20 days of medication & first acupuncture appointment success!

I just wanted to give a little update on how things are going so far. I've been on medication (Lupron & just started Delestrogen on the 10th) for 20 days now. I've surprisingly haven't had any crazy side effects. Don't get my wrong, I am very thankful that I haven't had headaches or insomnia but it makes me question if the medication is working-haha! I'm sure it is and maybe my body is processing it well.

Last night was my second dose of Delestrogen. This is the one where Brandon has to inject it for me in my backside. I felt pretty good about it since the first one went well. But last night after pulling the needle out, it started bleeding. I of course had to ask my surrogate friends if this was okay. And it's completely normal. It just threw my off guard since it didn't bleed the first time. Right after the injection, I massaged it and put a heating pad on it so it would absorb better. It's really been helping! I've heard if you don't massage the area, you can get lumps, bumps and aches. So I don't want to chance it.

Today I met with the Acupuncturist that will be at my transfer. Her name is Morgan with Willow Tree Wellness. I was completely impressed! She is so sweet and easy to talk to. We went over my history and any concerns I had. We talked about the surrogacy and how I'm feeling. Then we proceeded onto the acupuncture. She focused on stimulating my uterus and helping with relaxation. I felt amazing afterwards! I love holistic healthcare. Although I am doing acupuncture for the surrogacy, it's also a wonderful treat for my well being. I have another appointment next Saturday and every week until transfer day and even a couple days after transfer. I want this to be successful so I will do whatever I can to help. I'm still going strong with drinking my Red Raspberry Leaf tea everyday. 3-4 cups a day. My uterus is going to be strong and ready!

I'm so anxious for my appointment this coming up Thursday to check my lining and do more blood work. I hope my lining is nice and thick! Fluffy, fluffy thoughts!

~Surro-mama Angela

1st Delestrogen injection complete!

Moving right along!

Going on week 3 of medications and so far so good. This morning I had an appointment at 9:30am at ORM to test my Estradiol level. (needs to be low to start Delestrogen) at 2:45pm I got a call from Marissa, my coordinator saying that my level is 32 and it's low enough to proceed with Delestrogen, yay!

When I went in for blood work this morning, the lady had a hard time getting my blood. She tried 3 times between both arms and finally handed me off to someone else. She got me her first try (thankfully!) it's the worst when they poke, wiggle around and nothing comes out! I also had them draw circles on my lower back with a sharpie pen to give Brandon a guideline to do the Delestrogen injection this evening. I'm nervous but excited! Everything is moving right long as planned-whew!

22 days until transfer!!!!!

I have blood work and an ultrasound on 3/20, 10 days from now to check my lining and hormone levels. Crossing my fingers my lining is THICK and ready to embrace some embryos! I've been drinking my Red Raspberry Leaf tea everyday now, hoping that it will help thicken my lining. Plus it's very hydrating too.

I will update next week after my appointment. Until then....

Peace, Love & Surrogacy,
~Surro-Mama Angela

Transfer date moved up!

A bit of change in the plans... Brandon's work is sending him and his team to San Francisco on April 7th for a few days for team building. Even though I was born and raised in California, I have NEVER been to San Fran. His work is allowing me to go (along with Ethan since he's free to fly). I really wanted to jump on the opportunity to finally visit San Francisco. Plus, it will be a nice little getaway. My Mom will be staying with the girls at home.

Of course I asked Marissa, my coordinator about traveling after transfer. I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize this whole process, that would just be silly! She left me a voice mail today to let me know that Dr. Hesla said that going to San Fran would be fine, but we would need to push up my transfer date to April 1st. I let her know that would be totally fine. In fact I'm even more excited it's a few days sooner!

Only one of my appointments has changed which is doing blood work. Everything else should stay the same. I'm on day 3 of the medications and I'm feeling good so far. I haven't had any side effects (yet).

33 days until transfer!!!

I have to share these sweet photos of my three blessings.. I couldn't be more proud..

My sweet Elora girl... (4 years & 5 months old)

My light-eyed Eliana girl... (2 years & 3 months old)

My Ethan boy... (almost 9 months)

First day of medication - SUCCESS!

I did it! The day has finally arrived where I start my medication cycle. I have been nervous about it. Not because of the injections since I'm not afraid of needles, but more so the side effects that I've heard other surrogates have had (insomnia, migraines, headaches, moodiness). I will take it day by day and just embrace it all. The good, the bad, the ugly-haha!

38 days until transfer! This is all becoming reality... so excited!

Short but sweet update! Until next time.....

Surro-Mama Angela

My box of medication has arrived...Let the games begin!

I never thought I would be so excited to get a big ol' box of medications and syringes! I was anxiously waiting for the UPS person to drop off my package.

WOW! Holy meds batman!

After I removed all the goodies out of the box!

I sent this photo ^ to my IF's and Brandon. We are all very excited and anxious. There's even antibiotics for Brandon to take. It's a team effort!

I will be starting my meds on Monday, the 24th. Wish me luck and hope that my body cooperates with all the medication. My coordinator at ORM emailed me to let me know that my IF's agreed to have acupuncture done right before and right after transfer. Yay! Better our chances of conceiving. I will also be getting two fertility massages prior to transfer as well.  I want to do anything I can to help the embryos get cozy in my uterus! 

All organized!

I felt so much better after organizing my medications. I even used my fancy label maker! That's when you know I mean business. :)

ORM Visit & TRANSFER DATE!

This is a very exciting blog post! So we've had a snow storm hit Portland and surrounding areas including Beaverton where we live. My appointment was set for 8am this morning at ORM. Brandon didn't think we should risk driving in the snow, but I was SO anxious to go to my appointment. We saw a few cars in our area drive out so we decided to go for it. This was already past my 8am appointment, but Marissa said I could take my time coming in.

I got there around 9:25am and checked in and got called back within minutes. They took my blood pressure and weight. I asked to chat with Marissa before leaving so they put me into one of their conference rooms.

Marissa came in and said that I'm on the right track and my BMI is good to go. Of course she said to continue doing what I'm doing (which is working out, eating healthy, watching what I eat and drinking lots of water). She said that she will put my calendar together and I will start Lupron on February 24th!

.....And transfer date is... 4/4/2014!! (how awesome is this date?!!!) One of my surro friends pointed it out to me. It's got to be a lucky date! I'm SO excited! I messaged my IF's on FB and let them know the good news. They are very excited as well and it's becoming more real to them. And of course to me as well. 

Marissa e-mailed me a couple hours after I left and let me know that since they are under staffed due to the weather, they will e-mail me my official calendar and send over my information to the pharmacy for my medication next week. I'm SO excited to get that e-mail! Time to enjoy this beautiful snowy weekend.

Blessings,

Surro-Mama Angela

Our backyard 2.7.14

Our drive home from ORM this morning 2.7.14

The girls made a snowman with their Papa 2.7.14

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