Here I Go, Again

It has been a long time. I have kept of the fertility boards and have kept to myself. The 'kept to myself' part is probably not good, but it is was I have been doing.

It took me a while, and I dragged my feet until I called my IVF nurse to get going. Of course I had to run through all the hoops:

• Clomid challenge
• U/S check, blood work
• Annual physical, PAP, breast exam, mammogram
• communicables testing (STDs) - even though I haven't been with anyone

Breast Issue
Since I needed a quick physical, I made an appointment with the nurse instead of the doc. This nurse noticed a mole on my breast and made a note of it in my files. I have had this mole on my areola (flat, hairless) my whole life. It last changed shape at puberty when it got stretched. I was shocked when my IVF nurse called and told me they could not continue my cycle until I get the mole checked out by a dermatolgist. In a panic, I get an appointment with the PA (the doc would take months to see) . I was sure she would say 'OK' and fax a letter to my RE. Unfortunately, she thought there was a problem. I argued so much that she called in the doc (so, I got to see her anyway); the doc would not sign off either. I felt like I was forced to get a punch biopsy. They didn't hold me down, but if I didn't agree it was no IVF for me.

My mole measured 9 mm so she used the largest punch, 8 mm. The needles in my areola didn't hurt, especially when compared to the needles in my mouth for oral surgery. I have 1 internal deep stitch and 2 external. I was pissed that I have been disfigured. I hope that my nipple and ducts were not effected. I can't tell. Then I think, what does it matter unless I have a baby - how presumptuous of my to think I will have a baby suckling at my breast.

After the punch, I went to work. 3 hrs later - woa baby. The pain started. It was so bad that I took extra strength Tylenol (which I never do). It didn't do a fucking thing. My breast hurt for 2 days. Now (1 week later), the stitches are bothersome. I keep putting ointment on to keep it moist.

2008 IVF Calendar

• 1/31 Menses
• 2/2 BCP
• 2/16 Last BCP
• 2/18 U/S check - clear, no cysts. Blood work
• 2/20 Start taking 20 units of Lupron each morning and night (12 hrs apart. I picked 8 am and 8 pm. I was also supposed to start taking Dexamethasone at night, but I though it was for ET and didn't start until 2/22. Continue on Lupron and Dex for rest of cycle
• 2/22 Begin stims: Repronex (2 amps morning) and GonalF (300 at night). Since the Repronex is injected intramuscular (IM), it is causing me problems. After watching many videos, reading blogs, and trying to run through the motions, I decided that I can not inject myself. My RE's office is far, far away but I have a sister who is a nurse. So, each morning, I drive myself to the ER of a local hospital and sneak in through the ambulance bay. I mix and she shoots (less than 5 minutes, probably 3 minutes)
• 3/4 Estimated ER
• 3/7 Estimate ET