72 Hours After

We got the report yesterday, but due to family, friends and football, I just did not get around to writing a post. But I can summarize it all together today. Tomorrow will be a “growing” day for the embryos and they are not examined, so we won’t have any additional information until after the transfer of the best two on Tuesday.
 

We still have eight healthy embryos, all of which are growing at the expected rate. The range of cell division is on a continuum where the middle is best. The lab wants to see neither too few nor too many cells in the embryos in their observation at the 72-hour mark. A four-cell count is the low-end of what can receive the best grade. We didn’t ask what the too-high measure is, but we were told our top number is perfectly in range.
 

Here is the breakdown:
   One 10-Cell Embryo
   Four 8-Cell Embryos
   Two 5-Cell Embryos
   One 4-Cell Embryo
 

To clarify, the more cells is not better or worse at this point. The three with fewer cells were fertilized last, so they could double in the next hour. We have to remember this is not a contest and what the numbers really mean.
 

As I said earlier, we will hear nothing from the lab tomorrow because it is a day where much of the exponential growing happens. By noon on Tuesday, all eight will have hundreds of cells. The lab tech said there will be so many they cannot count them on day five. At this point, the grading switches from cell-count and growth rate to formation of systems. There will be distinct masses forming the amniotic sac and placenta. The symmetry and size will be the final grading for which two to select; however, from what we are told any of the eight could be top choice for babies.
 

Again, no octomom here. The jokes are funny, but we will only be implanting TWO of these embryos on Tuesday. That does not guaranty twins nor does it even ensure either will attach to Kristina’s uterine wall. However, the odds are very good. If successful, then roughly one in three like our scenario do result in twins – so, that part is where the doctors no longer play God and His providence works through this medical miracle.
 

Finally, one note that has been skipped – and that is how good the orange coach has been. No, Mike Gundy has not been involved, but I have delivered three progesterone shots already. The first day went great; last night was not as smooth. However, what we are learning is shot delivery is the same thing as in real estate: location, location, location. That means that different spots on her hip muscle have varying degrees of sensitivity. Nonetheless, we are getting through it, and if I’ve hurt her too much, she has put on a very brave face and told me otherwise.