Now That IVF is Really Here

It has taken a couple of days, but I have finally wrapped my brain around the idea that we really are doing IVF, and right now. I have made, and come to terms with, this decision several times before, however, something has always held up actually going forward. For now, I have run out of things to stall IVF. Of course, once we get going I could get stalled again, but for right now things are going forward and that is what I have to focus on.

I spoke with the nurse on Monday and here is the plan. Next Wednesday I will start using ovulation tests and I am to call immediately when I get a surge. A couple of days later I will start taking estrace, or something like that. It's just a pill so I can handle that. After a week or two of that I will start all of the injections. We are looking at retrieval and transfer being the second week of October. Wow, rereading this paragraph makes it look like this will just be so easy. Rest assured that I have left out tons of details! However, I am really going to try to make this simple so that my poor little brain doesn't simply explode.

I also went to another support group meeting on Monday night. There were a few more people there this time and the whole thing was really great. I enjoyed meeting everybody and I can't wait for the next meeting towards the end of September. It's so nice being able to chat about this stuff face to face with people who actually know what I am talking about. One thing I just can't handle anymore is talking face to face with people who don't really know what I'm talking about, but proclaim that they do. So not helpful!

Just in case I'm making this all sound doom and gloom, there are really some great things for me to be excited about right now:
1) This is my best chance to get pregnant.
2) My thyroid panel came back normal, so that is one less thing to worry/obsess about.
3) My friend Meghan just gave me a boatload of Follistim! There just aren't thanks enough to thank for a wonderful blessing like that.
4) Since my "official" job is as a substitute teacher I can have off all of the time that I want or need during the next 2 months. My doctor's office is so far away that any day that I have an appointment is a day that I can't work. Sure, money is nice to have and all, but with all that we are investing here financially and emotionally, I'm not going to jeopardize anything for less than $100 a day. So, I plan to take off as much time as I need to stay well rested and sane.
5) My tutoring schedule is full so it makes it easier to pass up sub jobs, yet I am still able to easily make morning doctor and acupuncture appointments.

And these are some of the things I am doing to manage my stress level:
1) Weekly massage and acupuncture
2) Listening to mediations daily on my ipod
3) Cleaning the house and keeping up with laundry
4) Moderate exercise at the gym
5) Reading and scrapbooking materials ready to go

Any other suggestions that you can help me out with?