Saturday, March 28, 2009

Fertile Myrtle

There are definitely benefits of being an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) patient at 29. First of all, I lack the frustration that comes with months or years of trying to conceive naturally. That was very apparent this morning at 7am, as I stood in line with a dozen other women, waiting to be taken back for testing. You see, there are no appointments for these morning tests so everyone wakes up early, U2 concert style, and camps out in the lobby of the office. Needless to say, no one looked very happy to be there and I can't say that I blame them. For me, I was pretty happy to be there, considering there was no chance of getting any bad news. I just showed up, took the tests, and went on my merry way. I also found out that I am moving along quite nicely in the process and should be done earlier that we originally thought. I'm basically the star pupil on the fertility wing of Northwestern hospital.
Another benefit is that I am currently not trying to have a baby, which equals less pressure and stress. We're simply making a back up plan. Just like you'd do if you planned an outdoor wedding in May. The odds are pretty good it might be sunny and clear, but if it rains, you better have rented a tent.
My favorite thing about this process is that even if chemotherapy gets the better of my reproductive system, I could still have a baby that has Seth's lips and sense of humor, and my eyelashes and superhuman abilities. (I'll show you sometime)

So here's what kind of sucks. A)Shots. I have to give myself shots everyday packed full of estrogen. I hope my future children appreciate the fact that I hiked up my dress in the bathroom of an Olive Garden to inject myself with hormones. Why was I in an Olive Garden, you ask? I have no idea. B) My body thinks its pregnant, so if you didn't know me, you might think I'm about three months along. Nothing is more flattering than a huge bloated belly when you are not, in fact, expecting. Awesome. Also, I'm experiencing memory lapses, headaches, crying jags. All that said, I'm glad we're doing it, even if it is necessary to wear sweat pants every waking minute of the day. I'll just pretend its Thanksgiving.

10 comments:

  1. Super human abilities? Vampires?

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are doing such a great job erica - I'm so proud of you!!
    xoxo - hey look, I made a comment AND I managed to get a little picture of myself next to my name in the "follower" section. Finally, I can announce to the world in your comments section that I am a supportive friend and I love you so much!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Girl, as one who just saw you 2 days ago, if you think you look like you're knocked up, then I'm having twins.

    Next time, you should bring a camping chair with cupholders and a mini-cooler to the clinic. Just sayin'.

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh erica, i had no idea. know that i will be praying for you every day!! you are one awesome, beautiful girl-inside and out!! you are also one heck of a writer! i would definitely buy any books that you'd write. thanks for being so vulnerable! love, amie whithead hubbard--fellow chi-o :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. So proud of you!! I am still laughing about Olive Garden??!! Apparently your eggs have a craving for all you can eat salad & breadsticks!! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've come by way of Sarah. You are newly on my mind and heart. Excited to hear of good things still to come on your journey.

    Steph

    ReplyDelete
  7. Erica, I'm so glad I came across your blog. I'm all caught up on your postings and look forward to read more about how you're doing. You (and Seth) are in my thoughts and prayers! I admire you're strength and humor:) xo, shiloh butler-o'rourke

    ReplyDelete
  8. Visiting by way of Sarah and Donya... You sound like such an incredibly strong woman. Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Visiting by way of a tweet left by Steph from Adventures in Babywearing who found you by way of Sarah... if you go to her post about you - you'll be able to read my long comment about my mother-in-law who didn't survive breast cancer because she didn't persist in getting a second opinion. So all I'll say here, is that I'm glad you did persist and I'm sure that your future children will be too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really really enjoy your writing. Just a friend of Robyn's checking this out. So, thank you for being so vulnerable and open.

    ReplyDelete