Finally, Our Transfer Date

I have been waiting for my May transfer date and protocol all week.  I knew I would get it by Friday because Katie, the nurse's last was was Friday.  On Thursday, I heard that some of the ladies on the FB embryo adoption/donation group had received their protocols.  Yet, I still did not get mine.  I knew that in the past, my transfers were usually towards the end of NEDC's cycle because I was transferring blasts.  So I assumed mine would be towards the end again.  I was getting pretty anxious.  So Friday morning, I sent Katie an email saying I still have not received my protocol yet.  I received an response that she was working on the protocols then and hoped to get them all by the end of the day.  At a little after noon, I finally received my protocol.

My transfer is scheduled for Friday, May 16th.

I was pretty excited to get my transfer date and a little earlier than I had expected.  Then I noticed that the stage of my embryos to be transferred is 2PNs (day 1 embryos).  I was a little surprised as I was expecting to transfer blasts (day 5 embryos).  I called Katie and spoke to her about this.  Because our new donors has both 2PNs and blasts, NEDC's normal process is to thaw and 2PNs first and grow them into multicells (day 3) and transfer them.  That way if none of the 2PNs survive, NEDC would still have time to thaw the blasts and we would not have to cancel our transfer.

I'm a little torn about this.  We selected the donor family based on the fact that they had blasts, and we were planning on transferring blasts.  The fact that the donors also has 2PNs was more of an afterthought.  I am worried that we will not have a successful an outcome with 2PNs as with blasts, though I know many people have had success with transferring blasts, multicells and 2PNs.  On the other hand, Dr. Keenan had suggested we consider transferring different stage embryos this time around since we had transferred blasts the last two transfers.  I think we had decided on blasts because we still had leftover blasts from our last donor family.  I had asked Katie about the success rate of embryos from different stages and she assured me that many pregnancies have resulted from all three stages and the success rate is the same.

Katie said that if we really wanted to, we could call the embryologist on Monday (she was out of the office) and talk to her about it.  We do have a total of 7 2PNs and 5 blasts, so it is possible that we could have enough blasts to transfer if we really wanted to.  However if none of the blasts survive the thaw, then our transfer would be cancelled, though this is highly unlikely.

Babe and I need to talk about this a little more and decide if we should just go with the normal NEDC process as they obviously know what are doing, or if we want to push transferring blasts.  I think I am just a little shaken up realizing that we may not be transferring blasts after having setting my mind on it.  But maybe that is not such a bad thing.  I just have to shift my thinking a little.  I will be praying about this.

After getting my protocol, I called the pharmacy to order my medications for this transfer.  This time, I ordered only what I really need to get me through the transfer and my first beta.  I still have some leftover meds from my previous cycle too.  Plus, with the new pharmacy, and maybe this year's coverage has changed, the some meds cost a lot more than before.

When we were still working with Briova, the PIO (progesterone in oil) only cost me around $20 and $4  for 4 vials each time.  This time around, it cost me about $60 for 2 vials!  I'm so glad I ordered the PIO from Briova last time, even though I didn't need it then.  Also, now I have to pay for the syringes and needles, whereas in the past, it came free.  I'm waiting to order needles and syringes since I have a lot of extras from past transfers and a fellow blogger friend who is now pregnant sent me her extras.  I thought it was unnecessary then, but now I am grateful for them.  Es.trace is still super pricey, costing me about $3.50 each tablet (and I need about 70 to last me through my beta).

And this showed up at the door yesterday morning via overnight service.

It is a lot less than my usual order of meds, but like I mentioned earlier, I only ordered what I absolutely need.

• 2-week Lu.pron kit + extra syringes and needles
• 2 vials of progesterone in oil (PIO)
• 15 tablets of Es.trace
• Albuterol for transfer
• Diazepam (Vali.um) for transfer

Next step, I'll be starting my Lu.pron shots on Tuesday.

One Week To Transfer!

