanie again, with the latest updates. It's been an eventful day!

1. The follicles are growing like they're supposed to. The largest were 15mm, 13mm, 12mm. There are 5 that are 11mm, 3- 10mm, 4- 9mm, and 2-8mm. So that makes 16!

I'm glad that MFM's body doesn't act it's age, because we either wouldn't have as many follicles, or they wouldn't get big enough.

2. The blood work was great today, too. The Estradiol level- aka E2 (which measures how well the ovaries and follicles are functioning) is already 1400!

To give you an idea, when the follicles are mature (18mm+), the E2 level for each one will be between 200-600. So for example if you have 5 mature follicles, the E2 level will be between 1000-3000.

3. There was a near disaster averted today. MFMs Leutenizing Hormone (LH) level was 19, which is very near the mark (>20) that would cause her body to spontaneously release the eggs (ovulation), ending this IVF cycle.

Since the labwork was done just in time, Dr. Manara decided to start Ganirelex - a med that suppresses the LH surge- right away. It should bring down the level to less than 10- where it should be.

4. More good news, MFM gets to save another $100/day, since the dose of Follistim was reduced again by 50 IU.
It looks like we might have enough meds in the house right now for the entire cycle. If so, we've only had to pay $170 in co-pays...which is a far cry from the $3600 AETNA wanted MFM to send. Once again... thanks Mandell's Pharmacy... you rock!

In a few days, I'll have several eggs to choose from. I'm definitely going to start interviewing other Beanies for the role of future brother and/or sister.
We'll know better Friday when the expected retrieval date will be... In the meantime, I've got to get back to watching over the follicles...they're like my little flock.

Teenie Weenie Beanie signing off

Introduction

Hi, my name is Teenie Weenie Beanie, the newest member of the family (in the making). I want to keep you up to date on the exciting adventures and "developments" (hehe) in my life.

Right now, it's Day 4 of injectable treatments. My future mom (MFM) has been giving herself follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) injections- Follistim and Menopur. According to the ultrasound and bloodwork, things are progressing well. I have 16-18 follicles to choose from (which will determine 1/2 of who I am), but have my eye on the 3 largest, which are already 9-11 mm around. Looks like maybe after I've made my choice, I'll have to find other Beanies to join me.

The doctor is keeping a close eye on the immature eggs (follicles), attempting the delicate balance of encouraging eggs to grow fast, but not toooo fast. The instructions MFM got today said to slow down on the Follistim (reduce from 225 IU to 175) since there are so many follicles, and at least 4 (and up to 10)more days of maturation to go. MFM says that's fine with her, because every 50 IU less of follistim, she saves $100.

Overhearing all the phone calls, IVF is an expensive and intensive experience. One pharmacy wanted to charge almost $8600.00 for the medicines. Luckily, MFM talked to other IVF survivors and found a pharmacy who's already saved them $4500.00-- Thanx Mandell's for my once in a lifetime chance at being in the Bean-Laudiero family!

I've got to go and watch the follicles grow... I'll check in with you soon.

Heart you already,
Teenie Weenie Beanie