Anyone doing FET/IVF in Jan 2013 till everyone's BFP (Everyone Welcome)

[Em260]

Wanabee and Phantom - congrats!!!

Sandy - I'm sorry you're delayed but I agree with the others that it's best to start the cycle with your levels where they should be.

Ali - wow, that it so amazing they not only discoverd your NK cells but were able to test which type of treatment they respond to I think your plan sounds like a good one. It's so good your FS is offering that new test for implantation as well!

First - I've struggled over whether to do another full cycle IVF or just a FET. We've decided to do another full cycle to bank more embryos. My thinking is my eggs are only getting older and it would be good to have more embryos on ice since we would really like to have more than one child. I have low amh so that factored in our decision as well. DH and I sat down and wrote out an actual pro and con list on paper which helped us. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Em260]

I finally got the pathology results and it's good news!! The margins are clear, meaning my doctor got everything during my surgery, and it's the same type of tumor I had last time which has a great prognosis. So no chemo necessary

Excellent news! So happy for you! So does that mean you will do another fresh IVF? Or will you just do a FET?


First - yes, I think I would like to know about that IVF insurance too!

Thanks, Ali!! I'm so so happy right now! This was really the best outcome I could have ever hoped for. We're going for another fresh IVF to bank more embryos. It's so tempting to just do a FET since I know it's so much easier on the body. But I have low amh and DH and I would also like more than one child. Greedy, I know, because I would be lucky and thrilled to have one child at this point. I've had two previous losses due to my blood clotting disorder so that has really pushed my decision as well.

 

[LotusBlossom]

Yay, Em! I am so very happy for you! Your news just made my afternoon!

 

[Em260]

Yay, Em! I am so very happy for you! Your news just made my afternoon!

Aww thanks Lotus!! Just read your update and I'm so happy you can move right to your FET

 

[alicatt]

I finally got the pathology results and it's good news!! The margins are clear, meaning my doctor got everything during my surgery, and it's the same type of tumor I had last time which has a great prognosis. So no chemo necessary

Excellent news! So happy for you! So does that mean you will do another fresh IVF? Or will you just do a FET?


First - yes, I think I would like to know about that IVF insurance too!

Thanks, Ali!! I'm so so happy right now! This was really the best outcome I could have ever hoped for. We're going for another fresh IVF to bank more embryos. It's so tempting to just do a FET since I know it's so much easier on the body. But I have low amh and DH and I would also like more than one child. Greedy, I know, because I would be lucky and thrilled to have one child at this point. I've had two previous losses due to my blood clotting disorder so that has really pushed my decision as well.

I know, I really want to have more than 1 child too. I'm hoping for twins. Some people think I'm crazy as a single woman but I just want to have 2 kids! The other option is for my first FET to work, and to use my last 2 embryos in the future for a second FET. So I guess we will see how things work!

It sounds like you have made the correct decision for your plan too. Especially if you have a history of cancer. Not that we want to see you getting it again, but at least if you bank your embryos you will have a chance in the future for more children even if you have to use a surrogate. Congrats again on the awesome prognosis! !!!!

 

[L4hope]

Em that's fabulous news from your surgery!! Great that you can do another fresh cycle to have more frosties for the future. That's one worry I have with our FET this cycle cuz we will only have one embie left for later IF we get pregnant this cycle. But I just keep telling myself it will be what it will be, and I'll be blessed to have one. Best case scenario is twins for sure. Then I won't have to worry about having money to try for more.

Ali sounds like your re is very thorough and has an excellent plan for your next cycle. I'll be interested to see how the biopsies go for you. I just had an endo biopsy last week to hopefully help with implantation for my upcoming FET.

 

[alicatt]

Em that's fabulous news from your surgery!! Great that you can do another fresh cycle to have more frosties for the future. That's one worry I have with our FET this cycle cuz we will only have one embie left for later IF we get pregnant this cycle. But I just keep telling myself it will be what it will be, and I'll be blessed to have one. Best case scenario is twins for sure. Then I won't have to worry about having money to try for more.

