SEPTEMBER 2010
Email that I sent out on September 12
Dear Family and Friends:
As most of you know Carl and I don't often like to discuss all that is going on with us and our infertility issues...not because we don't want anyone to know what is going on, but because it is just REALLY hard to talk about. I have a hard enough time talking to Carl about it and sharing/expressing my feelings and thoughts to him let alone sharing it with others. So I am sending you guys a link to a blog that is just incredible (to us at least). My wonderful sister-in-law Lindsey (THANK YOU) shared this link with me and it has just been such an inspiration and help to us in so many ways. The blog was started by a friend of ours, Kristen, from high school. I won't share too much cause she explains it all in her blog, but she and her husband are going through basically the same stuff Carl and I have been going through...their problems even started at the same time as ours! Its so incredible the similarities that there are...she even found out she had PCOS due to an ovarian cyst rupturing in her which is how I found out I had PCOS too (of course I also found out about Endometriosis too which is about the only difference in us). But she started this blog back in May to her unborn child that she already loves unconditionally. She shares every bit of the process that they go through inlcuding all of her feelings...and she holds nothing back which I LOVE! There are videos too which just amaze me that she can do this.
I went back to the very first blog and read from there and I hope if you have time that you can too so you get an understanding of what we go through. I had Carl go back and read from the very beginning...which I didn't know if he would really do it, but after he started reading he was just amazed and couldn't help but read it all. After he read/watched them he came to me and I could just tell that he had a change of heart...literally!!! He said to me that he now gets it (and that I need to express myself like her from now on) and understands why at times Im so sad, and why certain simple circumstances can upset me, and how he now gets the mood swings from all the fertility drugs. I didn't realize how much different this experience has been for him than me. Yes he has been there for all the appointments and everything that has gone on but he didn't understand all that the drugs and procedures have been doing to me and how incredibly emotionally draining this has all been...guess I forget guys aren't so emotional and dont always just get it...you have to tell them! And its not even just guys to be honest...unless you experience this first hand you will never fully understand it all which I am so thankful for that fact and wish this on NO ONE!
In this blog Kristen puts it all out there...every feeling whether physical or emotional. So as my husband just said as I am writing this "If you ever want to know how Traci feels and what we are going through READ THIS BLOG and you will understand"! Truly everything that she says is a feeling I have DAILY!!! They however are at a step in their journey which we have not taken yet, but when we do I am thankful that i will have her to turn to.
Which to catch everyone up on us and where we are at...about a month and a half ago we sat down with our doctor and he said we have reached a point where basically our only option left is to do Invitro Fertilization...it was quite hard to hear and very frustrating to say the least. We also then sat down with a financial advisor who went over our cost with our insurance and up front before they will even start the process its a whopping $7500 with insurance!!! So we plan on having some fundraisers...hope y'all are ready to help out cause we are going to need all the help we can get ;) But we obviously do not have the money to do this nor are we prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally yet for this extremely tough and wearing process...however if that is what it is going to take we will absolutely do it as soon as we can...we cannot wait to be parents one day, but in the meantime are enjoying loving on our nieces, nephews, and friends little ones...and yes I may baby hog at times, but I think Im allowed at this point :)
So I hope that you guys can take the time to check this page out and that you get something out of it. I also hope you realize that some things are harder for others and that you will take the time to consider that and others feelings. I hope one day I can be as brave and bold and start our own blog and keep you guys informed! Another big reason I am sending this out tonight is because I am also requesting for lots of prayers for Kristen and her husband as they find out tomorrow if the IVF worked! It is a HUGE day for them and they truly need to be lifted up in prayers from everyone!!! And one other thing...please don't be afraid to ask us anything or to tell us anything...we can handle it!
And finally...I know a lot of people have been asking about my back procedures and stuff...well basically we are at square one again and back to being miserable. Forr the past year I was off my meds and stopped all the procedures thanks to physical/manual therapy twice a week and now my lovely insurance has decided that it is considered maintenance and no longer showing improvement which they do not pay for maintenance evidently which we are finding out the hard way (they are in fact not going to pay for any of my July or August sessions so I have a very large bill for that). So I had a couple procedures over the last couple weeks...which unfortunately have not helped at all and with the flu season work is crazy and absolutely killing me physcially so I could use some prayers for my body as well!!!
