Back from the Beach...Running Hot & Cold

Happy Monday readers!

Wow...so much has changed since my last post.  As usual, I've been summer slacking, but, I do have a good reason for that as George and I were on vacation at our beach house in Sea Isle, New Jersey.  Here's a picture of our little living room there.

Our beach digs with our current "baby," Oliver.

Running Hot...And Cold?
Since my last post, Ashley and I both began our Lupron to throw us into menopause.  This is to get our cycles in sync with one another.  Since we began our injections, Ashley and I have both been experiencing hot flashes.  Even more interesting?  We both have colds!  When Ashley sent me a text that we both officially have colds, I thought to myself, "Of course we do!  Everything else is the same about us...why not this?!"  So, hot flashes and summer colds in August?  No problem...I'll take it if it gets us where we need to be!

Last week Ashley had an ultrasound and lab work, and, her Lupron kicked in perfectly, so, it was time for her to add a new hormone to her daily regimen...go Ashley!!!  That's added some rather difficult headaches to her side-effect list, but, rather than speak for her, I'm going to add an updated post from her when she emails it to me tomorrow.

Emotional Roller Coaster
From the day we started our journey, everybody we've worked with has insisted we only think positively, so, that's what we're doing.  Still, now that things are quickly moving along, I will admit to being terrified.  What if our first attempt doesn't take?  What if they don't get as many eggs from me as they anticipated?  Our transfer is in less than three weeks; at this stage of the game, I think it's fair for me to worry.  But, as George says, he's "cautiously optimistic," and, I'm doing my best to think that way too.  I know in the back of my mind if our first attempt does not succeed, we'll simply try again, and, our doctor, IVF nurse, Reproductive Coordinators...you name it...they've all said the same thing..."We're not even going to think about that right now."  They are right, as is George, as they all remind me to just take one day at a time so I don't become overwhelmed and hyperventilate.

More Questions Answered
While I was at the beach this weekend a few of my friends asked me some good questions - questions a lot of people have probably wondered - but were just afraid to ask.  I'm not one to shy away from honesty, so, here goes...

Q) Did you give birth to your first two children?  Why do you need a surrogate?
A) Yes, I did give birth to my first two children during my first marriage.  A few years after my second child was born, my Endometriosis flew out of control - at one point, I had my period for four weeks, and I can remember having pain so strong I could not sit during meetings at the office (I  had to stand).  Thinking I was finished having children, I began to seriously consider having a hysterectomy.  At that same exact time, I conceived and somehow managed to carry an ectopic pregnancy that was so large, my left fallopian tube began to rupture.  I considered that a sign from God, so, when I went into the operating room for surgery to remove my left fallopian tube, I chose to have my uterus and cervix removed as well.  I kept my ovaries due to my fear of menopause.  A few years later I began to question that decision when my left ovary twisted (formally known as an ovarian torsion).  That ovary could have been removed, but, my doctor knew I was investigating gestational surrogacy at that time. So, he worked his magic and managed to staple my ovary back into place.

Q) If you don't have a uterus, why are you on fertility treatments?
A) As I mentioned above, I kept my ovaries during my two earlier reproductive surgeries. Therefore, even though I have no uterus, I do have two ovaries for my reproductive doctor to retrieve my eggs from.  So, my ovaries are being overstimulated to release as many eggs as possible, and, the eggs will be surgically removed in about two weeks.  From there, an embryologist will inject my little eggies with George's swimmers, and, the embryos that mature the best will be transferred into Ashley's uterus a few days later.

Q) I think you're a saint to do this.
 A) I'm not kidding!  Some people...actually a lot of people, have said that to me!  I'm not a saint...without a doubt, that prize goes to Ashley.  I'm just a mother doing what is necessary to make a George and Suzi baby.  :)

Hmm...I guess that's it for now.  Boring post, I know.  I can't help it...menopause drugs, a cold, vacation hangover...I'm tired!

Cheers!