Day 1 and about 15 more to go..

           We started Day One of our injections today and I am able to write to tell you that, "I survived!" The Lupron shot I started today will be twice a day in the stomach, in the morning and night. I know millions of women undergo IVF and do their injections themselves but I am probably the most squeamish when it comes to needles. I cannot look when getting blood drawn. My stomach literally drops when I see blood or think about injuries involving blood. THANK GOD my husband Sergio is willing to give me the injections and did quite a good job today. After trying to decipher if I should sit, stand or lie down, I finally lay on the couch where there was the most adequate light and Sergio,  when right about to poke me, I yell out S***! I cussed, out of pure fear and then I said "Sorry" to God and "I can't do this "all in one breath. Before you know, it was over.

The Lupron injection didn't hurt really at all. It's "all in the mind" for this injection and seeing the needle,  only a 1/2 inch diabetes needle, I still must think of my happy place during each one. On Sat I start the FSH/HMG shot which I have to mix myself from powder into liquid in a huge 1 1/2 inch needle then change the needle to 1/2 inch. That should be "fun" (sarcasm)... I hope it will get easier as we go. By Saturday, I will be taking 4 shots daily.  By July 25th, I should have had 33 injections. My doctor will then check my levels to see if I'm ready for a trigger shot to release the eggs or if I need more time. All these meds  are basically preparing my body for a lot of follicles to grow rapidly as well as to prevent ovulation too early.

Our egg retrieval is scheduled  any time between the week of July 29-August 1st. After the eggs are retrieved, they will be fertilized and encouraged to grow for 5 days. The embryos that make it to this stage will be biopsied and sent to a lab in Detroit, Michigan for a specific gene testing (PGD). This is an amazing new science where a specific probe is being created right now from our previous daughter's ( will share Aya's story later)  amniotic fluid. This is amazing that our daughter who passed away from this genetic disorder will be used to  help us build our family!