So, with my period - I now need to get bloodwork out of the way. I set up an appointment this Friday to get that done (Day 3 testing it's called).
"As part of a basic fertility work-up, your doctor will likely order blood work to check your FSH levels, specifically on day 3 of your menstrual cycle. Sometimes called the Day 3 FSH test, it is a simple blood test meant to measure the amount of FSH in your bloodstream.
FSH, otherwise known as follicle stimulating hormone, is a hormone that tells oocytes, or premature eggs, to begin growing. Each oocyte is contained within a follicle, or little fluid sac. The growth and development of the oocytes is the first part of the process that will, ideally, lead to ovulation."
Then, the doctors create my protocol and order my medication. Then I freak out, shit my pants, and get ready to party.
No, but really.
Here is our schedule + or - a couple of days:
Apr 9 - Start BCP
Apr 26 - Stop BCP
Apr 29 - Start stimulation meds
May 4 - Add antagonist meds
May 10 - Egg Retrieval
May 15 - Day 5 Blastocyst Transfer
If this were the case, my fancy iphone IVF wheel app tells me the following:
Due Date: End of Jan/Beginning of Feb
End of First Trimester: end of July
End of Second Trimester: end of October
So, if that's the case, I'll be my biggest in the coldest of weather and that sounds fanfuckingtastic to me. Big long bulky sweaters and coats and not having to sweat out the four days of unbelievable hotness we have every summer? Sign me up.
In emotional news, I feel a little weepy knowing this is my last unmedicated menstrual cycle. I'm a huge fan of my Womanness and it feels less so when under the control of hormones. In fact it feels quite out of control. So, I shall live up these next 4 weeks or so, and by that I mean taking baths when I want, relaxing when I want, living up my last remaining weeks being solely on loan to Jonah, and try to just appreciate. Which often seems like the biggest challenge in itself.
These cramps feel good, and I think you know what I mean.
