January 19, 2009

Ready, Set...Cycle!

Talk about going from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. Last Monday was all about bad news. Today, we got our calendar for our next cycle: We're supposed to leave for Colorado on Sunday, with retrieval tentatively scheduled for Feb. 1.

I'm still in a bit of shock. When I spoke with RE about our CGH results, he said he wouldn't change anything about my protocol (Lupron, very low-dose stims). Then I received an e-mail from the nurse on Thursday saying he decided he wanted to try an antagonist protocol for the next cycle.

I don't know what prompted the change, and I don't really know anything about antagonist protocols, except what I've read briefly online. And all of that seems to indicate it's a protocol for a poor responder. Interestingly enough, the RE from IVF #1 also recommended an antagonist protocol for our second IVF. I thought he was crazy at the time. I guess I should probably start to accept that perhaps the REs really do know what they're doing better than I do.

The reason the cycle is happening so quickly (besides the antagonist profile not involving Lupron) is because CD1 decided to make an early appearance (for once!) and showed up today. So I had to scramble to arrange a baseline ultrasound and bloodwork for tomorrow, and then get my meds ordered so that I'm ready to start stims on Wednesday. Wednesday! Did I mention that I'm still in shock?

On a semi-related note...I've gone back and edited my last post. When I re-read it, I realized that the stuff I wrote about the possibility of re-biopsying the embryos and how I felt about it could come across as being judgmental. Please know I didn't mean it to be that way at all. Not that anyone has commented or sent me an e-mail about it, but I still felt it was important to go back and change it to make sure it wasn't implying anything I wasn't meaning to say.

I don't think re-biopsying them will be the right choice for us, although I can't say for sure because I haven't talked to an embryologist yet to get my questions answered. But even if we decide to transfer those "no result" embryos back without pursuing any further testing, I totally understand that others in a similar situation may make a different decision that is right for them and their situation. No judgment here at all.

9 comments:

Thalia said...

The antagonist protocol used to be for poor responders as the concern was not over-suppressign those with low response anyway. In fact now that it's used on comparable sets of women, the results show it's just as good for all groups of women, and results are directly comparable in terms of pregnancy rates to the old, long protocol. And it's SO much easier on your body, and SO much easier on your time since you gain a month, i personally would do it every time. I hope it works well for you.

Sue said...

Wow! and I thought we were moving fast! I am so excited for you! Your head must be spinning! Good Luck!

Grad3 said...

How scarily exciting :)

Do you mind me asking what fertility group you go to? We are looking at using one based out of Vegas and they do similar research. If you want you can always email me through my profile to answer (just let me know because I don't check it frequently :)

Can't wait to hear how things go :) GL, GL, GL!!!!!

DAVs said...

My head is spinning just reading that! I'm so excited for you. And jealous--in a happy, healthy way. I wish wish wish we were cycling again, so I guess I need to start playing the lottery!
Good luck!

A said...

Can't believe I'm saying this, but YAY for AF! Our stim cycle out there happened almost as fast- only had a week between the consult and AF/start of cycle. Hell-o! Good luck booking all of your arrangements, and I hope you can have a *little* fun out there!

Microdose lupron and antagonist are the most common for poor responders... totally go with the ride, it's hard to let them dictate everything, but they are EXPERTS. Check the sart.org stats if you need some reassurance. *hugs*
Good luck!!!

MrsSpock said...

I hope this new protocol is what works for you! Let's hope those experts get an A+ in your IVF this cycle.

Josée Martens said...

How awesome for you! I am so excited you are back in the saddle. Are you doing CGH on this set too? So are you leaving those 4 of ice until later? I should have my results last week.

Hopeful Mother said...

How amazing... coming quick! Hope you have a safe trip and great results!

Riya Joshi said...

Stunning, Fantastic its looks so astounding. Much obliged to you for sharing this article and keep doing awesome. refurbishments service abu dhabi