Ali sounds like your re is very thorough and has an excellent plan for your next cycle. I'll be interested to see how the biopsies go for you. I just had an endo biopsy last week to hopefully help with implantation for my upcoming FET.

OOOH.. that was something I wanted to research. Is the biopsy painful? Does it take very long? Did you have any spotting afterwards? I had heard about doing a biopsy to improve implantation, and a few weeks ago my FS said that it was hogwash. Then he suggests this new procedure? I guess it is different as the biopsies are designed to help pinpoint the implantation window which can vary between women, and maybe it is only 2 days long instead of 5? I'll let you know how it goes!

I hope you are feeling better after the biopsy and are getting ready for your FET!

 

[Edamame]

I finally got the pathology results and it's good news!! The margins are clear, meaning my doctor got everything during my surgery, and it's the same type of tumor I had last time which has a great prognosis. So no chemo necessary

Congratulations! That is fantastic news! So glad you don't have to do chemo!

 

[L4hope]

Ali, most that I have seen here have done endo biopsies with an FET cycle but some have done with fresh too. It's done the cycle before your transfer. The "injury" to the lining is supposed to help make the lining more receptive for implantation. Im surprised your fs feels that way but yet is open to the other biopsy study. Who knows? My Fs said they don't do it as standard treatment, but when everything else is looking good they do it to add an extra boost. There are so many factors that go into getting pregnant that I don't even know how they can control a study to pin point what things work and what doesn't. Then you add the differences in each woman. Too many variables. I look at it as why not try something that has obviously seemed to have an impact/work on some women. Just like acupuncture has helped women. I haven't been able to bring myself to do that yet..too darn expensive.

As for the procedure. It's very quick, about 5 minutes all said and done. However it's absolutely UNCOMFORTABLE for about 30 seconds to a minute. They use a catheter to go in for the tissue sample. But then it's over and you feel fine. I didn't have any spotting,
but you can. You can take ibuprofen about an hour before. It's really quite simple. At this point I'm game for giving it a whirl. Wake up uterus, take in these babies!!

 

[alicatt]

Ali, most that I have seen here have done endo biopsies with an FET cycle but some have done with fresh too. It's done the cycle before your transfer. The "injury" to the lining is supposed to help make the lining more receptive for implantation. Im surprised your fs feels that way but yet is open to the other biopsy study. Who knows? My Fs said they don't do it as standard treatment, but when everything else is looking good they do it to add an extra boost. There are so many factors that go into getting pregnant that I don't even know how they can control a study to pin point what things work and what doesn't. Then you add the differences in each woman. Too many variables. I look at it as why not try something that has obviously seemed to have an impact/work on some women. Just like acupuncture has helped women. I haven't been able to bring myself to do that yet..too darn expensive.

As for the procedure. It's very quick, about 5 minutes all said and done. However it's absolutely UNCOMFORTABLE for about 30 seconds to a minute. They use a catheter to go in for the tissue sample. But then it's over and you feel fine. I didn't have any spotting,
but you can. You can take ibuprofen about an hour before. It's really quite simple. At this point I'm game for giving it a whirl. Wake up uterus, take in these babies!!

Sounds like a great plan for you! And your FET is coming up.. just a few more weeks! I have no idea what my FS was thinking, other than he had only just gone to a lecture with the IVI Spain people doing the endometrial biopsy to pinpoint the implantation window. I guess it peaked his interest, and I'm in a situation where this information would be helpful. They are going to pay for most of it, so why not?

to you!

 

[Em260]

I know, I really want to have more than 1 child too. I'm hoping for twins. Some people think I'm crazy as a single woman but I just want to have 2 kids! The other option is for my first FET to work, and to use my last 2 embryos in the future for a second FET. So I guess we will see how things work!

