Our miracle RAINBOW BABY BOY arrived 8/2018

1st IVF = BFN
2nd IVF = Baby A, born May 2015
3rd IVF = Miscarriage at 14 weeks
4th IVF = BFN
After we paid for 5th IVF, positive pregnancy without IVF!

Because the important moments in life just don’t fit in a status update! I started this blog when I was training for my first ½ Ironman, (70.3 miles) to record what I hoped would be growth and progress but ended up being a huge learning experience. Although fitness is one of the key ingredients to a happy life, it certainly isn't the only ingredient. My blog has evolved to document growth, progress and setbacks in other areas too. From my surprise proposal in Rome and wedding in the fall of 2013, to Mom's devastating stage IV cancer diagnosis and death 2 weeks after I found out I was pregnant. Who knows what shape it will take, but thanks for being along for the ride.

Monday, May 8, 2017

IVF #4

I am gearing up for our 4th and final IVF. All IVF cycles have been fresh transfers. We have never had any embryos left over to freeze, although I really wish we did! The cost of a frozen transfer is less than $1,000, while a new complete round runs about $15,000 (with medication). 

Our last IVF was supposed to be our last, but when we found out her little heart had stopped beating, all I could think about was trying again. If I had been able to transfer an embryo the very next day, I would have. While another round is a huge set-back financially, we do not want to wish that we had five years from now.

We were hoping to do this in May, but the proposed embryo transfer (if we are blessed enough to even have any to transfer) would have been the day before her 2nd birthday party, and I am supposed to be on bed-rest. So, we pushed it back one month, and here it is! Today I started birth control pills, and I will start my first stimulation medication in less than a month! I'm really excited and fortunate to have another opportunity to try.

Here is my timeline and protocol:

CETROTIDE STIMULATION INSTRUCTIONS
Megan Swanek
IVF/ICSI/AH
Please contact me to schedule the financial consult with Vanessa.  
The payment for IVF is due by 5/31/17.


  • Start birth control pills on day 3 of May period. Take one pill daily at the same time. Do not take Placeboes. Start new pack if needed. Email me on day 1.
  • Last day of Birth control: 5/31/17.


  • Office visit for Ultrasound and lab 5/31/17. Please bring in the signed consent.
Please review medication teaching online before your appointment at www.freedommedteach.com
  • Please stay on Vitamins
  • Take 1 baby aspirin daily starting 6/6


  • Start stimulation Medications.  _6/5/17     Inject the following stimulation drug(s) daily


PM Drug Gonal-F          375 IU x 10 days
PM Drug Menopur 75IU x 10 days


  • Office Visit for Ultrasound and lab on 6/9/17.


  • Please start Cetrotide in the morning of  6/11/17 (4 days only).


  • Office Visit for Ultrasound and lab on 6/12/17.


  • Office Visit for Ultrasound and lab on 6/14/17.


    • Take Ovidrel injection and start Doxycycline as directed.


  • Anticipated Egg Retrieval on: __6/16/17.   We need your partner’s sample on this day. You will start Crinone, Estrace and Medrol day after the procedure.


  • Anticipated Embryo transfer on Day 5: 6/21/2017.


  • Bed rest for 3 days after Transfer


  • Pregnancy blood test is on    7/3/17

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