Monday, September 24, 2012

Part-Time Work Solution & New Protocol

I am so relieved today because I am starting a part-time schedule!

I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner. I was starting to feel like I just couldn't do it all and have been wanting to quit for months and months now. My husband kept convincing me that I love my job and that I'd have too much time on my hands but I still couldn't shake the weight of trying to do it all.

And then I thought - it doesn't have to be all or nothing, does it? So, I came up with an exact 50/50 compromise - go part-time!

I started talking to my boss about it last week. It was a pretty emotional conversation and he really felt for me - something I hardly get from him. I told him how I just felt like I was at the end of my rope with all the medical stuff we were doing to try to have biological children and how this next procedure may be my last. I explained that I was having trouble holding it altogether and that something had to give. I even said that who knows the role stress has to do with this but I want to feel like I've given it my all.

He even said 'is part-time going to be enough for you?' and offered that they could be flexible if I wanted a leave of absence. Just knowing I had his support was tremendous. I've arranged my schedule to be 50% for the next 8 weeks and see what happens. I also got an appropriate, non-invasive note from our CEO giving his support for what I was doing. That felt really good too.

The biggest change happening with our upcoming FET is that my doctor has done uterine biopsies on me. They say that it can increase implantation. So, I'm hopeful with our new protocol.

We are also going to transfer 2 embryos this time - for the first time. My doctor says that having had 4 transfers already, transferring 1 only has a 30% chance, whereas transferring 2 has a 50% chance (with these biopsies) for a singleton and 25% chance of twins.

For the first time in a long time last night, B and I were laughing and discussing names for single sex twins. I don't remember the last time we've laughed about the possibility of naming our child(ren)!

It feels so good to be relaxed and hopeful again.

We start meds this Wed and transfer is on Oct 16.

Here's to a new cycle!

5 comments:

  1. I think parttime work during all this IF stuff is an awesome option! I also whole heartedly agree on the uterine biopsies--although the research is limited, it is GOOD, and I often wonder why this isn't part of every transfer protocol...

    Best of luck!

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  2. Such a great idea to go part-time. I think stress is a big factor in success rates. Wishing you a wonderful transfer with a successful outcome.

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  3. So glad you were able to work this out with your job! How wonderful that they're supportive!!!

    I think it's a great idea to do 2 embryos next time. So excited for you!!!

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  4. “And then I thought - it doesn't have to be all or nothing, does it? So, I came up with an exact 50/50 compromise - go part-time!” Good decision, Cheryl. With a part-time job, you can definitely have more time for other things that matter to you. For example, you will be able to do the things that you have always wanted to do. Also, I wish you all the best for your operation. Stay strong! :)

    Rupert  Echard

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  5. I was just wondering if your doctor had suggested preimplantation genetic testing to you?

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