It sounds like you have made the correct decision for your plan too. Especially if you have a history of cancer. Not that we want to see you getting it again, but at least if you bank your embryos you will have a chance in the future for more children even if you have to use a surrogate. Congrats again on the awesome prognosis! !!!!

I don't think it's crazy at all! I have a close friend who is a single mother of twins from IVF. The twins are 8 yrs old now and while it was a little tough in the beginning when they were newborns, she is so happy! And such a great mother and I know you will be too!!

 

[alicatt]

I know, I really want to have more than 1 child too. I'm hoping for twins. Some people think I'm crazy as a single woman but I just want to have 2 kids! The other option is for my first FET to work, and to use my last 2 embryos in the future for a second FET. So I guess we will see how things work!

It sounds like you have made the correct decision for your plan too. Especially if you have a history of cancer. Not that we want to see you getting it again, but at least if you bank your embryos you will have a chance in the future for more children even if you have to use a surrogate. Congrats again on the awesome prognosis! !!!!

I don't think it's crazy at all! I have a close friend who is a single mother of twins from IVF. The twins are 8 yrs old now and while it was a little tough in the beginning when they were newborns, she is so happy! And such a great mother and I know you will be too!!

That is so sweet to say! Thanks!!!! I think when we get to this point, only the people that would make the best parents will continue, I guess I could be wrong, but it takes a lot to get where we are, especially you! I'm sure you will be a fantastic Mom as well!

 

[everhopeful]

Em - fantastic, fantastic news!!

 

[Boofle]

Em I'm so happy for you great news on this cold and snowy morning

 

[FirstTry]

I finally got the pathology results and it's good news!! The margins are clear, meaning my doctor got everything during my surgery, and it's the same type of tumor I had last time which has a great prognosis. So no chemo necessary

Excellent news! So happy for you! So does that mean you will do another fresh IVF? Or will you just do a FET?


First - yes, I think I would like to know about that IVF insurance too!

Em: That is awesome news Congratulations!

Mo & Ali: It's UnitedHealthcare Choice, through my husband's employer. Now, I'm not sure if it's offered with IVF coverage from other employers and the plan costs about $6k-$7k. But I've seen a few other insurance plans that offer 50% coverage. All of these require 2 years of infertility.

Also, Ali, I HATE to say this, but they usually exclude people who are not married. But I think that's based on what the employer has agreed to with the insurer. When I was single and had my eggs frozen, I was paying for a plan with infertility coverage, but they wouldn't cover anything I did. I WAS SO PISSED! That is straight up discrimination, if you ask me.

Anyway, everyone should check the plans available to them to see if there is any coverage.

2 other ideas:
- Try calling UnitedHealthcare to see if they'll sell you an individual plan with IVF coverage
- My clinic offers a program where you can pay a certain amount and it gives you several IVF and FET cycles. If you do not have a baby, you get all your $$$ back. I think it's like $20k, not including meds. There's another plan for 2 fresh cycles and all the FET you can use for, I think, $16k. But you don't get your money back if it's not successful. Check your local clinic for such plans...or suggest one to your FS!!!

Good luck to you

 

[FirstTry]

Ttc: we have 3 frozen embryos from our last cycle. We were going to do a fresh cycle to get as many as possible before I get older (DH's idea), but I'm rethinking that now that we're getting close to starting the cycle. FET sounds much easier on the body. And if it shaves 2 weeks off the schedule, that would be awesome! Does it? I'm still waiting for that answer from my doctor.

Well.. I think it all comes down to your age and your AMH? Were you diagnosed with having diminished ovarian reserve? Are your embryos of good quality?

If you have insurance that allows you to do IVF, then maybe do another cycle in 2013 to get more eggs, then you can do more FET's if it doesn't work, or potentially have more embryos for 2014/15 to have a second shot?

