Donor Update part II

Here is the update from the clinic:

The size of these 10 follicles is optimal around 16 mm. There are 5 follicles, which are smaller, so it is hard to say, if there will be mature eggs. Maybe the number of retrieved eggs will be higher than 10, we will see on Thursday.

Our room at Penzion Uno

I started my lovenox shot tonight and my steroids in anticipation of the intralipid infusion in the morning. Then after that I meet the doctor and do and ultrasound and blood work.

Today was fun but exhausting. We hired a guide to drive us from Budapest to Zlin and to stop at towns a long the way. We were in three different countries in one day. As an American, that just amazes me

We made it to Zlin at about 6pm. We quickly checked into our room and headed downstairs for dinner. Happily, a couple sitting next to us introduced themselves and we struck up a conversation. They are cycling here too from the States. They had already been to the clinic a few times so filled us in on how everything works.  Hopefully with all the anxiety, I will be able to get some sleep because I am so tired. Below is a picture of our room.

Thanks for reading,
HEATHER

Budapest part II

We had a lovely day in Budapest. We hired a guide to show us around the city. We enjoyed the sites and it was nice to take our minds off of things for a bit.

At one point she showed us these pretty painted eggs called good luck eggs.  She said they were leftover from Easter. She then told us a fable of when men would go around on Easter Eve and visit the women in the village 'watering' them with his seed. The women would repay this favor by giving them these chocolate eggs.  So now they have painted eggs called good luck eggs that are also good luck for fertility.

I ran out and bought one as soon as I could.  I hope our good luck egg works :)

Thanks for reading,
HEATHER

Budapest

We safely made it to Budapest. We had no issues with security and the duffle bag full of medications and syringes which was good.  We asked our doctor for a travel letter to be on the safe side, but we were fine.

On the plane I traveled with a radiation blocking blanket on my lap. I had heard from my acupuncturist that there is a small chance of that the tiny amount of radiation on a plane collapsing you lining so I wore it just in case. Plus I already owned it. I wear it on my lap at home when I use my laptop.

The only issue we have had in Budapest has been the food. Ryan has found some really great meals but I have been struggling. The first evening we went to a traditional Hungarian restaurant recommended to us by the hotel. I told them I need a vegetarian and gluten free option. They called ahead and the restaurant said they did have something for me but when we got there they didn't. For dinner I had a side salad and my entree was grilled mushrooms in like a cup of olive oil. Tonight we had researched and found the only 100% gluten free restaurant. I was excited to order a veggie burger buy it was really just lettuce and tomatoes between two gf buns. Oh well, more Kind bars for me.

I'm still only on supplements and oral estrodiol, no injections yet so I'm happy.

Thanks for reading,
HEATHER

Donor Report #1

Today is the day. I am typing this sitting at the airport waiting for our flight to board. I checked my email and we have our first donor update.

Your egg donor has an ultrasound check-up yesterday.

Her reaction is in my opinion very nice. She has from 6-7 follicles on both ovaries, so the number of retrieved eggs can be around 10- 14 eggs. It is normal that there cannot be retrieved egg from each follicle.

The follicle size absolutely correspond to the 6th day of her hormonal stimulation so she can continue with the same dose of medication until the next check up scheduled on Monday.

We are happy with the news but still feeling very anxious.

Thanks for Reading,
HEATHER

We Have a Green Light

We are officially moving forward with our cycle in the Czech Republic.  Today I went for an ultrasound with our clinic here in San Diego and was given the green light.  Our clinic in the Czech Republic require a lining of 7 or higher after being on estradiol for 10 days.  Today marked day 10 so off to the clinic I went at 8am.  My lining measure 10.5 and we measured 3 times to make sure.  As a side note my AFC was 9.  I swear they were just there mocking me.  So I sent off my ultrasound pictures and results and received an email back from my clinic in the Czech Republic saying:

Your lining is excellent. Please, continue with the medication schedule without any change.

 Look forward to see you soon.

