We got a call early Tuesday morning with an update from our doctor. Out of the five fertilized eggs, four had developed into perfect embryos.

Once again, our doctor reassured us that four strong candidates was a good outcome. For women in my age group, it's routine to transfer five embryos in the hopes that even one will implant and grow. She advised us to transfer all four. We bet the farm ... we're all in. In a couple of hours, the final four would be home sweet home.

Wow, it has been a busy week! Turns out my follicles were growing at quite a clip, and I was told last Thursday at my sonogram that it was time to discontinue injecting the stimulation drugs and "trigger" ovulation. I wasn't expecting to be at that point until next week. We were fast approaching the next big step: egg retrieval.
Photo by Stephanie Dennis

I had developed seven follicles, which my doc called "a satisfactory number." I tried to fight the feeling that I had just received a C grade on my follicle test. They hope to get 6 to 10. Dang follicles! My doc reminded me "it only takes one egg." It's amazing how even the smallest communication can affect my state of mind. There is such a balancing act going on in my head. I am spinning plates of hope and excitement, but also plates of fear and holy crap, too.

Photo by Stephanie Dennis

After a week of eyeballing the pile of drugs on my kitchen counter, it was finally time to roll up my sleeves and roll down my waistband. Injection day had arrived. I was trying not to be nervous but was definitely feeling overwhelmed. We're talking needles and drugs here. I couldn't goof it up. It didn't help that my lab partner/husband was out of town. I realized I needed to call for back up.

My friends Kristine and Adrienne came to the rescue. They are the kind of gals that know how to tackle a challenge. I had devoted time that day to review the process and prep all my supplies. I would be mixing two different drugs, creating a cocktail that would be injected into my tummy. The mixing part had me a bit flustered. One syringe for this, another for that. Drawing needles vs. injecting needles. And then there was the dreaded air bubble!