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To My Beautiful Child: Neupogen to Help!

3rd round of IVF· The IVF Cycle That Worked - What Was Different· To My Beautiful Child

13 Dec

NOTE: Hi, new friends! Many of you are coming to this post from various locations so I wanted to let you know what this post and my blog are all about. I wrote this post as I was going through my 3rd IVF cycle as a letter to my future child (I have twins now, but didn’t know it then!). Letters to my future child are how I documented the IVF process. Looking back, this is the cycle that worked and this is everything that we did during that cycle, so I wanted to share it again in case it helps anyone in their process to parenthood. You can see on the top of my blog that I have an “infertility” heading, and if you hover over that, you can see the topics where I have a lot of information about our infertility journey, IVF, and my twin pregnancy. I continue to post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday about my life with my boy/girl twins (meet Harris and Goldie!) and really great deals on high quality items that I personally use and love. Welcome! xo Jenica
_______________________________
To my beautiful child,
We had a good and very busy week! Almost every night was spent at a different Christmas party and we loved it. It’s a busy time of year and I have to be careful not to wear myself out!

Since I gave myself the estradiol valerate injection a day early this week, my IVF coordinator told me to inject my other shot that week a day early too and then get back on the Tuesday/Friday night schedule after that next week. I felt super tough when I told your dad to just hurry and give me the shot instead of taking 10-20 minutes without various antics like crying, throwing myself onto the bed or saying, “I don’t even want a stupid baby.” Go me!! Celebrate the little victories. I’m getting tougher and tougher.

This morning at 8 am I went into the fertility center to get the neupogen put in.

I have had the neupogen in my fridge for the past few weeks. This medication isn’t covered by insurance because it’s not FDA approved for infertility, but I’ll spend an extra $400 to get you here. You just remember that when I’m asking you to clean your room. Anyway, I was talking to the nurse more about it today and she said that it basically communicates with the embryos when they are implanted to make them stick better. That is the exact scientific definition. She went on to say that studies are being shown that some women don’t have a protein in them that helps with implantation, and this helps with that. My doctor puts it in 5 days before transfer because that’s the ideal time to get my uterus ready. What the nurse did was take a catheter and inject it into my uterus that way. Before she did that, I also had her give me my progesterone shot which I started this morning. Your dad was going to be at church by the time I was done with my appointment so I brought it for her to do. I am fine giving myself the shots in my tummy, but the shots in my booty are a different angle…if you know what I mean.

Starting today, I give myself the progesterone shots every morning. If I get pregnant, I will continue to give myself these shots every morning for 12 weeks. There is way more medicine in these shots (1 ml instead of .15 ml) so they make the area a lot more sore. Basically, have someone punch you in the butt really hard, and wait for it to bruise a bit. That’s how my butt feels!

We are feeling really great about the transfer coming up on Friday at 1:30. We have done 4 things differently this round than we have done in our previous 2 IVF cycles:

1) I gave myself human growth hormone shots 5 days before egg retrieval to strengthen my eggs. If you’re an NBA Allstar, don’t blame me.

2) Dr. Foulk removed 2 polyps in my uterus

3) A neupogen wash inside my uterus 5 days before implantation

4) Acupuncture

I think that everything is lining up well and we feel very hopeful. I feel at peace with what we are doing and feel that we are making every possible effort to get you here. Now we are putting it in God’s hands. If you are meant to come to us, you will. If now is not the time, we will continue to try and trust that God is guiding our lives as He wants them to be.

I felt such a peace at church today and really know that if this IVF round isn’t successful, that we will be okay. I think it will work, I’m not saying that, but what I am saying is that I know I can turn to Christ if it doesn’t and He will help us carry this burden. He is the Prince of Peace. Who doesn’t want more peace in their lives? I think we get so caught up in everything that we need to accomplish and our trials that we need to get through, that sometimes we forget that we have help. So many talks at church today reminded me of that. I can turn to Him and I can accomplish all that I am tested with.

We watched this movie during young women today and I practically bawled like a baby because I was so touched by it! It’s called, “He Knows My Name.” I know that Christ knows each of our names. It’s hard for my human mind to wrap my head around that fact that there are billions of people in this world and yet He cares for me individually, but I know that He does. He has put people in my life and I’ve gotten special, encouraging emails and messages from people with exactly what I need to hear in that moment which reassure me He is watching over me. I feel like a burden was lifted from me today. I have been a bit worried lately. Now I know that I will be okay no matter what.

We love you, baby!! We really do. We haven’t met you and yet we love you so dearly. Your dad melts my heart. He always points out the cute babies in church. Today he leaned over and said, “that baby is so cute; she is so small.” We had two cute little boys crawl over to us at separate times in Sunday school. They both couldn’t stop smiling at your daddy! He also told me yesterday as we were driving that he can’t wait to spend time with you. You are so lucky to have him. He is everything to me and he will be everything to you too. He’ll make you laugh when you think you can’t find your smile.

