The Situation - and I'm not talking about Jersey Shore!

I felt like it may be time to give everyone an update on the current situation. So, we're back in the present, People. No more historical posts for awhile . . . And forgive me if at any point in this post I divulge too much information about my body and what is going on inside it. Please feel free to stop reading at any time. :)
August 20, I had an IUI (intrauterine insemination) and then had a negative pregnancy test during the last lingering days of August (which I discuss in the post "September"). Because I was fed up with negative pregnancy tests, and needed a break, I took all of September off from fertility treatments and thoughts of conceiving in order to enjoy my birthday, friends' birthdays, and the freedom from the annoying side effects of the medication I have to take in order to ovulate.
But, when there was no sign of my period at the end of September, I started taking home ovulation tests to see if/when I would ovulate. It was the weekend of October 8 when the little pink line on the pee stick was just as bold as the test line, which meant I would ovulate within the next 24/48 hours. So, this was good news - the fact that my body was ovulating on its own, but it wasn't too great that it decided to do it around day 33 of my cycle. I'm telling you my body is weird! Then, to top it off, trying to be romantic with a guy who is reporting to the hospital at 5 AM every morning and studying at home from 6PM to whenever he falls asleep is nearly impossible. Poor guy could barely keep his eyes open long enough to finish dinner and I'm not about to conceive our baby out of a forced situation. There's no fun in that! So, I made peace with the fact that taking advantage of this opportunity would be a major failure this go around. And, to be honest, I had my doubts that I would even ovulate, so I wasn't really too upset about missing out on our chances of trying until a blood test at the clinic on October 10 confirmed that I had indeed ovulated! So, now it was a waiting game for my cycle to begin.
It arrived on October 21st. On October 24th, I called the clinic to inform them of my day 1. They asked if I was ready to proceed with another round of treatment. I said, "Yep!" And, I was actually excited this time to get the ball rolling again. The little thing perched in my soul was beginning to flutter its wings and the hope inside me daily chants, "This could be the one that works! Maybe it will work this time!" And, I tell you what, that chant is addicting and very difficult to ignore.
So, I started the first dose of Clomid on Tuesday, October 25th, which was my day 5. I took 50 mg for five consecutive days - as is the normal procedure for me - and finished up on October 29th. I suffered through a few nights of not being able to sleep and then once I did, would be awakened by the sweat beads swelling on my forehead and all over my body. Night sweats are no fun, not to mention the hot flashes I would get at random times throughout those five days while at work! I am always happy to finish my last dose on the fifth day because it usually means I am finished with the night sweats and hot flashes! Amen!
I am in utter disbelief that November is already here, but bring it on! I'm loving the weather and the colors on the trees. This month has brought with it the promise of what might be and I am very hopeful and eager to see what this cycle of treatment will bring our way!
This morning, Chad and I woke up early and went to the clinic for my blood draw and vaginal ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed two follicles that will ovulate and a uterine lining that is thick and healthy. This is the first time this year that I have had two follicles ready to ovulate. Last year, I almost always had two or three at a time and the fact that I was responding differently to the  medication this year was worrisome for me. So, even though the scientific statistics wont tell you the chances of conception are increased with two eggs being released, I like to think our chances are, indeed, increased. Two is always better than one, right?!
So, this evening at nine o'clock (the exact time the doctor instructed me to take my HcG shot - Timing is Everything, remember?!), if you hear a woman screaming at the top of her lungs, just know that it is I who is screaming because the thought of  a needle going into my lower abdominal area is almost too much for me to bear! But, just a secret between you and me - I am training Chad for his next rotation, which is Pediatrics, when he will give shots to wee tots that will be screaming just as loud and then crying afterward just as much as I will be tonight. I mean, if he can handle me, he can surely handle those little sweeties next week! :) No, but really, I am terrified every time. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but sadly, it feels like a new fear every time.
The purpose of the HcG shot is to stimulate the follicles to release their eggs - the two eggs that are mature! So, the shot will make me ovulate at the perfect time so the IUI (intrauterine insemination) that will be performed on Saturday morning will take place at the optimal moment for conception. The chances are good, People, and I can't help but think this is it! But, I feel this way every time and I can't help myself! (Actually, I think the actual percentage of chance that I will get pregnant is 11%!)
But, this is the last round of treatment I can undergo with Clomid. I had six rounds last year and this is the fifth this year. With extended use, which is considered six rounds a year, my chances of ovarian cancer go up dramatically - and my chances are already higher than most women because I have PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome). So, if this treatment doesn't work, we will be exploring new treatments, which all include needles - lots of needles with multiple shots at multiple times everyday! My worst nightmare!

So, keep us in your prayers and pray that Saturday will yield success - a healthy pregnancy! Thank you!
I also wanted to thank all of you for reading the blog. It really is encouraging to me that you care enough to take time out of your day to share in our journey. I sincerely appreciate your kind, thoughtful comments. Every time I get a comment on one of my posts, it truly makes my day. I hope my posts bless your days as much as your comments bless mine. This journey would be a lot more dark and treacherous without you! Thank you!