Got a call from my nurse coordinator this morning - my RE has given the green light to start the FET cycle. I start the bc pills tomorrow night. My coordinator is putting together my protocol. I've been trying to look on-line to see if I can find any sample protocols and can't really seem to find anything. I think the beginning part is just like a regular IVF cycle - bc pills for 21 days, start Lupron on Day 19 of pills. I just don't know the timeframe for transfer. I know I start the estrace at some point and they do the transfer when the lining is ready. After transfer, it's just like a normal cycle again with the estrace and PIO shots. Normally, I wouldn't be concerned about the timing but we are going to the Outer Banks in NC the last week in August and if I'm calculating correctly, my beta is supposed to be that week. I'm sure they can work around that, right? Maybe do the beta a few days early or worst case, when I get back? I'm sure I'm worrying too much.
While I'm excited to be moving forward, I am very aware of several things with a FET cycle. First, even though we have 3 blasts frozen, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out of thaw. Actually, I read that a more realistic estimate is that only 50% make it. So, we could be left with only one embryo. The 2nd major point is that my chances of getting pregnant drop about 10%; although I'm not a firm believer in statistics any more because I was supposed to have a 65% chance of getting pregnant when we put 2 blasts back last time. The same site that talked about the thaw also said one can expect about a 10-20% success rate for each frozen embryo put back. So, if all 3 make it, I'd have about a 45-ish% chance and if only one makes it, it's not looking so good. I know, I know... it only takes one.
At any rate, we have the 3 and we have to do something with them so I guess now is as good a time as any. If the FET fails, we can still turn around and do a fresh cycle before year-end. I can also see 2 positives: our financial expense with the FET is pretty minimal - the procedure itself is covered by my insurance and the meds are covered by my prescription plan. Second, the FET cycle will give my beaten up ovaries a chance to relax before I subject them to super stimulation again.
I'm still really anxious to have the consultation with Dr. B. on the 22nd; although I suspect she'll probably be scratching her head just like I was. If anything, they might monitor me a little more closely and that can't do anything but help.
3 comments:
Keep us posted on your appointment. It's frustrating but I doubt they can tell you that something went wrong! When we had our wtf appointment with the RE, he just basically said, sometimes you fall on the wrong side of the stats, kiddo. Unfortunate but true. At least you know that you reacted well to the meds and can create good healthy embryos. That's 90% of the battle right there. Anyway, good luck!!
Good luck on moving forward with your FET cycle. Screw statistics. They will only make you crazy. (:
I'm glad to hear that you're moving forward with a FET cycle. I hope you have a great thaw rate, but even with one, you've still got an excellent chance b/c they are blasts. FETs can be very successful! Good luck, hon!
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