Thank you all for all your prayers and love and support throughout our journey! We appreciate it and love you all!!!!!!
Traci and Carl Huffman
The link to the blog: http://ohhappymiracle.tumblr.com
(To go back to the very beginning click on archives and scroll to the bottom and start at the very end and work your way back!!!)
So a couple weeks later Kristen and I finally found some time where we were able to get together and sit down and share everything with each other. At the time she had just found out that she was pregnant after going through IVF!!! I was thrilled for her to say the least!!! So I picked her brain and asked her a million questions about IVF. Before this day it was something Carl and I thought maybe one day we will get to that point but no time soon, but after meeting with her I was was more willing to do it asap and felt way more at ease and comfortable with it. THANK YOU Kristen for everything!!!
After we met Carl and I talked about things a lot more in detail and were becoming more and more open to the idea of seriously doing this!
OCTOBER 2010
Again it is going to be much easier for me to just share emails that we sent out to our family and friends so here is what happened in October:
This was sent on October 21, 2010:
Hello everyone! Hope that you are all doing well and enjoying the fall! Just wanted to send everyone the latest on what is going on with us. So much has happened since our last email update so I will try and fill you in as best I can. If you are receving this email it is because you are a special part of our lives and someone we love and we would truly appreciate your love and support throughout this journey. Fair warning though this email is very detailed so be prepared. After all that we have been through with this over the last few years I have become more of an open book then ever. So it is only fair to me to put it all out there and be as honest as possible. Although we are putting this all out there to each of you...This is still a VERY personal journey, but sharing it this way is just easier and will help with any questions you may have but be afraid to ask...plus it keeps us from repeating this a bunch of times. So keep reading on if you want to join us on our journey...
As you know we have been through a lot as far as fertility issues are concerned and after a couple years, two surgeries, two miscarriages, and all that has gone on in between with the ups and downs we have been considering doing In-Vitro Fertilization. 2 weeks ago we attended a class on IVF to get a little more familiar with the process...it was extremely overwhelming to say the least. However after talking with the nurses and the dr and each other we made the decision to go ahead and start part of the process for it. We were HOPING that I could do what they call an "injectable cycle" which meant I would take all the drugs and stimulants to get my body to react and they would monitor me closely and then we could do IUI (insemination)...this would save us THOUSANDS of dollars and not be such a big procedure. So we went ahead and ordered the meds...all $700 worth of meds that is, and thats not even for all of them. In the meantime we had some more tests performed and the day I started the injections we got the results back from these tests and after speaking with the dr it was determined that basically our only option for a healthy baby is to proceed with IVF and not IUI. We were extremely bummed and frustrated and fully prepared to give up because we knew that we could not afford this right now. However, because I had already got the meds and started them we took a step back to really think things through and I prayed about it quite a bit. We came to the conclusion that we felt like we were ready for this and the ONLY thing holding us back at this point was financial reasons. So we reached out to some family and have been more than blessed with the help that we need. We are so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives and we can never thank you enough for your help!!! So since we were blessed with the help that we need we truly felt like this was God's way of telling us to do it!!! So we make the decision to do it!!!
