Wednesday, July 9, 2008

IVF Update

About a week ago, Erin started taking some medicine that's supposed to stimulate her estrogen levels for the egg retrieval procedure. When Erin was tested right before starting the medicine, her estrogen level was at a healthy rate, just right for normal ovulation.
After a week of taking the medicine, rather than multiplying as they're supposed to, her estrogen level actually dropped to below normal. Our nurse informed us that women occasionally have this type of reaction. So the whole process had to be stopped.
This is VERY disappointing.
We knew there were risks in the procedure and a lot of things have to go right for a pregnancy to happen, but we thought this stage was the least risky of the several stages. It turns out we didn't even make it through the egg production stage so we could move onto the egg retrieval, fertilization and implantation.
Have I mentioned this is really disappointing?
We have some options. We will be thinking and praying about them over the next few weeks before making any decisions.
The fact that so many people want to know what's going on and are praying for us is a wonderful thing. We know we're loved and we know we're not going through this alone. Due to the emotional roller coaster of getting our hopes up, the heartbreak of having it fail and then having to think of more options with the mixture of hope and fear, we're not going to be talking publicly about this for awhile. It's just too painful to talk about it again and again.
Thanks for loving us.
Thanks for praying for us.

2 comments:

Emily said...

Donnie,

My thoughts and prayers will continue for you both throughout this journey. May you be surrounded by God's wisdom and grace as you continue to search His will during this trying time.

Much Love, and many prayers...

Em

Anonymous said...

I understand what you are going through. I can see it in your faces at times how sad you are especially when Erin is around others who have babies. I feel your pain and I am praying for you both. It sucks that two great people, who deserve to raise a child, can't because of whatever reason. God hears your cries and draws closer to you. He has a plan for you. Just let go and allow God to do His handy work. Things work out for the better all the time. Think of how far you have come in life and how God has guided you through each time life hands you lemons. You so desperately want to have kids and it will happen.