My transfer is in exactly one week.  We hop on the plane (hopefully) on Sunday, pending my ultrasound and estradiol appointment on Thursday.  My lining will need to be at at least 7 mm for this to be a go a planned.  If all is well, our transfer is on Tuesday the 21st.

Truth be told, I'm a little nervous.  Though my appointment for my last transfer in November went fine (my lining was 9 mm), I'm a little nervous that it may be thin like it was for my originally planned September transfer when it was only 6.3 mm.  It was supposed to be delayed a couple of days but in the end was cancelled when we found out I had a polyp that needed to be removed first.  So, I'm praying that my lining will be at least 7 mm, so we would not be delayed.  To help it along, I have been going in for weekly acupuncture sessions, though I will have 2 this week.  I have also been eating fresh raspberries and putting a hot pad over my uterus to help with blood flow to the lining, as per my acupucturist.  If all goes well, I should start my PIO (progesterone in oil) shots on Friday.

On another note, I had an appointment with my doctor to follow-up on my blood pressure concern.  At my hysteroscopy to remove my polyp, they found that my blood pressure was really high.  I went to see my doctor and we discussed that we would monitor my blood pressure at home for a couple of months, increase my activity levels, lower my salt intake and eat more fruits and veggies.  Well my blood pressure was still slightly elevated.  I have to admit, I have not been good at eating a low sodium diet with all the holidays and traveling.  Nor have I been exercising much with my butt being sore during PIO shots, being on vacation, and trying to get out to exercise in this recent extreme cold weather.  

I am not keen to start taking BP medication.  But with a family history of high BP, and me potentially being pregnant, my doctor has started me on a BP meds called Metholdopa.  This medication is safe for pregnancy, and is in fact used by pregnant women to control high BP.  At this point, it is more important to manage my BP as having high BP during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preecampsia, low birth rate and stillbirth.

I will have a follow up appointment with my doctor in about 3 weeks.  By then, I will would have had my transfer, and will know if I am pregnant.  It is not the way I was hoping to start off 2014, but I will do what is best for my body and my future baby (babies?!).

Protocol and Meds Are Here

This morning, I received my FET protocol from Katie, our nurse at NEDC.  This was a nice surprise as Katie had told me earlier that I wouldn't be getting my protocol until after the 15th.  Looks like I will start Lu.pron on 8/23 and will continue on BCPs until 8/27.   I'll be putting together a calender together to make sure I get all the medications and shots all in one place.  Maybe I'll share it later.

A couple of hours later, the UPS guy dropped off my medication.  I'm quite familiar with most of the medication, except for the progesterone in oil (PIO).  They include PIO, Lu.pron kit, Es.trace, Va.lium, a whole bunch of syringes and needles, and a sharps container.

Here's the progesterone in cottonseed oil.  There are actually 4 bottles of this.  This is a new one for me.  I'm a little nervous about the PIO, to be honest.  Heard it's a real pain in the butt.  Literally.

This is the first time I have used a Lu.pron KIT.  I was surprised to open the box to see the Lu.pron bottle, syringes and alcohol pads all included.  I love this kit.  Though I can't really say that I love "Loopy Lu.pron".  I'm pretty sure I will have side effects again from this.  We'll see.

Looks like I'm ready to go.  Just need to make the appointments at the local fertility clinic for when I need to get my ultrasounds and blood draws.

Also, if you haven't already, sign up for my 40th birthday giveaway.  Make sure to leave a positive comment about turning 40.

Meds, Acupunture & Photos!

Wow, this week started off busy!

This morning I put in my order for my meds.  Lu.pron, Es.trace, Progesterone in oil, and Va.lium.  A total of about $355.

Found out Lu.pron is not covered by my insurance, so I am paying $129 for it.  Es.trace, even with insurance comes up to $195 for 60 pills.  Kinda crazy!  That's more than $3 per pill.  Without insurance it would have come up to $243.  Unlike my previous IVF cycles, we have crappy insurance this time.  Still, I am grateful I do not need stimulation drugs like Follis.tim or Meno.pur which would cost thousands.  I should get my meds on Wednesday.  Won't get my FET protocol until 8/15.

