The donor-cycle diaries, pt. 1, (how my donor and I got in sync... or didn't).

To anyone who's ever had IVF, this will be a familiar sight. After six IVF cycles, I never failed to be amazed by the size of the haul that arrived each time; not to mention the cost (how much for Gonal F?!).

So, here I am, on IVF cycle #7 which also happens to be Donor Egg cycle #1. Part of the reason I've started this blog, is that I've found a real lack of like-minded voices where Donor Egg cycles are concerned. So, apart from finding this therapeutic for myself, I hope that others will find it useful to hear about my experiences. So here goes.

My Donor and I are embarking on a syncronised cycle (although I confess it still escapes me whether there are any pros/cons to fresh vs. frozen where embryos using donor eggs are concerned). I say syncronised... we started off well, both taking birth control pills to regulate our cycles. I got my period as normal; albeit three days earlier than anticipated... time to start my meds.

On day two of my period, I began daily injections of Fyremadel - pre-filled pens (yay) plus Estradiol patches every other day. (At this point I need to mention that I am needle phobic, so lovely Husb, who is now an expert at jabbing me, duly did the honours). A wave of tiredness kicked in pretty immediately - I don't respond well to medication, particularly of the hormone variety. But, that's OK, it won't be for long and what's a few nights in, in ones PJs, between friends.

Me right now...

As this was going on I eagerly awaited the call to tell me that my Donor had got her period too. Days turned into weeks - two weeks, in fact, when FINALLY, we got the call; Donor was ready to start on her haul of meds. Hurrah, we're off!

According to Nurse Mary, who has known us for many years (and is taking care of both my donor and me) it's no problem for me to hang on while my Donor catches up so to speak - the drugs should take care of that. But, now Donor has started officially, "best we do a scan to see how your lining is coming along" said Mary.

So, on Friday of last week, I popped along to Boston Place for the old familiar vaginal probe and a good old rummage around my uterus. "Your lining looks exceptional" said the consultant. Well... not that I like to brag... but I am known on the London infertility scene for my "exceptional" endometrium... not that it's done me any good so far!

After some post-scan deliberation, Nurse Mary duly informed me that I should carry on as normal. Having finished my daily jabs (x7 days), I'm continuing on the Estradiol patches - one every other day - and will be returning for another vag-probe later this week to see how much more exceptional my womb lining has become.

So far, so good, but it's hard to stay sane when a) suddenly things are out of my hands and b) did I mention that things are out of my hands? Not that I'm a control freak (I AM! I AM! I AM!) but, so far, what I am finding most difficult about this is the constant waiting for news of Donor's progress - and that I have no control over ANYTHING. For the time being, someone else is the leading lady in my life - and it feels WIERD.  Given how my and Donor's lives are now mirroring each other's - it feels counter-intuitive that we are not connected or supporting each other throughout. But, I guess that's what Nurse Mary is for - she's our connective tissue.

So, instead, I've been trying to keep myself busy (mainly by doing this), healthy and relaxed. Easier said than done... but I'm running regularly (albeit slower), eating well and spending lots of time in my comfies watching Netflix. Happy Days. Oh, and I've told all my friends and fam that I'm doing "Sober October"... so that's keeping external pressures at bay, as I find it way too much stress telling people what is really happening.

Anyway, the countdown is now ON. Hopefully, within the next two weeks there will be some eggs in the bank. But, until then, in the style of The Supremes, I'll keep on waiting, anticipating...

I hope you'll stay with me on the journey (but here's something to enjoy in the mean time). 😁 Thanks for reading!