You’re worth it! Thanks for helping us learn so much. Thanks for helping us truly value the role of motherhood and fatherhood. We wouldn’t change a thing.

xo

Mom

Our Parcell Sunday Selfie after church today

Squishing his cheeks cause I love them. I’m going to squish your cheekies too 🙂

 

IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of a couple smiling coming back from Church,
He’ll look at you like this, too 🙂

 

IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of a couple smiling coming back from Church,
The Utah Fertility Center, a waiting room I have seen dozens of times.
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of the Utah fertility center
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of the Utah fertility center
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of the Utah fertility center

The Neupogen and progesterone from today

IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of Neupogen and Progesterone
The appointment was at 8 am today so my hair was still up and wet after my shower. I came home to blow dry it afterward then headed to church. If someone is ever a few minutes late to church, don’t judge them! They might have just had a doctor’s appointment for neupogen. Or they might have pushed the snooze button too many times. I’ve been guilty of both 🙂 You never know.
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of Neupogen and Progesterone

 

IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style: image of a woman with thumbs up
One of the cute boys that wanted to come hang out with your daddy. Look at his cute little glasses!
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style
I got two pair of Woven Pear socks at my friend Jenni’s event on Wednesday night. Your dad has since worn both of them! Ha ha he said the boys at church thought his pineapple socks were the coolest.
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style
And another shot after church. I think your dad is so cute I can hardly handle it. I’m just saying.
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style
I had music on before bed the other night, so your dad sent me a bunch of different texts to get my attention to turn it off so we could go to bed 🙂 Ha ha ha I love him. My favorite is “no more mucus.” Auto-correct – no more music is what he meant! I, of course, was rolling.
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style
Oh, and what a lovely text just now as I was writing this! And you wonder how I stay positive? Your dad cheers me up if I ever get down!

 

IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style
IVF treatment with Neupogen, featured by top Utah lifestyle blog, A Slice of Style

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22 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ashleymatics says

    December 14, 2015 at 5:20 am

    I love how beautiful you look at your appointment this morning!! Your hair looks so amazing!

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      December 15, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      Oh you are so sweet! It was right before church so I was dressed up 🙂

      Reply
  2. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo says

    December 14, 2015 at 2:26 pm

    Praying for you this week!! Hang in there!

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      December 15, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      Thank you! We can truly feel your prayers! Xo

      Reply
  3. Unknown says

    December 14, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    I stumbled onto your blog and have been following your story. Your positivity radiates through your blogs and I admire that so much, your trust and faith in Christ is incredible. My husband and I have been praying for you and your family and we both look forward to updates! I can tell you two will be incredible parents and your beautiful child is already so loved and blessed. We are sending prayers your way this week.

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      December 15, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Thank you SO much! What kind things to say. I truly appreciate them! And thank you for your prayers. I have no doubt they have helped to carry me!

      Reply
  4. Unknown says

    December 14, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    I stumbled onto your blog and have been following your story. Your positivity radiates through your blogs and I admire that so much, your trust and faith in Christ is incredible. My husband and I have been praying for you and your family and we both look forward to updates! I can tell you two will be incredible parents and your beautiful child is already so loved and blessed. We are sending prayers your way this week.

    Reply
  5. Ashley Fastle says

    December 14, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    praying for you and your family.
    – Ashley
    http://www.constellationandcanine.com

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      December 15, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Thank you!! I can truly feel each prayer. Xo

      Reply
  6. jmoesser says

    December 15, 2015 at 12:06 am

    When do you find out the results?

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      December 15, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      I go in on Dec. 28th for a blood draw and find out that day!

      Reply
  7. Kristi Loutensock says

    December 19, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    Oh my goodness! So exciting. Fingers and toes and everything crossed for you guys. Plus lots of prayers which probably work better 🙂 Really am hoping it is wonderful news!

    Reply
  8. Lizzy says

    September 24, 2016 at 3:05 am

    I just recently found your blog via Instagram. We LOVE Dr. Foulk!!! Also, my brother is the director of "He Knows My Name." So happy you had success and are enjoying your sweet baby twins. Life is beautiful!

    Reply
  9. Dawn Guidry Burris says

    December 23, 2017 at 10:24 am

    Just found your site and am getting ready to do my 4th IVF. We are doing Neupogen for the first time. You mentioned acupuncture, what exact did they focus on and how many treatments did you have before, day of or after?

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      December 24, 2017 at 9:59 pm

      Hi, Dawn! I’m so sorry you need to do it again. You are a strong woman! I can’t remember all of the details. I used the acupuncturist that works with my chiropracter and trusted his expertise. I did it for a month before and then an hour before embryo transfer and right after. Wishing you all of the very best!