I think you need to sit down with DH and your FS and look at your egg quality, embryo quality, DH sperm, your original infertility issues, the toll a fresh IVF cycle takes on your body, along with any other testing they may want to do, and come up with a decision.

FET does not shave time off your cycle, the type of cycle your FS chooses will possibly shave time. A cycle is either a long lupron cycle where you are on BCP and then lupron then followed by a typical 28 (or so) cycle.
If you skip the BCP and lupron, your cycle is still your normal cycle, that is somewhere around 28 days. The long lupron cycle or a normal cycle can be used in both fresh and FET. So there is no shaving off time (besides skipping the BCP and lupron). It just depends on what your Dr determines is the best protocol for you. His determination will be based upon your hormone levels and whether suppression is necessary prior to your cycle. Suppression is helpful if you have hormone imbalances (PCOS), or are apt to respond too well to stimulation. It is also used in FET, I think to help control your estrogen level so that it doesn't get too high to fast? (this is just an assumption as I have not researched this yet).

If I were in your shoes, and knowing that you have never done a full IVF cycle (that your last cycle was initially an IUI that got pushed into an IVF), and knowing that you paid for insurance for IVF for 2013, I'd go with a full fresh IVF, and get your FS to create a protocol that suits your current fertility issues. With that in mind, you will want him to tailor the cycle to improve embryo quality (if necessary) and improve total quantity (if possible) so you can then do a fresh transfer, and have embryos to freeze for future use! That being said, the final decision is yours, and one you should make with your DH and FS! Tough decisions, but I'm sure you will make the right decision for you!

I have spent many hours researching IVF, the ups and downs, and I have an analytical mind (I problem solve for a living) so I guess it lends itself to understanding IVF. Also, part of my jobs is to convey technical issues in a way that most people would understand. Plus I hope that my thoughts will aid you (and others who may read this in the future). If there is one thing I know, its that IVF is an amazing thing, but so difficult for couples as there is so much left unsaid. Plus there is so much research to do in the field to understand why IVFs fail, and how protocols can be further improved upon.

My hormone levels have all been fine. My embryos are of good quality. DH's s are fine. And I'm a very good responder to the meds (e.g., IUI produced 9 eggs, 8 mature). We are completely unexplained, other than my age.

I have actually done a complete IVF cycle to the point of ER; I froze my eggs when I was single. So, I do have 18 on ice (11 were mature at freezing). We are planning to use those for baby #2. Now, egg freezing is relatively new, so there is no guarantee of how many will survive the thaw and fertilize.

I'm thinking that maybe we try one ESET with the frozen embryos this cycle. If that doesn't work, we can do a fresh. But I'm still very undecided. Need to talk to the doc.

Anyway, I'm spotting now and expect AF on Weds.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Sandy83]

Em, wow that is amazing news I am so happy for you. That has made my day.

Ladies this is starting to be a very lucky thread and hope the good news continues. Not long now for a lot of us having FET in feb. From the look of it feb is going to be a very busy month. Heres to a lot of coming soon xxxxx

 

[Phantom710]

EM--- yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm staying here until I see everyone of you get bfps

 

[LotusBlossom]

I got my FET schedule! I am to continue the BCP that I started on Thurs, start Lupron on Wednesday, and the transfer is scheduled for Feb 20! I'm sure there are other drugs involved, but the nurse didn't mention them. We'll have to leave before even getting the beta, but I am just thrilled that we can do it at all! People travel for their transfers and then travel back home a few days later, right? Is that a normal occurrence or am I confused? I have to fly to AZ maybe 5 days after the transfer. Hopefully that is ok. We're still finding out exact dates, but that is a possibility. I hope my Dr doesn't freak out when we tell him!

 

[wannabeprego]

I finally got the pathology results and it's good news!! The margins are clear, meaning my doctor got everything during my surgery, and it's the same type of tumor I had last time which has a great prognosis. So no chemo necessary

Em, that is such wonderul news!!! I am so happy for you!!!