Final Report

We received the final report before we get our grades. As a reminder, the blastocysts are graded on symmetry, size and other criteria. This is a little odd because the criteria to be considered a blastocyst are fairly strict, so there is not much difference in statistical odds between and “A” and a “D” embryo. Nonetheless, the grading system exists.

"Creature Report"

Because of Disney Jr, we see a show called The Octonauts fairly frequently. They have a section where they sing a short ditty called "Creature Report," which always pops in my head whenever we discuss the embryo report. I may have explained this last time; I don't recall. Nonetheless, I keep waiting for a turnip and the dance break. Those who know the show will understand. Everyone else, don't worry about it.
 

Here is what we know 24 hours after the retrieval:

The Summary

We gave a few updates today on Facebook, but I know not everyone follows that. So, let me summarize the day:

Pull the Trigger

Just a quick update: It's almost time.

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.

Needles, Needles Everywhere, Nor Any Drop To Drink

Yesterday was the “suppression check” appointment for our IVF cycle. Again what this means is the doctor draws blood to measure Kristina’s estrogen level to be sure her ovaries have “gone to sleep” so that her body’s natural process doesn’t follow the normal pattern. The reason being, we want to control the timing of ovulation and stimulate as many follicles as possible.

"Sciency" Details and Other Results

Moments ago, Kristina received the first phone call from the clinic to give the Day-1 report on the embryos. There will be some potentially icky details, but I promise no pictures. I say this because Kristina and I jest about making a baby in front of her mother yesterday. So, there are some really good puns to be had right now.

More than a Baker’s Dozen

The procedures went very well, and both patients are resting comfortably. We are both sore and have to limit our physical exercise over the next few days. This brings up the important concern of who will do the house chores during that time.

T-Minus 24 …Matey!

This being September 19 and therefore International Talk Like A Pirate Day, I am tempted to write this entire blog post as if you’d changed your FaceBook language. However, as my wife is new to this tradition and the more serious nature of this blog, I will resist the urge…arrr!

About to Get Real

This morning I confirmed today's date for a daily couples' reading we actually only do semi-routinely. She affirmed the date and followed up with the reminder that tomorrow is her "Suppression Check." What that means is

Day "Step" Two

So, today was less busy. I went to work. Kristina went to an interview for work. But we had no direct medical appointments or duties today. Tomorrow? Well, it gets busy. But before we get into that, I thought I would take advantage of this lull to give a little further explanation of the process, i.e., what all those acronyms I used yesterday really mean.