So off to the Czech Republic we go.  First we are heading to Budapest to get in a quick 4 day vacation before the whole process starts.  Here is our anticipated timeline:

April 9th - 12th - Budapest
April 13th - Ultrasound and Blood work at the Zlin clinic to make sure my lining and estrogen and progesterone levels are correct
April 14th - Egg retrieval from donor
April 15th - 18th Vienna
April 19th - transfer
April 19th - 22nd - bed rest in BRNO
April 23rd - home

We appreciate all the love and support we have recieved.  We can really use your prayers and well wishes in the next several days especially on the 19th.  CZ is 9 hours ahead so we are guessing our transfer will happen at around 1am or 2am west coast time.

Thanks for Reading,
HEATHER

Walk of Hope

Back in January 2015, I volunteered to Chair a Walk of Hope and bring the walk to San Diego.  After many months and hours of works, a great committee of volunteers, an amazing Co-Chair and an awesome network of family and friends, the walk finally came to fruition.

The inaugural Walk of Hope took place on March 12th in NTC Park at Liberty Station.  I arrived at the park just in time to see the sunrise. What a beautiful way to start the day.

This was the first time I have Chaired a walk and last minute fears of nobody showing up kept me awake the night before.  But as the sun rose, folks started showing up. Then it was full speed ahead, getting everything set up.

We did a few activities before the walk started including a yoga warm up. Then the Co-chair of the walk gave a very moving speech about her journey and why she walks.  I said a few words but mainly just thanked everyone for their support. This roller coaster of a ride is so difficult, but being surrounded by friends and family and feeling the love and supports definitely helps make each step a bit easier.

I had a walk team and I had 42 people on my team. How awesome is that!!! Our team was called Team Love Haight and I had the cutest t shirts made.  Not all are shown in this photo.  next year I want to make sure I get a photo of everyone.

Next , to my surprise, RESOLVE presented me with a medal and thanked me for all my efforts. I have to admit that was pretty darn special, I mean how often are you called a hero???




After the award ceremony, Elizabeth and I started the walk and our husbands joined as well as her two children. What a great feeling to turn around and see how many folks were on the walk with us.

Afterwards my parents hosted a Team Love Haight luncheon at Slater's 50/50.  Ryan's sister and her family drive all the way from Rancho Cucamonga to show their support.  My parents friends joined as well. My brother and Grandmother were also there.

At the end of the day I feel so blessed to have the support that we do. Thanks to all those that walked and donated to the first inaugural Walk of Home.

I am excited to start working on the Second Annual Walk of Hope. Stay tuned for details about that in the coming months.











After the San Diego Walk of Hope we headed up the following week and helped out at the LA Walk of Hope.  Thanks to our LA friends for coming out and supporting us at that walk.

Thanks for Reading,
HEATHER

Meet Our Donor

We are 7 weeks away from our transfer date.  Things are getting all too real.  I am equally excited and terrified. 

Here is our donor profile.  Ryan and I are really pleased with our match.  In the Czech Republic there is something called the anonymous law which means we will never see a picture or meet our donor.  The following statistics is all we will ever have.  When we were deciding between the CZ and the US as to where to cycle next we knew that we would never see a picture of the donor.  At the end of the day, we preferred this option.  The files you see in the US are pages and pages long and you see several pictures of the donor.  I was afraid that once I have a child that I would see that donor in them.  Without seeing a donor pic, it’s more like reading a good book, I can hold on to this perfect idea in my head of what the donor looks like but I won’t see her actual face.

Here is our donor profile:

• Our donor is a 23
• blue eyes
• brown hair
• 165 cm tall (5’4”)
• weight is 55 kg (121 lbs)
• blood type is A+ (the same as mine)
• She is a bachelor - graduated midwife.
• She is currently about to get her masters.
• She is described as fit and slim and loves sports, especially tennis and volleyball.
• She is proven, it means, that she donated successfully once before.
• She is very responsible, nice, intelligent and communication with her is excellent.

Thanks for Reading,

HEATHER