The Eight Celled Wonder

Alot has happened this week, and of course new challenges were thrown our way. Things were going too well I suppose. On my daily visits to the stirrups, the doctors continued to rave over my gorgeous follicles, and my E2 levels rose nicely. We scheduled the egg retrieval for Monday, dreaming through rose colored glasses of 16 perfect eggs from my 16 follicles, and having our choice of perfect embryos to transfer with plenty left over to freeze. Ha! How naive of us.

Fast forward to the hazy demeral laced moments when I woke up in recovery. My husband was there, and I was aware of people coming and going. I also noticed one of those mauve kidney-shaped puke pans resting on my chest. Had I been throwing up while I was still out of it? And more importantly, if I were to throw up now, how am I supposed to ensure it goes into this tiny little container?

In comes the nurse, and in her very sweet and compassionate voice she tells my husband they only retrieved 4 eggs. Four. Out of 16 follicles. What the fuck? Cue the tears. I am beyond frustrated. How did this happen? The doctor comes in and repeats the news, adding that he was quite surprised with the outcome and basically has no answers as to how or why it happened. But he reminds us not to give up hope. There is still a chance with the 4 we got.

We go home. I puke. Sleep most of the day. Feel hopeless and pathetic. The next day does not go much better. I refuse to get out of my pajamas until I hear the fertilization report from the doctor, as I'm afraid he'll call if I get in the shower or dare to leave the house. He doesn't call until after 3 pm. Report: only 1 egg fertilized. We will have to wait and see how it does over the next 24 hours before deciding about transfer. Still, he has no answers as to what could have caused this, and in my mind I hear him saying the words "donor eggs" in a future conversation. I am crushed.

Wednesday brought better news. Our one embryo was thriving and looking great. Transfer would take place the next day. We're still in the game! Meanwhile I am in constant excruciating pain and am worried about OHSS. The nurse assures me what I'm feeling is probably normal and not to worry too much. Still, it hurts like a bitch and I was stupid and overdid things that day, only making it worse.

Thursday morning the embryologist comes to meet with us before the procedure and says our embryo is perfect. Eight tiny cells, great quality. Here - see for yourself.
Isn't that the most adorable ball of cells you've ever seen? I was thrilled when they gave me this picture. They also let us keep the petri dish, though I'm not quite sure what to do with it....

So, our one perfect little embryo has been safely returned to its rightful home, where hopefully it will nestle in for a long stay. The dreaded 2ww begins!