For those of us counting, here are some key numbers over the past 10 (yes, ten) days..

787 – number of miles we’ve driven back and forth to Cincinnati
21 – number of hormone shots I’ve taken
4 – ultrasounds
6 – times I’ve had my blood drawn

When you add all that up, know what you get? A RETRIEVAL DATE! hip hip hooray!  We are all set for our egg retrieval on Thursday! Initially, we were aiming for Monday, January 12 but due to my low number of follicles, the doc wanted to keep me on the highest dose of Gonal F and Cetrotide for a few more days to keep the follicles growing. Think quality over quantity in my case. We now have about five good follicles to work with and I’ve been in constant communication with God to keep His hand on all five little follies. After the egg retrieval, we will do the transfer 3-5 days later and from there, we wait!

Over the course of my 21 shots, I can say I am now not afraid of shots or needles and my bloated tummy looks like a battlefield with all its bruises and red welts. As far as side effects go, I’ve experienced three day long migraines, an unquenchable thirst, some expected cramping/soreness and the normal hot flashes. I was not expecting it to be as physical as it’s been but that’s one more thing to add to the list of lessons learned.

Tonight, I will take my final injection which is the Ovidrel to get my eggs to release and fully prepared for the egg retrieval 36 hours after the shot. In the past two weeks, I have become so used to taking shots that the thought of only popping two prenatal vitamins tomorrow will feel like nothing, which is fine by me!

Of course I am full of every emotion possible as we embark on the first official procedures for IVF. I never thought I’d be one to tell this side of the story but in that, I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn to put all trust in God and know His plans for me are perfect. His overall vision of my entire life down to each tiny detail has been created just for me. While it’s not the easy path I would’ve picked, I’m full of faith and grace that it’s the perfect path He laid for no one but me.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7