Thursday, April 21, 2011

Why hello ICLWers!

I just barely squeaked through the deadline to sign up for April's ICLW, and I'm glad I did!

About me:
I'm a cancer survivor - I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 17. My treatment was pretty easy compared to what some cancer patients had to endure. I married my husband, Mr. M., in November of 2006 and we decided to have kids after about five years of marriage.

At my yearly OBGYN checkup (4.5 years of marriage later) this winter, I asked about my cancer treatments causing infertility problems. I was sent for some tests and got the phone call no woman wants to get - bad news. I was diagnosed with high FSH before we had even started TTC.

It was shocking and more than a bit disheartening to know BEFORE the fact that we have a rough road ahead of us.

My OBGYN referred me to a high FSH-friendly RE in my area, who unfortunately didn't have an open appointment until June 16. So now, we wait. In the meantime I am buying fertility books like a madwoman and trying as hard as I can to increase my fertility naturally. I have given up caffeine, alcohol and the hot baths I love, as well as running and exercising vigorously. I've started the S.outh B.each diet and am trying my hardest to keep those high glycemic index carbs out of my system.

I'm still really new to this whole thing, and I very much appreciate anyone who takes the time out of their own heartbreak and stress to send a little bit of encouragement my way. I would love to join this tight-knit, supportive community of bloggers!

So thanks for stopping by!

17 comments:

  1. Looking forward to following along in your journey. What a road you have had. I wish you all the very best as you continue on your way to motherhood!!!

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  2. Hi, Miss Conception!

    This is my first time at ICLW, too. :)

    I saw your comments in two blogs we both visited, and I thought that it was a nice coincidence, that made me come over here.

    Baby Hopes said it better than I can. I too look forward to following along your journey, wishing you and your husband all the best!

    (5/)

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  3. Hi! Cute blog title. Thanks for the comment on my blog! I'm sorry you're having to go through all this. Sending lots of hugs!

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  4. finding out you have a long journey is hard but I found that knowing that it was going to be uphill helped keep the rollercoaster ride more even. I hope your journey is shorter than you expect.

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  5. stopping by from iclw...i too have high fsh but no amazing cancer survivorship to explain it. while it makes conceiving difficult, it doesn't make it impossible!! it can lessen your fertility window, but it mainly comes into play should you have to move onto ivf. don't know if you ob would do this, but you might want to ask about getting your husband's sperm analysis done while you wait for your RE appt, so you'd have a more complete picture to present at your first appt for the RE to know what you're facing on both sides of the aisle. also, i saw your previous post about still waiting to ovulate this month--great idea to start temping and monitoring so you can show the RE that too. and i might not worry too much if you don't ovulate this month off bcp...it takes the body a bit to re-regulated itself after stopping being told what to do after taking those. i know waiting for long off appts suck, but it seems like you're doing all you can to be ready for that appt at least. hoping they get a cancellation and you can get in earlier!

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  6. Happy ICLW wishes to you and welcome. Sorry you have to wait so long for your appointment to get started with treatment. It sounds like you will be well prepared for it, though. I wish you all the best as you begin this process!

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  7. So happy to have found you! Your forward thinking is inspiring! When we feel out of control of our own bodies, the best thing to do is to keep moving, keep trying, keep hoping. I need to write that on a little post-it note and put it on my bathroom mirror.

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  8. Hi there! Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday! I agree with Poor Lucky Me that it's a great feeling when we get control of our bodies.... or at least try. I'm obsessing about doing everything I can to NOT miscarry again, so somewhat similar :-) I'm working on caffeine right now--I still have a soda or two on long days :-) I tried the SB diet year ago, but I couldn't get rid of the carbs--you're a stronger woman than I!

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  9. Very good luck to you in your non-traditional 2mw (two month wait) to the RE appointment, and thereafter!

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  10. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I can't wait to go back and read a little more of your blog! I have to say it's crazy how long you have to wait to get in, I forget now how long it took to get my initial appointment with my fertility specialist... maybe a month and a half? And that felt like forever... Thank goodness for blogs hu?

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  11. I left you an award over at my blog! Sorry about your appointment taking so long!

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  12. Hello and Happy ICLW! I can't decide if it's a good thing or a bad thing to know you will have challenges before you start trying...at least you found out early and are being proactive. Good luck! I look forward to following your journey.
    AP
    http://mydustyuterus.blogspot.com

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  13. Hi from ICLW! Stinks to wait. I also had to wait forever for my first appointment. You will be super prepared for the appointment! Its always good to know as much as you can so the docs can't talk you into something you aren't ready for.

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  14. Hey, thanks for stopping by my blog! So cool to see your little smiling ovulation face! Welcome to ICLW...I'm following you now!

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  15. Here from ICLW.

    I hate that you're having to wait so long for your appointment, but maybe they'll have a cancellation and get you worked in earlier. I'll be following along and am glad to find you!

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  16. hey there! I love the title of your blog, it is so apt. Sorry you have had such a rough time with the cancer, and really hope things work out for you. I'm thrilled that you ovulated - wishing you every success.
    thanks for the comment on my blog
    Heather

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  17. Hi there from ICLW. Yay for your positive ovulation smiley! Waiting is horrible. I've been there for too long. My dad is a survior of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I hope you stay healthy and get that baby soon.

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