2008 - More research and attempts

In spring 2008 we were at another big point of decision - try IVF again?  Move to adoption? Use an egg donor? 

Each time I looked at Nikki I realize what I miracle she is.  HOW did we conceive her? 

We met with a genetic counselor to learn more.  Turns out my pregnancy with the 1st IVF cycle had major issues.  After I had the D and C procedure  - the "remains" were analyzed.  Although again there was not a physical baby - they could tell that the pregnancy was female, and that there were TWO chromosomal defects.  The defects were such that there was no chance that this pregnancy would progress.

So we could try IVF again and this time to some genetic testing.  BUT science could not test for all 23 chromosomes yet.  Naturally this would add more cost - about $3,000 to the $13,000 price tag.  We decided against genetic testing - but wanted to try another egg retrieval IVF cycle.

Looking back I guess I should have realized that we could make an educated guess that my eggs, although plentiful, where not in good condition.  BUT we had Nikki!!!!  I felt like a compulsive gambler - we hit the jackpot once - and we wanted it again!

In May 2008 tried another IVF cycle.  I produced 22 eggs with over a dozen A and B quality embryos.   We were very hopful - but on Father's Day we got the bad news - it did not work. 

I was at one of my lowest points ever.

By Dec 2008 we had exhausted all of the remaining frozen embryos.  We were done with IVF and needed a break - to say the least.