- On the form, we have to indicate how many embryos we want thawed. We were lucky enough to have 6 extra embryos to freeze from our in-vitro cycle. As we discussed with Dr. Williams, we are planning to try two embryos again this time around - so we are requesting that they thaw 2 embryos.
- We also have two different thaw options to pick from. The thaw options aren't really about how the embryos are thawed, but more about whether we want to be updated during the thawing process. The first thaw option tells the lab that they have our consent to use as many of our embryos as possible to get to the desired number of thawed embryos. The second thaw option tells the lab that if any embryos don't survive the thawing, that they should call us for further thawing instructions.
When the nurse was explaining the two thaw options to us, I was originally thinking that we would just do the first thaw option. My thinking was that at the end of the day, we want 2 embryos for this transfer - so the lab can do whatever they need to do to get us our 2. But the nurse actually recommended that we do the second thaw option - where they have to call us for further thawing instructions. She just said that it's better for us to get updates throughout the thawing process directly from the lab - even if we know that we're going to say, "Okay, you can try with another frozen embryo." Then we can ask any questions and just be more involved in the process. Which makes sense - so we decided to go with the second thaw option.
When we were filling out the form at the lab this morning we found out that our "thaw date" for our little embryos will actually be the morning of the transfer (May 13th). I guessShe said it takes about 5-10 minutes to do the thawing and then they put them in solution and check to see how they are doing. Since our thawing is happening on the morning of our transfer, they won't have much time to spare. So we will be sure to have my cell phone with us at all times, so we are ready to answer any calls from the lab during the thawing process.
We also learned that our lab does "Assisted Hatching" on all embryos that will be used for Frozen Embryo Transfers. I will have to look that up again, but I think it's when they make a little hole in the shell of the embryo to increase the chances of it implanting. Whatever they can do to improve our chances is cool with us! In closing, I'd like to shout out a happy 7th birthday to our nephew, Henry! :)
FET Regimen:
- Lupron - 10 units via subcutaneous shot at 7AM daily
- Prenatal vitamin - one a day
- Estradiol valerate (estrogen) - 0.3 cc via intramuscular shot at 7AM on Mon & Thurs