Since this big decision things have happened sooooooo fast! Last week I had one last back procedure that we are hoping gives me the most relief possible to get me through as long as possible! They went in my lower back at the Facet joints at levels 3, 4, and 5 and did a procedure called Radio-Frequency ablation...they litterally burned and ablated my nerves all on the right side of my back. As you can imagine it was a VERY painful process to say the least but I can already tell a difference...I just hope its a big one and lasts! Then Friday morning the intense IVF process started. I started my daily Dr visit for blood work and ultrasound...I go first thing in the morning and then they have this voicemail line that they leave you messages on to check that evening for results and instructions. So last Friday night I started with several medications by mouth and 2 shots (this is what the picts are of the majority of the meds and the three current shots). Carl is being an excellent nurse and has become quite the pro at injecting/stabbing me...he prob likes it s lil too much
The shots make me Very sleepy...and I have bruises all over from them and one of them feels like fire going in (the nurse says its the way it formulated why it hurts so bad), but hey if this is what it takes I can doooo it! Just excuse the hormones for a while please...they are all over the place!! So far the ultrasounds and bloodwork have been GREAT! They even took the dosage down on one of my shots...however they also had to had a 3rd shot...the shot part of the 3rd isn't so bad but the side effects on this one are not so fun...especially the headaches and bloating...not to mention the weight gain from them all! So tonight I continue the shots and go back tomorrow morning for more bloodwork and ultrasound. After tomorrow we are going to know a lot more (hopefully). If things continue to look good such as my hormone levels have to rise and be where they want and as far as the ultrasound they are watching the follicles (eggs) growth; we will move on to the next step. As of yesterday I had like 8 or 9 on my right ovary and 4 or 5 on the left with quite a few little ones as well...they have to watch them to make sure they grow at the rate and the way they want to see. I can literally feel all of them in me...its so wierd and because my ovaries are so swollen plus all the little eggs I am already using the bathroom like crazy!!!
So the next step is daily dr visits to monitor until around day 14 give or take (which is actually this next Wednesday!!!). Then they make the decision for the date of retrieval. For retrieval they will knock me out under anesthesia and then go in and take out all of the eggs that they possibly can. They will be transfering the eggs to a team standing by that will talk to them throughout the surgery letting them know how the eggs are and how many and all that good stuff. Carl will give his sample to them as well and then they will take that and do this procedure called ICSI which is an important part of this to get the best stuff possible! Then they put it together and wait to see if it grows! Then its a waiting game for a few days...anywhere from 2 to 4 days (which means we may miss out on some big upcoming events which we will be sorry about but if thats what it takes we have to do it). Within those stressful waiting days they will monitor to see if an embryo grows. They have a scale that determines how well the embryo(s) do and to determine if they will then transfer any into me. If there is a good embryo(s) they then have me come back in and will transfer them into me and then send me home to be on bedrest for four important days!!! And then..........we wait!
We are very well aware that there is so much involved in this and that is may not work, but we are trying to be as optimistic as possible and no matter what happens we know that God has a plan for us! We just ask for your love and most importantly prayers and positiveness throughout this. We need nooooooooo stress at all. The staff at the clinic doesn't even want me to do anything at all throughout this so I am going to try and keep things as stress free and laid back as possible! I am even starting a new job that is going to be less physically and mentally...so wish me luck!
We are still trying to come up with some fundraisers right now so if anyone has any ideas or suggestions please let us know!!! We are going to have a last minute yard sale at my parents house this weekend to help us out so if you have anything you want to donate or if you are in the Raleigh area and want to come by please let us know...we would appreciate it!
Again thank you all for being here for us and we will try and keep you all updated!!!
Much love, Traci and Carl Huffman
Carl sent out this email on October 25, 2010:
This was sent out on October 25, 2010
This was sent out on October 30, 2010 by Carl:
Hi guys this is Carl I just wanted to let everyone know that today went very well. We were able to transfer two embryos today and the embryos were both very strong they scaled them between a 1 and a 4, 4 being the strongest one of ours was a 4 the other one was a 3+ witch the docs. were very happy about. The actually transfer procedure was very cool and wasn't to bad on our soon to be momma so that's a blessing it self. Traci will now be on bed rest for 3 days doing nothing at ALL so I will be taken great care of her and making sure she has no stress that is one of the biggest things. Hope everyone has a great halloween and happy bday to miss Olivia sorry your god parents couldn't make it but its for a good cause we love all you guys thanks for all the support Carl and Traci
The videos below are from the day of transfer
This was the update emailed on November 2, 2010:As you know we have been through a lot as far as fertility issues are concerned and after a couple years, two surgeries, two miscarriages, and all that has gone on in between with the ups and downs we have been considering doing In-Vitro Fertilization. 2 weeks ago we attended a class on IVF to get a little more familiar with the process...it was extremely overwhelming to say the least. However after talking with the nurses and the dr and each other we made the decision to go ahead and start part of the process for it. We were HOPING that I could do what they call an "injectable cycle" which meant I would take all the drugs and stimulants to get my body to react and they would monitor me closely and then we could do IUI (insemination)...this would save us THOUSANDS of dollars and not be such a big procedure. So we went ahead and ordered the meds...all $700 worth of meds that is, and thats not even for all of them. In the meantime we had some more tests performed and the day I started the injections we got the results back from these tests and after speaking with the dr it was determined that basically our only option for a healthy baby is to proceed with IVF and not IUI. We were extremely bummed and frustrated and fully prepared to give up because we knew that we could not afford this right now. However, because I had already got the meds and started them we took a step back to really think things through and I prayed about it quite a bit. We came to the conclusion that we felt like we were ready for this and the ONLY thing holding us back at this point was financial reasons. So we reached out to some family and have been more than blessed with the help that we need. We are so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives and we can never thank you enough for your help!!! So since we were blessed with the help that we need we truly felt like this was God's way of telling us to do it!!! So we make the decision to do it!!!