      Reply
  10. Katie says

    July 22, 2018 at 7:48 pm

    Hi Jenica! Wow what an inspiring story! I found your posts by googling “neupogen for IVF stim”. My DR actually has me injecting it. I’ll be heading in to my 4th IVF cycle as soon as my cycle gets underway. I am blessed with a beautiful 4 year old daughter. I have… I guess you would call it secondary infertility? I needed to hear your positivity I have been broke and angry and you reminded me of the person I “used” to be. I lost her somewhere between the 4th IUI and the second IVF cycle. Anyway thank you! And congrats on your beautiful babies! Xoxo

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      July 30, 2018 at 11:31 am

      This is me sending you a huge HUG!! And a foot massage. Ha! You sweet mama. Thank you so much for reaching out to me. You are strong and you were made for this trial, of that I’m sure. LOVE to you!

      Reply
  11. Amberlee Howes says

    November 2, 2018 at 11:18 am

    I’m getting ready of our final transfer after having endured 9 losses. We’ve done acupuncture for the last three months and Dr. Gurtcheff is having me do neupogen as well before this last transfer, after this, our family is complete, one way or another. Seeing that we’ve done many of the same things gives me hope! Thank you for this post. I’ll only be transferring one embryo so hopefully only one baby!

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      November 13, 2018 at 7:36 am

      I’m praying for you, friend! Wow. You’ve been through so much. God is surely preparing you for something BIG. You have so much empathy to help others. I’m so sorry you have to feel this much pain, though. Praying for your peace! So much love to you!

      Reply
  12. Ambrosia Webb says

    July 14, 2020 at 11:24 am

    I just did my Neupogen wash today and I love how you brake it down did you feel anything after doing so it’s not that much explanation about it on internet and by doing this that cycle you did you became pregnant just is so faithful and true and his timing is perfect

    Reply
    • Jenica Parcell says

      August 3, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      I’m so glad it was helpful for you! 🙂

      Reply

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My name is Jenica and I'm so glad that you're here! I started this blog in 2014 to share the best deals on the nicest things because I believe we all deserve to live the best life on less. Read more...

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  • One of my favorite people on this planet had her 30th birthday today! She is an incredible mother, an incredible entrepreneur, an incredible friend and such a beautiful human both inside and out. I learn from her and am blessed by her example every day! I love you @rachparcell!! Happy birthday!!
  • We went skiing today and when we got to the top of the mountain my job DROPPED! Like actually dropped This photo doesn’t even do it justice!! I didn’t go skiing last season for some reason and I’m SO glad we are making it happen this year. Where is your favorite place to ski? I learned how to ski about 8 years ago when I decided that I didn’t want to hate winter any more. It’s cold in Utah for almost HALF the year! I needed something fun to look forward to in the snow! ❄️❄️❄️ #skiing #skiutah #snowbird
  • We need each other!! This picture makes me think about when Tyler and I hadn’t told a lot of people about our infertility. We had done 3 IUI’s and 2 rounds of IVF without a baby and I was physically and emotionally sick. I just needed a break so we decided to stop trying and just have fun for a bit. I wrote out our journey up until that point while up at 2 am with jet lag after we returned back from a trip to China (I had a miscarriage on an airplane there!) It felt so therapeutic that
  • This is just your friendly reminder to schedule your dental cleaning! Check out this cutie’s teeth! We had the opportunity to travel to Egypt back in 2019 and it was really special. I learn so much when I travel, but especially gratitude. Where is the coolest place you have ever traveled and would recommend to others, and why? #travelegypt #egypttravel #pyramids
  • What time do you wake up at every morning and what is the first thing you focus your attention on? If it’s different than what you actually do, what do you want to focus on first thing in the morning? (Harris and I rode his and Goldie’s scooters in the parking lot for an hour while we waited for her to finish dance class ) #priorities #focus #2021goals
  • My word to remind me of my intention this year is FOCUS. I want to focus on the things that are important to me, and in doing so I need to save time where I can! The @walmart+ membership has saved me HOURS of time. Almost every single week, I use Walmart+ free shipping, no order minimum on items from walmart.com (excludes oversized/freight & Marketplace items). Head to today’s blog post to see the benefits available to you and how they can save you SO MUCH of time like they have for me! #ad #Walmartplus
  • Hi! Question for you friends who have experienced/are experiencing infertility OR who have watched loved ones experience it: What was the biggest pain point for you? Where do you feel stuck the most? What gave you hope? What made you feel unsure? Please answer any or all of the above questions. Thank you and I love you! #infertility
  • For many years, people asked me how I was able to find peace even during infertility. How was I able to not compare myself to others who were having children? How was I able to be genuinely happy for others and never jealous? How was I able to not feel sorry for myself? How was I able to find joy and gratitude? It all came down to the thoughts I chose intentionally. It’s as simple and as hard as that, depending on how you look at it. The foundation of my life is the peace that Jesus Christ has given

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