tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post6337537934692937945..comments2024-01-02T06:57:26.352-05:00Comments on Life and Love in the Petri Dish: Decisions, decisions: tough choices on transfer dayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-41092730517407052242009-03-13T01:12:00.000-04:002009-03-13T01:12:00.000-04:00You may know enough about my story... but in case ...You may know enough about my story... but in case you don't know the details, we had a total of 39 ferts. Seven made it to blast over our several cycles, four of those were considered "borderline" or not of good enough quality to transfer (we made them transfer anyway). I am also over 35. PGD showed that we had complex chromosomal abnormalities. After multiple failed cycles we transferred the four we had saved up over three cycles (2 of which were "unsuitable" for freezing)... and, well, you know what happened... quintuplets. I was not wiling to have SR but did eventually miscarry the identical twins.<BR/><BR/>I agree with those who have said there is no easy answer. Looking back, I would have made the same decision again with the information that I had at the time. That is all you can do, make the most informed decision you can... and follow your gut.<BR/><BR/>Wishing you wisdom and peace.<BR/>Good luck!SassyMamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00018022347771467869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-47550175800569104182009-03-12T21:56:00.000-04:002009-03-12T21:56:00.000-04:00By now you've decided and are well on your way int...By now you've decided and are well on your way into the 2WW, but I wanted to say that no, none of these questions are easy to wrangle with, and with your history and everything I don't think I would have any idea what the *right* thing to do is. But since I am older, have less time, I would gamble toward the many rather than the few should I get to choose, but with 4 follicles in the game this round, there will not be "many" anythings. Good luck with everything-- and I hope you are resting tonight with the feeling that good things are possible. Wishing you well. --KateKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12533501052787233233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-18650149782353665952009-03-12T20:27:00.000-04:002009-03-12T20:27:00.000-04:00I went in to transfer thinking we'd put in two. My...I went in to transfer thinking we'd put in two. My RE pushed for 4 and that's how many we agreed to, which resulted in a singleton. I was shocked he was really pushing for 4, but I'm glad we did. Our own reasons were:<BR/>1) over 35<BR/>2) thin lining, only reaching 7mm<BR/>3) scar tissue in uterus from 4 uterine surgeries.<BR/><BR/>Good luck in making your decision. It sucks that the chick in the news makes us question ourselves even more now.nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04479202205264710056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-4187675073376682272009-03-12T20:16:00.001-04:002009-03-12T20:16:00.001-04:00I wish there was an easy answer for you, but there...I wish there was an easy answer for you, but there's not I guess. I think whatever you choose and feel in your heart is the right answer.Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15844319222032025685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-37458480010406537982009-03-12T20:16:00.000-04:002009-03-12T20:16:00.000-04:00Thinking of both of you today and wishing that you...Thinking of both of you today and wishing that you have a great transfer. We transferred 3, 3 days, 4 survived the thaw and the fourth looked a little odd.Nadinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08219960725085412879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-54000362375467452902009-03-12T19:47:00.000-04:002009-03-12T19:47:00.000-04:00You are right...there are no easy answers. I wish...You are right...there are no easy answers. I wish there was a crystal ball, and you could see how everything is going to turn out....so you would just KNOW how many to put back.<BR/><BR/>Thinking about you and hoping you are at peace with whatever decision you make.kirkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05331709444353352373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-48172759030852522202009-03-12T17:34:00.000-04:002009-03-12T17:34:00.000-04:00I have read a lot of research on this and will be ...I have read a lot of research on this and will be happy to send you the articles if you're interested.<BR/><BR/>In general, the recommendation in women who are over 35, with previous unsuccessful cycles is to be less conservative than transferring just one or two embryos.<BR/><BR/>Personally, I transferred four embryos four times - it was standard at the time (1993-95) and got pregnant twice, once with one and once with twins (all made it to term).Rachel Inbarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06605780418673759318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-13019905816339476122009-03-12T15:57:00.000-04:002009-03-12T15:57:00.000-04:00I'm thinking of you both on this oh-so-important d...I'm thinking of you both on this oh-so-important day.<BR/><BR/>Also, I've given you (both!) an award on my blog. Maybe it will give you something to do during your two week wait!Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16185955049094204441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-68649795269572393002009-03-12T15:13:00.000-04:002009-03-12T15:13:00.000-04:00yikes, what a decision. Personally, I would wait t...yikes, what a decision. Personally, I would wait to hear about embryo quality(and compare that to before). I wouldn't be able to handle transferring more than 4. But, it is a case by case thing. I know someone whose RE transferred 4 blasts(!) b/c of her history, and 1 took.<BR/><BR/>Good luck.poppy.f.seedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16554720099031063747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-19930881258188180472009-03-12T13:40:00.000-04:002009-03-12T13:40:00.000-04:00I will be keeping you in my prayers and sending lo...I will be keeping you in my prayers and sending lots of Baby Dust your way. Think positive and follow what your heart tells you is the right thing to do at that very moment :)<BR/><BR/>Good luck and keep us posted. get LOTS of rest when you get back home.<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/>TracySoko's Journey to Parenthoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14253526662646351759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-28597029424136924432009-03-12T13:25:00.000-04:002009-03-12T13:25:00.000-04:00I think there's another issue, though I'm not sure...I think there's another issue, though I'm not sure if it complicates or simplifies matters -- at what point does transfering "one more" embryo not improve your chances of getting a take-home baby? There are strong cohort effects in cycles (i.e. the probability of pregnancy is "low" but the probability of any pregnancy realized being a twin pregnancy is "high."), and of course SR (etc.) reduces the probability that any of the embryos that implant will survive to viability (relative to not needing SR in the first place, not necessarily relative to not using SR if it's indicated). <BR/><BR/>For me, these two facts combined have led me to think that many of us transfer too many embryos much of the time -- taking on more risk for little benefit, on average. But of course you're not interested in average and your case is unique, so I'm not sure how helpful that is. I hope you can make a decision that you are both comfortable with and one that is the "right" decision in terms of its outcome.Alexicographerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06029216139568740202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-15115927580117283522009-03-12T13:18:00.000-04:002009-03-12T13:18:00.000-04:00EJW,We considered PGD after our first loss and hav...EJW,<BR/><BR/>We considered PGD after our first loss and have been told by multiple centers that PGD would not help in our case and has not been shown to improve pregnancy rates when the issue is aneuploidy. the biopsy procedure is so damaging to the embryos and has a high error rate, due to mosaicism in early embryos. <BR/><BR/>MoMohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01671855540466269330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-37565063646210712172009-03-12T13:12:00.000-04:002009-03-12T13:12:00.000-04:00Can I ask why PGD wasn't an option? To me, it see...Can I ask why PGD wasn't an option? To me, it seems natural given your chemo/chromosomal history.<BR/><BR/>But it sounds like that ship has sailed, and now you're on to the difficult decision.<BR/><BR/>I'd say no less than two. When would do you consider or do SR? four? Maybe that means three's your max?<BR/><BR/>An upper limit is so hard - I'm very curious what your doctor says. I can absolutely see why he's pushing you to be aggressive, but he's not the one who has to follow those consequences downstream.EJWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14157607137706265636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-17014664891253496192009-03-12T12:40:00.000-04:002009-03-12T12:40:00.000-04:00Ain't that the truth! We've always transferred as ...Ain't that the truth! We've always transferred as many as made it to day 5 (only one blast usually), and got pregnant once, but not the other time. I remember inteh beginning when this all seemed so possible, my husband argued for 1--needless to say, we've always done 3.<BR/>Best of luck with your tricky decision.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-50404110733869681842009-03-12T12:06:00.000-04:002009-03-12T12:06:00.000-04:00Mo - there are no easy answers and it is even hard...Mo - there are no easy answers and it is even harder getting to a decision. I feel your pain and had I had more than three to put back today (which is what we put back) I would have tried to put more back. <BR/><BR/>XOXO thinking of you and looking forward to your update. I know we do not know each other but I will be around in this blogsphere to support your decisions - on transfer, on selective reduction, on whatever.<BR/><BR/>Good luck.Meinsideouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001196898695554746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-83155067572708320572009-03-12T11:44:00.000-04:002009-03-12T11:44:00.000-04:00As with most life decisions that matter there rare...As with most life decisions that matter there rarely is ever an easy answer. Not having been through IVF (but being infertile)it is hard to feel "qualified" to offer an opinion. Having read so much of your story here and your history and knowing how much you truly want to be parents why not be a bit more aggressive than you might normally otherwise. Four? Five? Whatever you choose I am sure it will be the best choice for you. I will keep you in my prayers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-14467358369106075932009-03-12T10:18:00.000-04:002009-03-12T10:18:00.000-04:00Thinking of you and wishing your peace, wisdom &am...Thinking of you and wishing your peace, wisdom & guidance in making your decision...Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08740939355597069712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-3758528813547292522009-03-12T10:15:00.000-04:002009-03-12T10:15:00.000-04:00Mo, this is such a difficult decision, and the stu...Mo, this is such a difficult decision, and the stupid octomom has made it just that much harder. For someone with your history and age it MIGHT be the best to put in 6, but for her it was ridiculous. And are you willing to do SR? I know my first IVF we only put in 1 (we actually only had one, and from DE!). I have uterine problems and and only carry a singleton. And, we were using those magical DEs, from a nubile (or not so) young thing. But this time I have doubts, should we try 2? I don't have to decide until next week, but I'm right with you as you agonize over this choice. Good luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-48769405279883133752009-03-12T10:12:00.000-04:002009-03-12T10:12:00.000-04:00Yes, most definitely a difficult decision. It suc...Yes, most definitely a difficult decision. It sucks to have to decide this. <BR/><BR/>Like you said, give the history... the chances of more than 2 or 3 even taking it low... I'd go as high as they'd allow. Although, like you earlier on, I know I couldn't reduce. <BR/><BR/>I really hope the discussion w/ your doctor this morning helps & may you have peace w/ your decision at transfer time & beyond.<BR/><BR/>Thinking about you today lots.Rachie Pachiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14972099942877997058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-85050544800660010492009-03-12T10:04:00.001-04:002009-03-12T10:04:00.001-04:00I have never done IVF (but will be in the next mon...I have never done IVF (but will be in the next month or so) but I just wanted to comment...Just remember your health as well - Im assuming the more you put back - IF all took it puts your life in jeapordy as well. I think without knowing anything about IVF but only knowing what friends have done - at your age why not put 3? I am not sure if that is too much or too little but it seems like a good number to me...<BR/>I wish you the MOST luck today and look forward to hearing your decision!!!<BR/>Hugs!Melissa Griffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09576192288846591203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-47778636782814011162009-03-12T10:04:00.000-04:002009-03-12T10:04:00.000-04:00I have never done IVF (but will be in the next mon...I have never done IVF (but will be in the next month or so) but I just wanted to comment...Just remember your health as well - Im assuming the more you put back - IF all took it puts your life in jeapordy as well. I think without knowing anything about IVF but only knowing what friends have done - at your age why not put 3? I am not sure if that is too much or too little but it seems like a good number to me...<BR/>I wish you the MOST luck today and look forward to hearing your decision!!!<BR/>Hugs!Melissa Griffinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09576192288846591203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-38302113080121992192009-03-12T08:13:00.000-04:002009-03-12T08:13:00.000-04:00There is no good answer. I told you in the past I ...There is no good answer. I told you in the past I transferred 6 on my 4th IVF. I was desperate and my embryos were low quality. I won't do it again. That being said only one of those six really took and it was normal (the other that took had turners). It is scary to consider either prospect... no baby or too many. Will they call you in advance and tell you how the embryos are doing? Dr. S did this which was nice to be prepared walking into the room especially since for my first ET I got the ice princess and she didn't want to talk to me at all (god forbid the patient have questions about the embryos they have been through hell to make and gone into debt for). I hope you have a healthy baby from this cycle no matter what is transferred. Take care.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5160381109996491098.post-73580805121061026212009-03-12T07:56:00.000-04:002009-03-12T07:56:00.000-04:00I think the biggest part of the question you pose ...I think the biggest part of the question you pose is when would you do selective reduction...with twins? triplets? quads? or only more? Personally, given our poor embryo quality, we've put back 3 the last two times, knowing odds really aren't in our favor for all of them sticking. If I would have had four, I probably would have put four back. But we set our limit at four, mostly because we've never had more than that to consider. If we had, the question would be the selective reduction one--and I know we wouldn't even consider it until there were more than four actually babies in there. Maybe that's a place to start? <BR/><BR/>Thinking about you guys all day...keep us posted!Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03929532974271442167noreply@blogger.com