Since this big decision things have happened sooooooo fast! Last week I had one last back procedure that we are hoping gives me the most relief possible to get me through as long as possible! They went in my lower back at the Facet joints at levels 3, 4, and 5 and did a procedure called Radio-Frequency ablation...they litterally burned and ablated my nerves all on the right side of my back. As you can imagine it was a VERY painful process to say the least but I can already tell a difference...I just hope its a big one and lasts! Then Friday morning the intense IVF process started. I started my daily Dr visit for blood work and ultrasound...I go first thing in the morning and then they have this voicemail line that they leave you messages on to check that evening for results and instructions. So last Friday night I started with several medications by mouth and 2 shots (this is what the picts are of the majority of the meds and the three current shots). Carl is being an excellent nurse and has become quite the pro at injecting/stabbing me...he prob likes it s lil too much
The shots make me Very sleepy...and I have bruises all over from them and one of them feels like fire going in (the nurse says its the way it formulated why it hurts so bad), but hey if this is what it takes I can doooo it! Just excuse the hormones for a while please...they are all over the place!! So far the ultrasounds and bloodwork have been GREAT! They even took the dosage down on one of my shots...however they also had to had a 3rd shot...the shot part of the 3rd isn't so bad but the side effects on this one are not so fun...especially the headaches and bloating...not to mention the weight gain from them all! So tonight I continue the shots and go back tomorrow morning for more bloodwork and ultrasound. After tomorrow we are going to know a lot more (hopefully). If things continue to look good such as my hormone levels have to rise and be where they want and as far as the ultrasound they are watching the follicles (eggs) growth; we will move on to the next step. As of yesterday I had like 8 or 9 on my right ovary and 4 or 5 on the left with quite a few little ones as well...they have to watch them to make sure they grow at the rate and the way they want to see. I can literally feel all of them in me...its so wierd and because my ovaries are so swollen plus all the little eggs I am already using the bathroom like crazy!!!So the next step is daily dr visits to monitor until around day 14 give or take (which is actually this next Wednesday!!!). Then they make the decision for the date of retrieval. For retrieval they will knock me out under anesthesia and then go in and take out all of the eggs that they possibly can. They will be transfering the eggs to a team standing by that will talk to them throughout the surgery letting them know how the eggs are and how many and all that good stuff. Carl will give his sample to them as well and then they will take that and do this procedure called ICSI which is an important part of this to get the best stuff possible! Then they put it together and wait to see if it grows! Then its a waiting game for a few days...anywhere from 2 to 4 days (which means we may miss out on some big upcoming events which we will be sorry about but if thats what it takes we have to do it). Within those stressful waiting days they will monitor to see if an embryo grows. They have a scale that determines how well the embryo(s) do and to determine if they will then transfer any into me. If there is a good embryo(s) they then have me come back in and will transfer them into me and then send me home to be on bedrest for four important days!!! And then..........we wait!
We are very well aware that there is so much involved in this and that is may not work, but we are trying to be as optimistic as possible and no matter what happens we know that God has a plan for us! We just ask for your love and most importantly prayers and positiveness throughout this. We need nooooooooo stress at all. The staff at the clinic doesn't even want me to do anything at all throughout this so I am going to try and keep things as stress free and laid back as possible! I am even starting a new job that is going to be less physically and mentally...so wish me luck!