I went for my acupuncture session today.  It was kind of weird going back after so long, but also nice.  The last time I was there was for my last IVF cycle almost exactly 3 years ago.  Back then she was pregnant with her second child.  Now, he is almost 3 years old.  Also, she bought out her partner, so she is running the business all by herself which is great because she really didn't need her partner.  She specializes in infertility and has had many success stories.  After my session, I asked her for some recommendations.  She said:

1. Avoid dairy as it can cause congestion in the body.  Especially if you drink coffee (which I currently still do), avoid using creamer (which I also love!), as it is especially bad.  Ok, ok, time to give them all up totally.
2. Eat more raspberries as they are great for building up the endometrial lining.
3. Use a warm/hot pad on the lower abdomen/pelvic area 2 - 3 times a week to stimulate blood flow to the uterus.

Fortunately, I do no need to take any Chinese herbs this time.  I did it for my last IVF cycle to help increase the quality of my eggs but since we are doing a FET (frozen embryo transfer) this time, no need for that.

When I got home, I received an email from Debbie, our fertility counselor for NEDC.  I had a discussion with her earlier today because we are considering switching around our order of donors.  Because the second donor family had be so upfront about sharing information and photos about their family, we felt we had more information about them than the first family.  After discussing this with Debbie, she suggested seeing if the first donor family would be willing to share some family photos.  The email from Debbie included 3 photos of our first donor family.  Oh my, they are a gorgeous family.  And the twin boys are so stinking cute.

Now that I have seen pictures from both donor families, I feel pretty good about both of them.  I feel like I am already in love with both families.  I still have not decided if we will switch the order or keep it the same, but for now, I love being able to put faces to names.  We have up to 2 weeks before our transfer to decide.

Finally, if you have not heard, I am having a giveaway in honor of my 40th birthday on Thursday!  Go leave me a comment here for a chance to win one of two $20 Amazon gift cards.

ODAs Signed & Notarized!

Yesterday, I picked Babe up from work, went out to lunch and then stopped by our bank and had our ODAs signed and notarized.  We then scanned a copy of each ODA and emailed them to Debbie.  I will mail the hard copies of the ODAs to Debbie on Monday.  So that is done!

At my initial appointment in May, I was told I needed to order my meds the first week of August.  But I have not heard from NEDC about my protocol.  Since I now have a date for my September transfer, I emailed, Katie the nurse at NEDC.  She said I could go ahead and order my meds, but I won't get my protocol until after 8/15.  That means I will have to stay on birth control pills for another 3 weeks (I have been on them since 6/25).  I was hoping I would be done sooner, but I guess I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

At least a major part of the process, the ODAs are done!  Yay!

Ok, August will be here next week!

Unexpected Blessings

I received not one, but two boxes of meds in the mail today.  The first was from Trie.ssent, the pharmacy that  was covered by my insurance.  The second came from Wal.greens Specialty Pharmacy, for the ones I had to pay cash for. They were very similar to the ones I received previously received in this post, minus the Lu.pron.  I have what I need to get started on my next cycle.

It is such a blessing to know that there is an awesome community of IFers out here in the blog world.  I mentioned previously about how expensive IVF meds are, and how a couple of ladies had volunteered to donate their leftover meds to me.  Well, a couple more ladies have contacted me and have offered to do the same.  It is so amazing that there such amazing and generous people out there.  I didn't even ask anyone for these, they just offered all on their own.  All I can say is that thanks to them, I will be able to save some money on meds this cycle.  Every little bit helps.  Thanks so much ladies, you know who you are.

Tonight's my last night of BCPs.  Yay, I'm so glad to be done.  Next up, first ultrasound appointment on Thursday, and stims start on Friday.  Here we go......

