Many of you know that I was diagnosed with a severe case of endometriosis. Previous to this, we had discovered we both had other issues affecting our chances of getting pregnant. We were told we pretty much had one option left of having our own children, and that was In-Vitro.
After much prayer, talking, researching, thinking, and some more prayer, we opted to go for In-Vitro. Knowing we could not come up with the money immediately, but not wanting to push my body to the limit, we opted for January 2011 to do In-Vitro (IVF).
In preparation for IVF, I have been through TONS of tests. Jason has had a few. We have also signed all kinds of legal documents, met with the MD several times, and Mindy coordinates almost on a daily basis with the fertility clinic to make sure everything is taken care of.
As a result of all the testing, we have found that I still needed surgery (to remove a polyp/fibroid). This surgery was performed on Dec. 8th. Starting Jan 21st, we will be doing the injections, and all of our money will be due. I will also start daily blood tests and visits starting Feb 5th, with a full day off work to retrieve my parts and three days of complete bed rest after the embryos are implanted. I am telling you all of this so you can see that this process is more intense than it first appears and has/will require a lot of missed work, phone calls, faxes, emails, testing, etc.
So far, we have found out that the medications will be close to $3,000, the procedure itself will be $8,700, testing/lab work that will be $700, and another separate procedure we have to have will cost $1,500 (for those that can’t do math, that is $13,900). This price in our eyes is small compared to the benefits and we are excited about the possibilities. However, we are still unable to come up with the full amount ourselves. We have been and are still saving, cashing in on whatever we can, selling items, and even taking extra jobs when we can.
Most of all, we need prayers and support. Some may not agree with our decision, but this is our decision. We have not made this decision lightly, it has been 8 years in the making. We are going to be fasting (ok, Jason will be as I cannot while I am taking my medication), the first Sunday in February (Feb 5th) for those of you who fast and we are asking for constant prayers. This is a very exciting scary time for us. We have never, in all our lives (nor will we again), put so much thought, prayer, effort, and money into something that does not guarantee a result. I know that with no guarantee, many may ask "Why not adopt?" Due to my physical condition, this will be our last opportunity for a baby of our own. Through prayer, we have determined to try this route first and then will look into adopting if necessary.
We love you all, and we are putting all our faith in Heavenly Father. We know it will work. Thank you so much for reading all the way to the end of this, and we hope to hear from most of you (regardless if you are donating/loaning or not).