We are still trying to come up with some fundraisers right now so if anyone has any ideas or suggestions please let us know!!! We are going to have a last minute yard sale at my parents house this weekend to help us out so if you have anything you want to donate or if you are in the Raleigh area and want to come by please let us know...we would appreciate it!
Again thank you all for being here for us and we will try and keep you all updated!!!
Much love, Traci and Carl Huffman
This was sent out on October 23, 2010:
First and foremost I would like to say a BIG thank you to all those that have reached out to us in response to our email!!! We cannot thank you guys enough for your love and support and have been overwhelmed with the calls, emails, and messages and they mean the world to us!!! We are sorry if we can't respond personally to each due to all that we have going on, but please know it means the world to us!!! With that said lots has happened since our last update...
I went back to the Dr on Friday and based on the way things were looking on the ultrasound we were told that our retrieval date could move up to Tuesday but based on my daily message from the results of my labwork there was no real indication as to whether that was the case or not. They did drastically reduce one of my meds which I thought was a good sign tho. Then today we woke up bright and early (after a night of no sleep thanks to the AMAZING game and win by the Rangers...WOOOHOOOO World Series Baby) to have a yard sale at my parents house to help us raise money. We went to my parents and set up and started the yard sale and then I left the troops to sell, and I headed to my dr for the daily visit. I was shocked when the nurse began the ultrasound and was like "wow...we may have you do your trigger tonight and do the retrieval Monday based on what I see". Of course it also depened on my bloodwork and what the dr thought of all the things put together. I was also shocked to find out that my dr is out of town at a conference through Tuesday...this freaked me out, but I was assured that his partner is just as wonderful and is doing several retrieval and transfers this weekend. So I left the doc and headed back to the yard sale...we did AWESOME by the way thanks to my amazing family for all their help and contributions...THANK YOU ALL!!! By the time we were on the way home from the yard sale I got a message from the nurse to call her...I knew something was up because its normally just a voicemail left on the hotline I get all my results on. So I called her back and also checked the hotline and found out that based on the results of today we will do the "trigger" tonight and then the retrieval will be Monday. The "trigger" means that I will stop two of the shots that I have been doing...I will still do one and also add two more that are going to trigger my body to be ready for the retrieval on Monday. So I will still have to go back tomorrow morning for more bloodwork and then as far as everything comes back the way they want we will be heading in Monday morning at 8:30 for the retrieval!!! This has all happened soo fast, but we know that God has a plan for us and is in control and we have to trust that. We are nervous and excited and could use your prayers and support now more than ever!!! I will try and update after we find out the results of tomorrow and know whats happening for sure!
Thank you all!!!!! Traci and Carl
I went back to the Dr on Friday and based on the way things were looking on the ultrasound we were told that our retrieval date could move up to Tuesday but based on my daily message from the results of my labwork there was no real indication as to whether that was the case or not. They did drastically reduce one of my meds which I thought was a good sign tho. Then today we woke up bright and early (after a night of no sleep thanks to the AMAZING game and win by the Rangers...WOOOHOOOO World Series Baby) to have a yard sale at my parents house to help us raise money. We went to my parents and set up and started the yard sale and then I left the troops to sell, and I headed to my dr for the daily visit. I was shocked when the nurse began the ultrasound and was like "wow...we may have you do your trigger tonight and do the retrieval Monday based on what I see". Of course it also depened on my bloodwork and what the dr thought of all the things put together. I was also shocked to find out that my dr is out of town at a conference through Tuesday...this freaked me out, but I was assured that his partner is just as wonderful and is doing several retrieval and transfers this weekend. So I left the doc and headed back to the yard sale...we did AWESOME by the way thanks to my amazing family for all their help and contributions...THANK YOU ALL!!! By the time we were on the way home from the yard sale I got a message from the nurse to call her...I knew something was up because its normally just a voicemail left on the hotline I get all my results on. So I called her back and also checked the hotline and found out that based on the results of today we will do the "trigger" tonight and then the retrieval will be Monday. The "trigger" means that I will stop two of the shots that I have been doing...I will still do one and also add two more that are going to trigger my body to be ready for the retrieval on Monday. So I will still have to go back tomorrow morning for more bloodwork and then as far as everything comes back the way they want we will be heading in Monday morning at 8:30 for the retrieval!!! This has all happened soo fast, but we know that God has a plan for us and is in control and we have to trust that. We are nervous and excited and could use your prayers and support now more than ever!!! I will try and update after we find out the results of tomorrow and know whats happening for sure!
