Saturday, June 19, 2010

Fertilization report: IVF #7


Thanks for all of your well wishes on our retrieval. We were thrilled, just thrilled at the news, and we really appreciated your excitement on our behalf.

We started this morning off with another ultrasound. With my E2 at 7,300 the day before retrieval, they were worried I would have fluid accumulating in my abdomen from OHSS. All looked good so far. To try to stave off OHSS, they have me drinking lots of fluid, taking in lots of salt, continuing Centrotide shots for five days (this is pricey without insurance!) as well as taking vaginal Cabergoline (a dopamine agonist), which apparently is being tested in phase III trials for its potential ability to reduce OHSS incidence/severity.

After the ultrasound at 7am (ouch!), we did some sightseeing and when we got back to the room, I was one tired Mo and promptly fell dead asleep until Will woke me up just a bit ago and said no more napping. I think I could have slept for hours more.

We heard from the embryology lab this morning around 11:00AM. And so far, the news is very good. The Denver clinic seems to keep on delivering for us. Keep it coming!

As you know, yesterday we had 25 eggs retrieved (an all-time record that beats our first IVF cycle yield of 22 -three years ago - by a comfortable margin).

Today we found out that of the 25 eggs retrieved, 22 were mature.

And of those, 18 fertilized!!! Which we think is awesome news! They used ICSI and the embryologists seemed to think one more might fertilize from the bunch...not sure why it's lagging. Eighteen fertilized is also a record for us. The most we had previously was Denver's last cycle (#6), in which we had 16 fertilize.

At my request, the lab were still watching the three immature eggs and if any matured would be attempting day 2 ICSI on them (they said that would happen around 2pm today, so fingers crossed that one egg or a couple more matured).

The embryologist shared that there is a "big note" on my chart that said to attempt in vitro maturation on all immature eggs, to call me on day 3 with an update (something the Denver clinic isn't routinely doing for microarray patients anymore), and to try to culture to day 7 for blasts if need be. I love this place. I love that they get it, that all of our normal blasts wouldn't exist except for their willingness to mature in vitro and culture to day 7. I know it is extra work for them, and highly appreciate their willingness to go the extra mile.

So we've cleared a few hurdles already: retrieval (phew!) and fertilization (double phew!).

Next status update on this cycle will be Monday for the day 3 report. We'll see how our 18 little guys (18!!!) are doing at that point.

Still feeling pretty weary. But happy. Definitely lots of happy here in the Mo and Will hotel room. We fly home tomorrow. It will be good to get back to New York.

So far everything is going as well as we could have hoped. We are so grateful.


Mo

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45 comments:

  1. Oh mo that is such a great fert report!!! I love love LOVE that the clinic are supporting you and doing all they can. I know you're tired but you also sound so peaceful and hopeful and that just makes me smile.... may the good news continue!

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  2. Ooooh! EIGHTEEN! That's truly symbolic. I'm not generally superstitious, but I think one of those cute little eggies is going to be a cute little 2011 baby.

    To life! xoxoxo!

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  3. I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but WOW... That's AMAZING! I am so happy for you guys. I wish you the best, you deserve it. Denver rocks!!!

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  4. Great News! Keep it rolling right:) Happy to hear the good news!

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  5. Yay for 18!!!!! That is great news! I hope it keeps getting better!!

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  6. What fantastic news! So glad to hear it. I am loving this clinic, and so glad to hear that there is happy in your hotel room tonight.

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  7. Absolutely FANTASTIC news!! Here's hoping the news just keeps getting better and better!!

    x

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  8. That is the kind of update I like to hear!

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  9. Congratulations!! I am so happy for you! Looking forward to another great report on Monday...In the meantime, have a safe trip home.

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  10. 18 eggs fertilized is awesesome! You are amazing that your estrogen was 7300 and you didn't complain at all! I know I would be complaining up a storm! I hope this is the one for you guys!

