10 Worst Things to Say to Your Infertile BFF

You MUST check out this blog post about the ten worst things to say to your infertile BFF:

http://fancylittlethings.com/2012/05/the-ten-worst-things-to-say-to-your-infertile-bff/

Have one to add to the list?  Comment below and tell us!

Update on Nick and Kassie~Part 4

It's been two whole weeks since our InVitro procedures and last post.  And let me tell you something, it's been an emotional roller coaster!  So much is happening in your body during this time that you feel strangely detached and yet 100% invested in the everyday goings-on's.  After the insemination, I took three days to hole up in the house and rest.  While this is considered an "old school rule"-laying for 3 days-I wasn't going to take any chances even though my doc said I could go back to work after 2 days.  Invested family members and friends took turns keeping me company or bringing us food.  This helped out a TON and I'm so glad I said "yes" to their help. (if you have individuals in your life that want to do this for you-let them)

Going back to work was a little harder than I imagined as every movement felt like some sort of endangerment to the embryos within me.  I was also given estrogen pills and Cronin to take everyday which means, crazy-strong emotions, crying for no reason, and bouts of anger.  From what I hear, everyone is different and reacts differently to the medications.  Three days into the work week,  I began to bleed.  There was immediate shock and then overwhelming fear.  My doctor had me come in for blood test every other day the following week and we kept a close eye on the situation.

Eight days went by and I had never felt more like a failure in my life.  My body, for some reason, was rejecting all the hard work, prayers, and hopes that went into this InVitro process.  Yet, we still held on to hope and each other.   Nick was truly amazing.  Even though his worst fears were coming true, everyday he woke up and every night before he fell asleep, Nick would lay hands on my belly and pray.  He would thank God for the babies He was creating within me and would ask that our fears would turn into joy.  While our doctor has yet to rule anything out, she is asking me to continue taking the medications and wait two weeks until we get an accurate answer.

Two weeks.  Seems longer than the 9 years we've been trying to get pregnant.  

Yet, we will wait, we will hope, and we will pray. 

Stay tuned, we will be posting again in two weeks!

To continue following our story, check out our Gofundme site: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms

Update on Nick and Kassie Part 3

Friday morning we awoke early, excited, and nervous. It was the day of our final IVF procedure. It took all of ten minutes-seriously. It was uncomfortable and emotional. Nick just kept smiling as he suited up, ecstatic to get this "show on the road."  I on the other hand, was trying to remain controlled and somewhat detached. Our doctor was amazing and the nurses kind and grandmotherly. Two embryos were inserted with three frozen for a later date. After the procedure, I went home and put my feet up for the rest of the day.  Nick's been super sweet waiting on me and grinning at me, besotted with the idea of what we hope is to come. It's been a precious time, just us two, dreaming and hoping that these little guys come into fruition.

We are so appreciative for the prayers that have been said, the food that's been dropped off, the flowers and visits, and donations towards our journey. Thank you for being apart of our story, we can't wait to share the next chapter with you! 

Continue following our story at: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms

Thoughts About IVF the Night Before

‘Twas the night before IVF and all through the house,

Words were sparse from spouse to spouse.

Lost in in the thoughts swirling in the air,

Each reaching out to the other to let them know they care.

Leaving for an ice cream date,

To talk about life and their fate.

Realizing that if the plan was to succeed,

Their fear would finally be freed.

It was off to bed to get ready for the day,

But not before they held each other to pray.

Will you join us in hopes to see His glory,

While we wait for another baby story?

Follow our story at: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms

Update on Nick and Kassie~Part 2

Sunday Morning-Kassie went in for the "harvest" of the 15 eggs we were blessed with. While they might not be able to use all of them, we are hopeful for good, healthy, amount. She will be out for a day or two to recover and rest.The following Friday-the 10th-we will go back in for the actual implantation of the fertile eggs. Kassie will be resting for a longer period this time to give us the best chance possible to get pregnant. It's GO TIME!!!!

