Quick Update on our Transfer

We just got back from the transfer. I don't have great news. We only had 1 6-cell, grade 3 embryo to transfer. They like to have 2 8-cells, both grading 4. The other 3 are only at the 4-cell stage. Hopefully, they will keep growing and we will be able to freeze them for another cycle.

I know it only takes one. I have heard of friends with great embryos that did not get pregnant and others with so-so embryos that got pregnant. But I am still very disappointed. This cycle just has not gone well. I know it is and always was in the Lord's hand. I am praying the one will be our miracle.

Dividing - But Very Slowly

I just got the call from Suzanne and things are not looking great. We now have 4 at the 2-cell stage. There are 3 of them grading a 4 on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best, and 1 grading a 3. The 5th one is not making it. They examined them at 44 hours this time instead of 47 hours as they did last time, so hopefully that accounts for some of the difference and they will catch up. I am scheduled for a 12:30 pm transfer tomorrow, a little later in the day to give them time to grow. She asked me if we would consider transferring 3. I just don't think I am willing to risk triplets, not because I wouldn't want 3 babies (though I know it would be incredibly difficult), but because it can be life threatening for them. A twin pregnancy is risky enough.

Please be praying.

IVF Update

This morning was a difficult one as I waited for the call from Dr. K's office. I spent most of the morning reading Psalms and praying to the Lord as I waited to hear how our babies were doing. Praise God, they are doing well. They are all dividing and growing. Four of them are of a high enough quality to produce a pregnancy. Here is what we have so far:

1 2-cell stage, this one has not been graded yet
1 3-cell stage, grading 3+
1 4-cell stage, grading 4
2 5-cell stage, grading 4
Grading is on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best and anything 3+ or higher being capable of producing a pregnancy.

So things are looking well for transfer tomorrow. The transfer procedure is scheduled for 10:30am. We have to be in Mobile at 9:30am. This procedure is less intensive than retrieval and does not require anesthesia, only Valium. After the procedure I will have a 2-hour recovery period, which will be followed by 3 days of bed rest. I am allowed to get up to use the bathroom and take a shower, but that is it. Tomorrow is also my 34th birthday. I am hoping it will be my best birthday ever.