Thank you all!!!!! Traci and Carl
This was sent out on October 24, 2010:
So I went back to the Dr this morning for more lab work and around 11 am got a call that they needed me to come back in for another shot. Evidentially one of the shots that i had to do last night and again this morning did not take the way they wanted to so they had me come back for another double dose of it. They said it happens and is nothing to be concerned with so we went back immediately and got the shot. After the shot the nurse told me that everything is a go and to be back tomorrow at 8:30 am to prep for the procedure at 9 am. So we are excited and nervous all at the same time, but trying to stay as calm and relaxed as possible...which is HARD. Thanks to a precious friend sharing this verse with me I keep trying to remember it and remind myself of Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ".
Tomorrow is a huge day for us...I know that the actual procedure and being under the anesthesia will be fine but we are just concerned with the next step...the BIG part!!! We need tons of prayers that the embryos will grow and form a healthy baby(ies)!!! Please pray for us and the doctors and all the staff involved. We are ready and preparing for all the possibilities that lie ahead and will let you guys know how things go! Thank you again to our incredible and supportive family and great friends for everything! We love and appreciate you all and look forward to what comes next!!!
Love, Traci and Carl
Tomorrow is a huge day for us...I know that the actual procedure and being under the anesthesia will be fine but we are just concerned with the next step...the BIG part!!! We need tons of prayers that the embryos will grow and form a healthy baby(ies)!!! Please pray for us and the doctors and all the staff involved. We are ready and preparing for all the possibilities that lie ahead and will let you guys know how things go! Thank you again to our incredible and supportive family and great friends for everything! We love and appreciate you all and look forward to what comes next!!!
Love, Traci and Carl
Carl sent out this email on October 25, 2010:
Hello everyone this is Carl i've hacked my rock star wife's email to update everyone. Today went very well. As you all know today was retrieval day so we went to the doc. at 8:30 they took us straight back and prepped Traci. The procedure was only suppose to take about 20 mins but it def was longer than 20 min seems like a life time to me as I waited to hear the news it really probably took 45 min. But with that said we were very successful, they retrieved 21 eggs which is great they were very pleased and so was I. Traci has been recovering all day it was more painful than we expected due to the high number of eggs that they retrieved but my wife being the trooper that she is we made it through it. We will not get any news till wed. Knowing these people it will probably be 5 o'clock on wed. but its all good we can wait. I wanted to thank everyone for all of the nice emails and text messages that we both have been receiving all day we do appreciate it. I hope all is well and everyone have a great night and a good tues. Traci is starting her new job tomorrow so add that to the prayer list that she makes it through, the day. Thanks again we love all you guys Carl
(this is a picture of me before the retrieval)
This was sent out on October 25, 2010
Hello everyone!!! Sorry it has taken me so long to write today, but I am writing with exciting news. The lab called me this afternoon while I was in a new hire training class. I walked out of the class very nervous to answer the call, but knew it was the dr office. I answered and it was the lab guy...who I could barely understand, but what i did understand was he said he has good news and that there was 13 good embryos...Praise the Lord!!! He then told me my date for transfer will be this Saturday morning...we were thinking it would be tomorrow, but hey they are the pros and have their reasons and I have been doing some internet research and am understanding more as to the reasons. I asked him all types of questions, but to be honest I was too excited and I could not understand him so I will have to call back tomorrow to get those questions answered again just to make sure I heard and understand everything. As of now we are a go for Saturday though. Anything can happen between now and then and we are well aware of that, but know that this is in God's hands and he has a plan for us! We still need all the prayers we can get and appreciate them all!!! Thank you so much for all the texts and emails today...they so help us and mean the world to us knowing you are praying and supporting us!!!