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  11. Wonderful fert report! The Cabergoline must be new as they weren't doing that when I was a patient there. I imagine that Dr. S is taking a serious interest in your case. I think the man really likes a challenge. Hoping for some good embryos for you!

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  12. Congratulations. That is simply awesome news. And, here's hoping, this cycle yields many normal blasts, at least one of which goes on to be the child you were destined to have.

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  13. That is wonderful news! I am so happy for you guys!

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  14. Holy crap! I got busy at work and with my DH's heart problems and you've been busy yourself cranking out 25 eggs! Such FABULOUS numbers!!! :-)

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  15. Super news!!!! I hope it keeps on coming!!!!

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  16. Well explained.It has increased my knowledge.

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  17. Sounds like all good news, and it's wonderful to hear that the clinic/lab is looking after your case so well. That's really reassuring. Keeping my fingers crossed for you both. Best wishes from New Zealand. :D

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  18. Wow! Congrats!

    I love how thorough CCRM is being with your cycles. If we end up having to do IVF, I know where we're going.

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  19. I got goose bumps reading your post...this is fabulous news and this has to be it...((HUGS))

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  20. So happy for you! What a relief to have passed the first hurdle. Hope you've got lots of normally-developing normals in the bunch. Look forward to seeing your next update!

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  21. wow, that is a fantastic fert. number.
    I hope OHSS stays far, far away.

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  22. Most fabulous news!
    Looking forward to another great report from Monday.

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  23. Wow, that's awesome! Congrats!

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  24. That is a GREAT fert report! Congrats! Safe travels home, and I'm keep everything crossed for a good day 3 and beyond.

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  25. Woo hoo for a great fert report--now grow embies grow!

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  26. Congratulations on your great news! I'm so glad that the Denver folks are taking such good care of you. Eagerly awaiting the next report!

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  27. Awesome Mo!!! Fingers still crossed!!!!

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  28. FAntastic news! Hope that the good news keeps on a commin'. I took cetrotide after my last ivf (when I developed ohss) and it worked keeping things from progressing too much.

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  29. The news just keeps getting better and better! I am crossing everything for you guys!

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  30. A GREAT BIG WAHOOOOOO!!!!! Seriously, that's the best news I've heard in a long, long, long time. Can't wait to hear how they're all progressing in a few days, and glad that Doc is keeping that looming OHSS away by all means possible.

    Can't wait to see you - give me a holler when you're back in the city & ready for visitors. We'll have lunch. Or tea. Or a milkshake. (I'm seriously leaning toward the last option...)

    So very happy that everything's going so well to date. Can't wait to hear more.

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  31. I have been away on vacation and am so happy to come back to this great news from you! It sounds like you are off to a fantastic start - what a great report. I hope you made it back home safe and sound and look forward to hearing the Day 3 report!

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  32. That is wonderful news!

    Your experiences with Denver have made me think about giving them a try next time around. :)

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  33. Wow! What a great number! Come on embies, one of you has to be the golden embryo!

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  34. Wow - you hit the motherload! I had 23 eggs and 16 fertilized and thought I did well. I hope this is just the beginning of good news for you!

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  35. Wahoo!!! This is amazing news!! Cannot wait to hear more!

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  36. I am a big CCRM fan. Not just because they got me KU but because in YEARS of reading IF blogs and chat boards, from everything I can tell, they *really* are the best of the best.

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  37. Happy ICLW! I am amazed - If money was no object for us CCRM might have been able to keep me pregnant. Sounds like ya'll have a great chance this go 'round.

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  38. AWESOME!!!!
    truly, holy crap. Go Mo, and Go CCRM, and now, of course, Mo's embryos! holy shit, 18, right out of the gate. Such great news all around.

    Fingers crossed, feeling gleeful,
    so very happy for you!

    xoxo
    Kate

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  39. Wow, Wow and more WOW! That about sums it up, don't you think? This is such great news! I'm really happy for you guys and what a great clinic to do all of this for you. Just wonderful. Sending continued well wishes.

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  40. WoW, so happy for you all. So keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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