Today, I met up with K and E, and my 2 1/2-year-old, goddaughter L for our monthly Girl's Sushi Lunch Out.  Hopefully this will be the last time I will be able to have (raw) sushi for a very long time.  After lunch, we hung out for a bit and prayed for each other.  K has also been TTC, and just started her 2nd round of IUIs.  We are praying that both K and I will be pregnant this year.  It is such a blessing to not only be around those who care and can relate to TTC, but also be able to pray for each other.

When I got home from lunch today, I received and email from the company recruiter for the job I had applied for.  The company wanted me to send in a list of references' email addresses.  These references will be emailed an online form to send in feedback about me.  Someone will be contacting me in the  next couple of days to schedule an in-person interview.  Yay!  I was starting to lose hope in this position since it had been 2 weeks since my phone interview.  Things are rolling again.  I'm excited about this.  The only downside is the interview probably won't happen until after the long 4th of July weekend, which means I will be thinking about it all weekend long!

Babe, I, and another couple went to the Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers baseball game today.  It was a gorgeous day for a baseball game in the brand spanking new Tar.get Field stadium.  It was my first time to a major league baseball game.  I was able to get the tickets for $29 (face value) each from a friend, a real steal considering it how hot the tickets are.  I've heard ticket go for $75 to $100, or more for tickets to these games.  The best part was of course, the Twins beat the Tigers 11- 4!!  Go Twins!

Thank you, God for all the wonderful, unexpected blessings you have provided today!

The Very Expensive World of IVF Meds

So after finding out that I had to pay almost $4K out of pocket for fertility and all other meds for this next IVF cycle, I spent all of yesterday afternoon calling around other online pharmacies that provide cash discounts on fertility drugs. I called the following companies to compare Follis.tim, Meno.pur, Ganire.lix and HCG:
  The Apothecary Shop
  CVS/Caremark Specialty
  Freedom Drug
  (Formerly) IVP Care - now Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
  (Formerly) Schaft's - now Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
  Fairview Specialty Pharmacy
  Triessent Pharmacy (covered by my insurance)
  Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy
  Ascend Specialty Pharmacy (I tried calling but no one answered)

After calling each of these pharmacies, and putting them all into a spreadsheet, I noticed the following.

• Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy has bought over some of the other (smaller?) pharmacies.
• Prices of drugs have gone up since the last time I checked in January/February, around 5%.
• Some companies allow a "discounted" price if you pay a $10 annual fee for Meno.pur (Walgreens and The Apothecary Shop does this); or if you register for the free program, but would need to provide your email address (Walgreens and Fairview), you could get a better price for Follis.tim.
• I was told that some companies are "preferred" distributors for certain drugs, and therefore can get a cheaper of one drug name, but not the other of a similar drug.  For example, Freedom charges a lot for Follis.tim - $427 for a 300IU cartridge, but only $260 for the same unit of Go.nal-F because they are a "preferred" distributor for Go.nal-F, but not of Follis.tim.  These 2 brands are pretty much the same drug, just different brand name.  Some companies will provide cheaper prices for Follis.tim, other for Go.nal-F.
• Of the companies looked at, Freedom Drug was the most expensive
• The Apothecary Shop was the cheapest.
• Comparing everything, Walgreens is pretty comparable to The Apothecary Shop, with prices being only pennies to a couple of dollars difference (with the exception of the HCG, about $12 difference).

After my last post about having to pay out of pocket for almost all of my drugs this next cycle, I had a couple of ladies offer to donate to me their unused Meno.pur vials, since they are now pregnant.  Yay for them!  And yay for me!  It's not much, just a couple of vials, but still, it is very generous of them.  Thank you ladies, you know who you are.  If you don't already know this, there is a wonderful group of supportive women out there!!  I'm hoping that one day, I too will have some leftover meds that I no longer need, because I would be pregnant (praying and keeping my fingers crossed!)