Much love to you all!!! Traci and Carl
Much love to you all!!! Traci and Carl
This was sent out on October 30, 2010 by Carl:
Hi guys this is Carl I just wanted to let everyone know that today went very well. We were able to transfer two embryos today and the embryos were both very strong they scaled them between a 1 and a 4, 4 being the strongest one of ours was a 4 the other one was a 3+ witch the docs. were very happy about. The actually transfer procedure was very cool and wasn't to bad on our soon to be momma so that's a blessing it self. Traci will now be on bed rest for 3 days doing nothing at ALL so I will be taken great care of her and making sure she has no stress that is one of the biggest things. Hope everyone has a great halloween and happy bday to miss Olivia sorry your god parents couldn't make it but its for a good cause we love all you guys thanks for all the support Carl and Traci
The videos below are from the day of transfer
NOVEMBER 2010
Hello everyone! Its Traci again. Well, my bedrest is coming to an end and I will be heading back to work tomorrow. Its been a relaxing few days and I have been very well taken care of thanks to my amazing hubby and family and friends who even made my birthday as special as can be considering not being able to go anywhere or do anything. So a huge THANK YOU to those that helped out...y'all are the best!!!
Just real quick I know everyone is wondering and asking what is the next step...well its pretty much a waiting game at this point. I do have to go and have some bloodwork tomorrow to check some levels and make sure I am where they want as far as hormone levels and the meds are at the right dose. I will have that done and will find out the results tomorrow afternoon and then we wait until the 13th of November for our pregnancy test. I will go to the doctor for bloodwork that morning and then wait for the call! Its gonna be a long couple weeks, but hey it is all in God's hands and we have done all that we can do and we trust that! I will be taking it VERY easy over the next couple weeks. I am not allowed to lift anything or do any bending or manual anything and am to have NO STRESS!!! Carl has said he is fine with me on bedrest for 9 months if thats what it takes he will take care of me
I am blessed with a wonderful husband that takes great care of me and I can't thank him enough! Email update sent Novemeber 12, 2010:
First of all let me thank each of you for your incredible support and all of your prayers throughout this journey of ours. It has seriously meant the world to us and just been such an encouragement and inpiration and so much more!!!
Now, I know everyone is expecting for us to go have the first HCG pregnancy blood test tomorrow, but after a few issues last weekend/this week they decided to let us come in a day early to test. So I went first thing this am to have blood drawn and then headed to work to wait............
I received a phone call on my way back from lunch today from my sweet nurse Carla (my heart litterally stopped when the number showed up and I was nervous to answer, but I was thankfully with my Big Sister Angela who told me to answer...so I did...thanks Angela for your support today and always). It was GREAT news!!!!!!!! We ARE PREGNANT!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! We are excited and feeling so very blessed!!! For those of you who are wondering or know anything about levels my HCG was 515 and my progesterone level was 49.5 which is great. The next step is to go back in on Sunday and then Tuesday for bloodwork...they want to see the numbers double each time. So we have a very long road ahead and still need all the prayers and support from you all that we can get! Again thank you all and we will keep you posted!!!
Love and lots of hugs, Traci and Carl
Email update sent November 14, 2010:
Hey everyone! Thank you for all the sweet responses to the latest news!!! We are so excited and full of all sorts of emotions and appreciate the continued much needed prayers and support!
Just wanted to send a quick update on the bloodwork that I had this morning...It was great they wanted my HCG (the pregnancy hormone level) to at least double. So today my HCG was 1250 and Progesterone 46.1. It more than doubled which is what they like to see! Next step is to go back on Tuesday for the same thing. We will let you guys know! Hope everyone has had a great weekend and has a good week!!!
Love, Traci and Carl
Email update sent November 16, 2010:
Hey everyone! Just wanted to send out a very quick update on my blood levels from this monring. My HCG level has gone up to 2863 so it more than doubled which is great!!! As of today I am 5 weeks and 2 days...which is a little further than what I thought but because of IVF they calculate a little differently. So that makes my due date July 18, 2011!!! Due to my history my first ultrasound will be sooner than 8 weeks...its going to be next Tuesday which is around 6 weeks!!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers...we truly appreciate and need them!!! Now I have to get back to work...busy busy busy today!
