The third hurdle in the IVF process (at least for me) is the genetic testing of any embryos that make it to blastocyst stage. This is the step that we weren't able to get past during the first two IVF cycles because the embryos kept coming back with chromosomal abnormalities that meant the embryo would not be viable (having a heart is an important thing). The doctors changed things up a bit with the third cycle so we were able to many more eggs during retrieval than we had in the past, but after getting through the various other hurdles, we still only had two embryos that grew enough to be biopsied and tested for abnormalities.
The testing used to be at an outside facility, but the fertility clinic acquired their own equipment a few months ago and so the testing is now being done in-house. They told me it would still be a two-week wait for results, so I was quite surprised when I received a call earlier today -- I wasn't expecting to hear anything for at least another three days. When I saw the number, I didn't know if any earlier-than-expected call meant good news or bad news. Well, of the two embryos sent out for testing, one came back as "normal" and the other "abnormal."
Do you know what that means? It means we have an embryo that can be implanted and, if everything goes as it should, I'll be pregnant. (Isn't that exactly how you thought people got pregnant?)
The process to get to that magical "P" word is going to take several months, twice-daily pills, and regular injections, but we can move on to the next step!! Basically, nothing starts until the end of August, and then it's going to be a plethora of travel to/from Tallahassee (with a stop in Jax for the transfer) for 2+ months of travel and 3+ months of shots and daily medicines.
Now, none of this is guaranteed. There's a reason why people usually don't share their pregnancies until around 12 weeks, and given that I've never made it this far before, we have NO idea whether or not the transfer will take, if the embryo will continue to grow, or if I'm even able to carry a pregnancy. However, I've been transparent throughout this entire process and I'm not going to stop now. I do ask, however, if we make it to the transfer stage that you do NOT congratulate me on a pregnancy because even after the embryo is transferred into me (assuming we even get that far), there is no guarantee that it will be a successful pregnancy. Maybe I'll relax if I'm able to hit the 3 month mark.
However, I'm THRILLED we finally have one embryo that gives us the ability to move forward to next steps. Well, thrilled and slightly terrified. Keep sending those prayers, positive thoughts, good juju, etc.