The Clock Is Ticking

We are getting close to the end-game again. Technically, today is Day 46 and ironically, we are scheduled for retrieval on Wednesday (Day 49). Perhaps that's a good omen to be following the schedule more precisely this time.

 

The truth is many things were different this time - which we hope will yield different results, obviously. That said, Kristina and I are both being quite cautious with our hopes, yet staying optimistic.
 

Kristina is having difficulty due to her swollen ovaries right now, but she remains in good spirits. Only occasionally do I have conversations with the Estrogen speaking in her stead rather than having the discussion with her directly. This is to be expected because (as the doctor said) she is having "a very strong ovarian response."
 

To translate that scientific phrase, her ultrasound yesterday revealed over two dozen maturing eggs to harvest, and the average diameter of each was about 17mm. They grow approximately a millimeter each day. So come Wednesday, the follicle sacs if placed end to end would measure nearly the same as one of her small belts.
 

To clarify, the eggs themselves are not this large, but this is the space required inside of her to house them. Thus, Kristina has a lot of "bloat" right now. She is still very beautiful, but obviously this is not a woman's favorite look. Then again, in my opinion, there is no look she doesn't rock.
 

So where does all this leave us? We are three days from extracting these eggs and performing ICSI on as many viable eggs as we get. Three days - unless the appointment tomorrow gives cause to alter the schedule. I have to make arrangements for getting the kids to school that day and still get myself to the surgery. It's a minor concern in the grand scheme, but yet another detail to be handled.
 

That's the update. The step after is the transfer, where one or two embryos are returned back to "the mother ship." And that will be five days after the retrieval (the following Monday).
 

Once again, we are asking you keep us and this whole process in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.