New Year...New Cycle...New Hope

What a better way to start 2012 than officially starting IVF #3.   I got to wake up early (on the last day of vacation) to give myself the first shot of Lupron.  This officially starts my third cycle.   It is also one of the many changes that goes along with this cycle. 

1. New RE:  as I said before, we decided to move clinics and REs after the last failed cycle.  Even though it is pain to have to drive to Boston or Foxboro for all my appointments, there is a lot of comfort coming going to a clinic that is part of a much larger and such well known clinic as Brigham and Womens.   I have a great doctor and a great nurse.   I know they will walk me through this procedure and answer every (often stupid) question that I have.
2. New Protocol:  Our new RE decided to do a different IVF protocol, so out of the seven medications that I will take throughout the cycle I'm only using one that I have used for fresh cycle before.  Everything else is brand new and should help our cycle be successful.   The lupron should help me grow good quality eggs, the medrol and doxycycline should help keep everything healthy once transferred, and the estrace and progesterone in oil should help to keep my lining fluffy and a place the embryos want to stay for a long time.   
3. Assisted hatching:  Another change the RE wanted to make was assisted hatching; something that is done frequently at their clinic.  This is when the embryologist will cut a small hole in the shell of the embryo prior to the embryo being transferred.  This is a common procedure for women with multiple failed cycles. It is believed that the shell can be too hard for even a high quality embryo to break through on its own. The negative about this is that it increases the chances for twinning.  However my dad swears this is how I'm going to get my three kids, all in one swoop.  Let's hope he is wrong.  Three might be a little much in our 1000 sq ft condo.
4. Acupuncture:  Well this isn't exactly new, but it is a return.  After my last cycle, I took a few months away.  While the appointment were always relaxing, I guess I needed a few months where I wasn't getting stuck with any needles.   I went back for my first appointment last week, and this just added to the list of all the new things we are trying this cycle.  He has a new office and has decided to do a slightly new treatment which includes less needles.  I may actually get through this cycle without leaking

With all these new things, I have new hope.  At least at this moment, I feel very similar to how I felt when we started our very first cycle.   I feel as though it will work.  I am very hopeful and positive.   I really hope 2012 is our year and that we get to meet our baby before 2013 hits.

I hope 2012 brings all of you everything that you are hoping for.