Breast Cancer, ectopic pregnancy and now IVF! What haven’t we experienced? The world of IVF and frozen embryo transfer is new to us so I am sharing all we learned – an overview and reflections on week one. What are we doing to prepare for our frozen embryo transfer (FET).

Frozen Embryo Thaw/Transfer (FET)… Say What?!

I didn’t even know what that FET stood for until last week, and now we are forced to become experts. Just a week ago, we were holding out that last shred of hope for a natural conception following my ectopic pregnancy back in June. Now I find myself scanning the internet nonstop for any and all I can glean about the FET process and how to best prepare for a frozen embryo transfer.

Why We’re Sharing Our Frozen Embryo Transfer Experience

We’re are definitely not experts and this is our first time going through a embryo transfer, but we hope our experience can help others! By sharing our story, we hope to shed light on the world of infertility and help other couples facing an embryo transfer in the near future. While we hope our situation brings you comfort, keep in mind that we all unique and you should consult your doctor for the specific plan and treatment cycle that is best for you.

What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycle?

A FET or Frozen Embryo Transfer is the process of taking a frozen embryo(s) from a previous fresh IVF cycle, thawing the embryo (s) and transferring he embryo (s) back to the woman’s uterus.

What is the Frozen Embryo Process?

While many of the elements of the frozen embryo transfer cycle will be similar for all couples, each experience may be slightly different. The drugs used and the exact treatment plan may differ based on the doctor, timing, age and other unique variables.

FET Timeline

Suppression Stage

Birth control is used shut down the internally- regulated reproductive cycle. This is done to allow for optimal control over the cycle and transfer process. On Friday I had a saline ultrasound done to ensure there were no polyps or other issues that could negatively impact the transfer. Luckily, (thanks to my cuterus pin hehe) my uterus looked great!

We also did a mock transfer where they use a small tube and saline to ensure the path for implantation is clear and defined. It was very uncomfortable and crampy, but supposedly it was more painful today than it will be on the actual transfer day.  I also had baseline estrogen levels pulled to ensure my body is ready for the cycle. Phew we may it through the first stage. No more birth control after today. Next stop, estrogen pills.

Stimulation Phase

Since all of my tests went well now we wait on my period to start. As soon as that happens, stimulation will begin in order to build up the uterine lining. As a friend shared with me the goal is to make the uterus cozy for our embryo and mimic a natural pregnancy.  The estrogen I will be taking is in the form of a pill and will be taken 3 times per day. My particular estrogen has been cleared by my doctor who is aware of my hormone positive breast cancer and is ensuring that everything we do is safe for me and the embryo.

Throughout this phase I will have lab work done 2-3 times to check my estradiol levels as well as vaginal ultrasounds to ensure the uterine lining is growing as anticipated. If my estradiol levels are too low, I may also be given an estrogen patch to help amp things up. Towards the end of this phase when my uterine lining is adequately prepared and cozy for that embryo, I will begin progesterone shots. Woohoo! Who doesn’t love shots.

Progesterone Shots

The progesterone shots I will take are called Progesterone in oil (PIO). Many studies have shown that this type of progesterone is much more effective for implantation. While no one wants large painful shots in the butt, I will do anything needed to help the implantation process. I hope nurse Mac is ready! He has some practice from our IVF preservation cycle pre-chemo and our at home Lupron shots.

Thawing

We currently have 3 frozen embryos of varying grades (4AA, 3AA and 3BB). The grades are like rating for the embryos showing how likely they are to implant and lead to a successful pregnancy. We will start with the 4AA and if for some awful reason that one doesn’t make it through the thawing process we will that the 3AA.

As my fertility specialist indicated, all of the embryos are super healthy and should have a great chance! Since I was 3 years younger when we froze the embryos that helps as well. Of course there is no guarantee, but I am focusing on visualizing that beautiful baby growing in my belly. I can see the bump now and all the cute maternity outfits 🙂

Implantation/Embryo Transfer

Our big day is scheduled for the first week in December. EKKKK. The procedure will only take 30-45 minutes and I hear the most uncomfortable part is that you have to come with a full bladder. But what if I pee on the doctor haha? Supposedly having a full bladder helps them better navigate the ultrasound guided implantation.  Now that we have a clear schedule, I am focused on stress mitigation and all I an do get my mind and body ready.

Week 1 Reflections

• I am already an emotional wreck! This could be from the birth control, the stress or the PMS. Whatever the cause, I am on the brink of tears at every moment. Monday I actually started crying in my boss’ office. Hoping this will improve but I have a feeling it will only worsen as the process continues.
• When you try not to stress it turns out you stress more. My approach is to focus on what I can control and accept that life is going to be stressful for a whil
• I am terrified the embryo won’t take the first time. While we do have 3 embryos total, the thought of having to start all over again makes me sick. My body and my mind are tired of being resilient and I don’t know how much more I can take.
• With my cancer being aggressive and triple positive, time is running out in terms of our window to get pregnant. IVF is stressful enough without this cancer timeline and that it sure doesn’t help make it any less stressful. I feel like we have so much riding on the success of this transfer.
• IVF is insanely expensive. I almost had a heard attack when the estimated arrived Monday. Sadly insurance does not cover any of it and many of the grants/financial aid programs are limited either in terms of criteria, timing or funding. Livestrong Fertility is an amazing group but they only cover the IVF preservation aspect and not the embryo transfer process. Looking for other grant opportunities? Check out The Cade Foundation, Sam Fund, Baby Quest Foundation or  Fertility Within Reach. Many people have also suggested using a GoFundMe Page or other fundraising efforts.

How Am I Preparing for the Embryo Transfer?

• Meditation – Expectful, Headspace and Circle and Bloom are have great IVF/pregnancy specific sessions
• Yoga – I have committed to doing yoga every night before bed for the next 30 days. Even just 10 minutes helps me relax my mind and body.
• Regular acupuncture -I usually go every other week but increased my frequency to once a week. The week of the transfer I will go the day before, day of and immediately after.
• Scheduling de-stress moments – a colleague had the great suggestion to get away from my desk for a few minutes a day to meditate and regroup. I am finding my emotions and anxiety are so high, work stress is barely manageable for me. I need this time in a private quiet place to regroup, breathe and get my mindset right before going back to my daily tasks
• Therapy – I usually meet with my therapist remotely once a month but I will be increasing my sessions for this month
• Massage/Chiropractic adjustment – bring on all the self-care. If it’s good for me it’s good for the baby right?! Trying to focus on everything I can do to prepare my body for the transfer. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to help with alignment and fertility so I am taking full advantage of this possibility.
• Prenatal vitamins 

I hope you enjoyed reading about my roller coaster of a week. I’ll be sharing updates on the blog over the next few weeks and occasional updates on social media. I am taking a step back from social media in order to focus on my mental health right now. If you know anyone who has gone through IVF or an Embryo transfer, I would love to hear from them, especially if they have stories of hope and success. Thank you for following our IVF journey and supporting our efforts to start a family after cancer.