One of the gals also mentioned buying IVF meds from Canadian online companies.  Their drugs are much cheaper.  Have any of you bought your IVF drugs from an Canadian or European online pharmacy?

I looked at www.canadadrugs.com, but it takes 12 days to ship, with maybe 3-4 days shorter if I go with expedited shipping.  I'm don't think I can get them in time for stim start day of July 2nd, which is next week.

Just looking at canadadrugs.com, only Menopur is cheaper in Canada than what I can get here.

It's insane how expensive IVF meds are!

Nurse's Consult and Acupuncture Session

Babe and I had our nurse's consult this morning.  It was pretty brief and simple, since this will be our 2nd IVF with this clinic.  We went through our IVF schedule and the list of the meds that I will be on.  We are on a different protocol this time around, using the antagonist protocol.  Last time I was on the long Lu.pron protocol.  This time no "loopy Lu.pron"(yay!), so the cycle will be much shorter.  I will be starting my stims (Meno.pur and Follis.tim) on July 2nd.  Ganire.lix (antagonist) shots will start when the follicles are 14 mm or larger.  If all goes well, egg retrieval will be on the week of July 11th.

I only have one week left of BCPs.  Yay!  For some reason, I have a hard time remembering to take my BCPs.  I find myself running out of bed at night to take my them, remembering only right before I fall asleep!  It's so annoying.  I'm glad I'm almost done with them.  I was able to get a bunch of free samples of meds last time - Follis.tim, Endome.trin, etc.  I asked about them again, but I wasn't so lucky this time.  We got nothing.  I guess they were out of everything.  This time though, I asked to make sure we get enough meds on the prescription sheet the first time around.  There is a copay for each drug on we get from the pharmacy.  The last time, I needed additional Follis.tim and Menopur because I needed to stim a couple days longer.  So we had to pay copay again for the refills.  Hopefully, this time we will have enough without having to do a copay again.  We also made our payment for this cycle.... ouch!  It's a huge investment.  Let's hope this investment pays us back greatly!

I also had my appointment with AcuGirl this morning.  I am enjoying my acupuncture sessions and look forward to it every week.  Every week, AcuGirl asks how I'm feeling, what my stress level is, how I am feeling emotionally, etc.  She always checks my pulse - today my pulse was fine - fine as in thin, not fine as in OK.  Not really sure what that means.  Also my tongue looks good today.  I had been told to avoid dairy as it can cause "congestion" in the body.  Last week she could tell that I had been been a bad patient and have been having dairy by looking at my tongue.  Today, she was quite happy with the way my tongue looks.  She also advised me to eat a handful of goji berries everyday.  I like AcuGirl.  She and I get along well and chit chat quite a bit.  We always talk about food and discuss new places to eat.  We even talked about how Babe and I are starting to have less in common with our friends because everyone has kids but us, and she's having the similar but opposite experience.  All her friends have decided to not have kids, so now her and her husband (they have a young son) have less in common with their friends.

***While I was writing this post, the pharmacy called to verify my prescription order (the nurse faxed it in this morning) and to tell me that I had almost reached the $5,000 max of my coverage for infertility drugs.  After my last IVF cycle, I now only have less than $1,500 left.  I would have to pay the rest in cash.  That means I have to pay around another $4K in cash!!  This sucks!  I knew IVF meds are expensive, but I guess I didn't really know how expensive they are!  I told the pharmacy to hold off on filling out my script until I've had a chance to talk to (warn) Babe tonight.  Plus I am really going to have to bug the heck out of the clinic for some samples!

Box O' Meds, Part Deux

Guess what the UPS guy dropped off today?

My box of meds with my Meno.pur refill and meds for the 2nd part of my IVF cycle.

From left to right:

• Vi.velle (estrogen) patches
• Endome.trin (progesterone) suppositories
• Diaze.pam (Va.lium)
• Tetracy.cline (antibiotics)
• Refill of Meno.pur

Notice there are no PIO meds.  Yippee!!

