This is not the end

2 days before my supposed ovum pickup, I came in for another consultation. I had my blood test and ultrasound done before I saw Dr. Lee.

I just knew that something was wrong when I saw Dr. Lee's expression when he saw my E2 test result. As he explained that my E2 had dropped significantly, I felt like crying. He told me that having low estradiol meant that my follicles were no longer developing properly and that they are not of good quality. It wouldn't make any sense to continue with the IVF and that we should try again next time.

I couldn't believe it. We had been in Taipei for 3 weeks only to have our IVF cancelled. It was heartbreaking. Tears fell down as soon as we stepped out of the clinic. I just couldn't help it. I felt like a failure. I had endured the daily injection and the daily commute to the hospital for 15 straight days, only to be told that we should go home.

I'm the type of person who doesn't dwell on negativity. Although this was definitely hard for me and my husband, I know that God has a plan for us. We will come back to Taipei better and a lot more ready. With God's grace, I know that we will become parents in His perfect time. This is not the end.

Think positive

I saw Dr. Lee today and I was told that it seems that only 2 follicles would reach the appropriate size. I was given 2 doses of Menopur, instead of my usual Pergoveris today. We're hoping that my follicles grow a lot bigger tomorrow.

There's really nothing I can do about it now except to pray. I don't want to feel depressed and I want to think positively, but it has been a hard couple of hours for me.

Nanjing Park Suites

Most of the Filipinos who come to Mackay for their IVF treatment stay at KT Star, mainly because of its proximity to Mackay. That was also my first choice. Unfortunately, the room that we wanted was no longer available at the time that we're supposed to stay in Taiwan. I was offered a much bigger suite but it was way outside our budget.

I searched and searched and searched to find the perfect room for us that would be quite similar to KT Star and would offer the same amenities. My search led me to airbnb, where I found Nanjing Park Suites. Nanjing Park Suites is definitely not within walking distance to Mackay. It is, however, really close to the MRT station, Songjiang Nanjing, which made it a pretty great option for us. It would take us approximately 20 minutes to get to Mackay. I figured it would also take around the same time to walk from KT Star to Mackay, so the travel time really isn't that bad. The only difference is, we didn't have to walk under the seriously scorching Taipei heat only to get to the hospital completely drenched in sweat. No, thanks! :)

Anyway, it's a small room but it's good enough for 2 people. It has a small kitchen, refrigerator, washing machine and pretty much everything else you need for a month's stay. The nicest thing about this room is the bathroom! We actually have a steamer! Never mind that I've only used it once but I have to admit that it is pretty awesome. :) There's also a swimming pool on the rooftop, which is open during the summer and a small gym on the 5th floor. :)

This is *almost* it

Had yet another ultrasound today and Dr. Lee asked me to have a blood test to check my Estradiol level. Upon googling, I found out that the Estradiol blood test is a way to find out if a woman is responding to fertility treatment.

I had to take the blood test before 8:30am because the result doesn't come out until 3 hours later. This means that Dr. Lee can still check the result before giving me the medications I would need for the next few days. Dr. Lee told me that the fertility treatment was working well and that my body was responding to the treatment. I breathe a huge sigh of relief upon hearing this. :) Dr. Lee also told me that since my follicles were growing steadily, I would need to take another shot that prevents my follicles/eggs from bursting, or at least that's what I understood out of the explanation.

Check out how my follicles grew from Day 3. This is a form that is given to you when you start having your IVF treatment. Every time you have a consultation with Dr. Lee and an ultrasound, you have to make sure that you bring this form.

Dr. Lee also told me that my ovum pickup will probably be on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on my ultrasound result when I see him again on Monday, August 4. This is it. I am both excited and really, really nervous. I hope I grow many beautiful eggs. :)

PCOS problems arise

I had my ultrasound on my 8th day and found that most of my follicles have grown bigger. In fact, there's more than 24 follicles in both ovaries. Dr. Lee tells me that this is a problem. He only needs about 8-10 eggs for ovum pickup. That's why he has to closely monitor the growth of my follicles, and I have to see him every other day now.

I thought that having a lot of follicles would be a good thing but I just realized that it really isn't.

Despite the challenges, I still try to be positive about it and not dwell on the terrible things that could possibly happen. I know that God is on my side and that He has a plan for me. :) I know that my husband and I are here in Taipei for the IVF but it helps that I also think of it as a long vacation and a chance for us to bond. :)

Ni Hao, Taipei!

Our flight was scheduled on a Sunday, July 20, which was Day 28. We had a morning schedule with Dr. Lee the following day but had to postpone it to Wednesday, July 23, which would be Day 3 of my period. The reason for the postponement is because I had to have my period when I see Dr. Lee and unfortunately, my period didn't arrive until Monday evening. I felt like we may have wasted 2 days in Taipei but it is what it is. 

Upon arriving in Mackay, I headed to Gabriel's desk and she asked me to go up to Dr. Lee's office. I was told to get an ultrasound first before my consultation, which I did. I have PCOS so seeing a few follicles was expected. 

Finally, it was my turn. Dr. Lee measured where my uterus was situated in preparation for the transfer and ovum pickup and explained that he was prescribing a medicine with 2 different ingredients to see how my ovaries would respond. He didn't want my ovaries to be over-stimulated, which is why I think I was given Pergoveris, instead of the usual Gonal-f or Menopur. They gave me a bunch of forms, which I took to Gabriel to pay, picked my injections, had my shots and I was done for the day. 

I have to go to Mackay everyday to have my shots but that's ok. :) I'm going back to Dr. Lee on Monday, July 28, to have another ultrasound and to see Dr. Lee again. Ovaries, please work with me. :)

Initial Consultation Cost

Sharing the total cost, more or less, of our initial consultation. Of course, the price could've been lower if we had stayed at a cheaper hotel and stayed for only 2 nights. We did save, however, on our plane tickets since I think we got promo fares from Cebu Pacific. The table below doesn't include meals. Surprisingly, I found eating out in Taipei quite cheap, especially if you buy food from eateries and at the night markets.