Monday Morning-They were able to retrieve 7 of the 15 and feel very hopeful about that number. Today, we found out that 6 of the 7 took to the fertilization and are now considered embryos. We now wait and pray as they will mature over the next couple of days. Kassie is feeling crampy and sore, but will go back in Friday for the implanting. We will once again wait, pray, and hope that our family of two will grow. It has been a rough 8 year journey to get to this point, and yet, we are so thankful to be here. Thank you for your kind words and prayers, we couldn't do it without you!

Follow our story at: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms

Another Chapter Begins!

An update on Nick and Kassie's Story~Part 1:

This morning, Nick had a testicular biopsy which is his portion of surgery in our IVF process. He is doing well and just needs to rest and take it easy for a couple of days. It was very hard for me (Kassie) to see my hubby, my man, my rock, in such pain, but I am so proud of the strength and courage he has had through all of this.

During his surgery, I had another ultrasound that showed that all 15 eggs are maturing-slowly. They decided to give me another 24 hours of meds before deciding whether or not I will have surgery this weekend. We'll make sure to give you an update tomorrow!

So, how are we doing? Jane Austen sums it up best, "I am half agony, half hope." It has been such an emotional and physical roller coaster and it's hard to not have hope while going through all this agony. The finances tend to be the half agony portion as each ultrasound and round of medications cost $2,000 out of pocket. With my surgery coming up, we do not know where we are going to get the funds, but have hope that the provisions will come. 

Follow our story on our Gofundme page: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms

Straight Talk on Infertility Stuff~Part Two

This is part two of Straight Talk on Infertility Stuff.  Read part one at: http://waitingforbabystoriesblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/straight-talk-on-infertility-stuff-part.html

Infertility Meds-Uh, can we talk about something else?  They were delivered in a large box that I couldn't open for 2 days.  I took shots at 7:00 in the morning and 7:00 at night and HATED everything about it.  Getting used to the idea of giving yourself a shot takes some time.  I really thought I would be fine with it, but ended up chickening out and made my amazing hubby do it.  Twice a day he lovingly stuck me with a needle knowing it caused me pain.  He hated it just as much but kept telling me, "This is a means to an end."  It stung a little going in and I felt queasy for about an hour after.  I did find myself becoming quite emotional, but don't know if it was due to the meds or the whole situation.  There is also a estrogen patch that some might have to wear throughout the process as well and this is probably the easiest thing by far.

Emotions-They go, they go down, and your head just seems to never stop spinning around.  It's so hard to keep from getting angry, crying at the drop of a hat, or feeling numb.  It's important to tell your closest friends and family members that you will be extra sensitive and a little...not your self.  I found that I just curled up with my thoughts.  Those closest to me, went above and beyond by reaching out with meals, distractions, and sweet words.  My hubby was a champ throughout the whole event and I've never felt more blessed to have him by my side.  There were some rough times, but he understood that this was only for a short time.

Egg Release-This happens when your eggs do not grow according to schedule, you have a "rogue egg," or they just aren' "right."  We walked into our appointment so excited to see how the medications had worked and how we were one step closer to the actual surgery date.  Unfortunately, I had a "rogue egg" and was given a pre-filled syringe to take that evening to release the eggs.  While some may see this as a part of the process, I felt as if my body had betrayed me and our dreams of starting a family had once again been dashed.  For two days I wallowed in my sorrow while my body reacted to the shot.  Large red welts spread all over my stomach and I was quite feverish.  Never had I ever been so hot in all my life.  The welts soon disappeared while hot flashes remain-get used to those, it seems as if you'll never cool down!

Continuing On-We find ourselves now continuing on with a different type of treatment and the time we wait has never been more exasperating!  The amount of bills compete with the same amount of emotions as we wait and pray for my body to work with the new dates circled on the calendar.  Sensitivities are high as we once again allow ourselves to hope and dream of the family we are meant to be.  We busy ourselves with work, friends, cook outs, parties, and the 8 families in our lives who find themselves pregnant or giving birth all within the same 2 months.  This too brings another bought of emotions, but nothing brings us more happiness than to help welcome a new babe into this world.  Prayers and well wishes for own babe are appreciated, donations towards our fund continue to trickle in: http://www.gofundme.com/7s7zms  We are ever so greatful for the people who've made meals, send cards, call, and just take part in our life.  It makes continuing on a bit more easier.