I am hoping this is the last of the meds I will be needing until I get my BFP!

Today, my friend E and her 2 1/2 year old daughter went out for our monthly girls' lunch out.  We always go to this Sushi and Chinese buffet place.  It's a great place for $9.99 a person, and we also have a coupon for $5 off for 2 people.  But the kid eats free.  How can you beat that?

I pretty much stuffed myself silly.  Not such a good idea as I am already bloated from the stims.  Well, this was possibly the last time I could have sushi with raw fish for a very long time.  Nine months, and most probably longer.  I'm praying that this is the case, of course.  We'll probably still come here for lunch every month after my BFP, but I will just have to avoid the ones with raw fish.  But oh, I sure do love the ones with raw salmon!

Today was also fun because E and I were able to talk about baby and pregnancy stuff (She knows about my upcoming IVF).  Like how she would pass down some of her baby clothes to me (her youngest is almost 9 months), and how I may buy some of her baby stuff like the jungle gym play mat, breast pump, bouncer, etc.  All this contingent on me getting a BFP, of course.  But it was great to be able to actually talk about baby stuff, morning sickness, and maternity clothes, and know within the next month that it is a very real possibility that I could actually use all these stuff.

Today, I feel bloated.  My ovaries feel "heavy" and there are some small movements and twinges in there.  It feels like my ovaries are having a party down there, and I'm not invited.  I'm hoping that this means my follies are actually finally getting off their lazy butts, and starting to grow. We'll find out more tomorrow at my appointment with Mr. Wandy and Helga.

Show and Tell: Box O' Meds

It's Wednesday, which is also Hump Day, which also means it's time for Me'ls Show and Tell!

This week, I am showing my Box O' Meds that I received in the mail on Friday.  These are the injectibles that I will need for my IVF cycle, including:

• Lu.pron kit
• Follis.tim pen kit
• Follis.tim
• Meno.pur
• Generic HCG
• Various types of syringes and needles
• Alcohol swabs
• Sharps container

This doesn't seem like very much, because thankfully I am not doing PIO (progesterone in oil) shots.  If I did, there would be a lot more meds, syringes and needles.  Already with this, I feel like such a druggie.

As always, go check out what the rest of the class is showing at Mel's.

Thank You, Insurance Company

There are only a couple of mail order pharmacies that my insurance company will cover infertility meds through.  I just got done talking to the pharmacy a little while ago.

I ordered the all the injectable medication that I need for this IVF cycle:  Lup.ron, Follis.tim AQ, Meno.pur and HCG.

Grand total I had to pay?  A whole $240!!  OMG!

I almost could not believe it when the gal told me the amount over the phone.  This is approximately how much I would have to pay for one stinking 300IU cartridge of Follis.tim!

Thank you insurance company!

I will be receiving the meds on Friday, and start Lup.ron shots on Sunday.

Making Some Progress

Today I received two packages from Dr. Hopeful's clinic in the mail.  The first was from Melissa, the financial contact.  Included in the packet were some brochures on how to finance the IVF, payment information, comparison between paying by the cycle vs. the AttainIVF (shared risk) program, estimate of charges, etc.  Boring but important stuff.  I can't believe we have to put down a prepayment of almost $10K by the middle of next month!

The second package was from a nurse, which included an IVF handbook, letter with list of testing required and estimated dates, consent forms for IVF and cryopreservation of embryos, a list of medications that I will be taking, and a prescription for my BCPs.  It's been years since I've been on any kind of birth control.  Hmm..... I have to take BCPs, which are meant to prevent pregnancies, to help me get pregnant.  Feels weird.....

I'm excited though, I found out I 'm getting Folli.stim, Viv.elle and Endome.trin free from the clinic!  I'm not sure how much this is going to save me yet, but either way, I'm pretty happy.  Anything free is super at this point!

Next step, research the cheapest place to get my meds.  Any suggestions?  I heard Freedom is the cheapest?

It feels good to finally be making some progress.