Today was the first scan and labs for stims for this cycle. I saw the NP today. She started the conversation with we think you’re measuring ahead of schedule. The ultrasound saw several follicles ranging from 13-15mm again with an estimate of 9-10 follicles being seen. I inquired if those are the same ones from the other day that were seen around that size and if there is anyway to tell a cyst from a follicle. She responded with it’s likely they are the same and there is a chance I will have a retrieval this coming Sunday or Monday.

Of course, that’s how the world works. B and I are both supposed to be out of town for a mandatory event for B. As of now it sounds like we will both have to attend our mandatory appointments separately. I need to find a contingency plan for someone to be with me for retrieval day.

I’m not convinced those are actual growing follicles. I am just being a realist as follicles and cysts are both fluid filled sacs which can’t be differentiated on ultrasound. It’s going to be sad if it’s a weekend retrieval, B can’t be present and little to no eggs are retrieved. It’s out of my control though, I can only go by what the professionals say. Though then again not as many growing follicles were seen at baseline. I predict we’ll maybe get 3-5 eggs and I’ll have to be okay with it. My dream would be for seven mature eggs from this cycle to reach the hopeful goal of 14-16 total eggs. My realistic expectation is 10-11 mature eggs for fertilization based on the previous two cycles.

I have one contingency already in place in the event of a Sunday retrieval. I guess I will focus on contingencies for Monday and Tuesday come Friday’s follow up appointment. I will try to be optimistic though it’s hard when it doesn’t feel like you can complete this part of the journey with your partner, even though it isn’t intentional. I can imagine B is feeling some type of way as well as we both want to be able to support each other.

Friday, I guess, will tell us more. Now to wait, be open-minded and flexible.

-A