Lots of love, Traci and Carl
Email Update sent November 22, 2010:
Hello! Hope that everyone had a great weekend and is excited for Thanksgiving!
Several people have been asking when our first ultrasound is so I figured it would be easier to do it this way. Plus wanted to ask you all to keep us in your thoughts and prayers~ It is scheduled for Tuesday Novemeber 23 at 2:45 (tomorrow!). So we just ask for LOTS and LOTS of prayers for a healthy baby(s) (and momma) that is growing accordingly. We are not real sure what we will see or find out tomorrow since it is still very early, but as of today we are 6 weeks along PTL!!! We will let you guys know how things go and truly appreciate all the love and prayers and support!
Love and hugs, Traci and Carl
Email update sent November 23, 2010 Titled: Huffman Party of............
First of all let me thank each one of you for your continued thoughts and prayers and suppport throughout our journey. The power of prayer is absolutely amazing let me tell you!!!!!!!!!!!
Today went GREAT!!! The doctor began the ultrasound and pretty much immediately said......THERE IS TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes we are having TWINS!!! We got to see two little heart beats and the babies (I am so excited to say babies and know thats true) are on point as far as size as you will see in the pictures below! We are so excited and feeling so blessed! We know that we have a long way to go but are just beyond thrilled and blessed and know that with prayer and support this is going to be an incredible journey and with God all things are possible!
For now I will continue on all of my meds and 1 shot a night which I am totally ok with!!! The next step is to go back in 2 weeks for our 8 week ultrasound. So I am just gonna take extra good care of myself and be a lazy bum for the next 9 months!!! Hope you are all doing well and have a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Love, The Huffman's
PS The ultrasound picts didn't come through all that clear but you get to see both babies separate and together and get the jist of it!!!
First Belly Picts 6 weeks 1 day
Email update sent out December 2, 2010:
Good morning everyone! Just wanted to let you guys know we actually went back to the Dr yesterday for another ultrasound...I have just been understandably nervous and every little thing has been worrying me. Plus we are going out of town this weekend and just have lots going on in the next few days and I just was having a hard time waiting till next Tuesday. So after speaking to my nurse and some prayers we decided the best thing was for me to come in early just to double check things and to put my mind at ease...the last thing they want is any stress on us...they are so good about helping keep that to a minimum!!! In fact after the ultrasound the Dr said I can come every single day and he will do the ultrasound as long as we pay for it...Carl quickly told the Dr to be quiet before I actually took full advantage of this offer and we go even more broke
Anyhow back to the ultrasound......it looked great!!! The babies are growing and their little hearts were just beating away! It is soooooooooo amazing to see and so special and calming!!! It is still too early to hear them according to the Dr so we are going back now next Friday and are hoping to hear them by then although its still quite early. The baby on the left of the ultrasound picture is now measuring 7 weeks and 0 days and the baby on the right side is now measuring 6 weeks and 6 days!!!!!!!!! As of yesterday I was 7 weeks and 2 days along (they said it is absolutely normal for them to measure a few days off and they are growing which is what they want to see)!!!!!!!!! I am so thankful I was able to see them yesterday and Praise God that things are looking good and there are two healthy babies with beating hearts!!!!!!!! Thank you all for your continued support thoughts and prayers...we have a long way to go so we appreciate everyone of them throughout this and each of you!!!
Now I need some very important help...believe it or not I do not have an OBGYN here. When we moved here back in 09 based on the advice of my Wilmington docs I went straight to NCCRM which is strictly just an infertility clinic. They are connected to Triangle OBGYN so that is an option and suggestion from Dr Toma (anyone have any experience there?). I would like to ask for all of your advice and suggestions first however. Please tell me any good or bad experiences and any suggestions and or advice you have when it comes to OBGYN and hospitals as well. I realize some of you are out of town or males, but I am sure you have a friend or family member or have heard things that could help us in this huge decision we need to make! Thank you all in advance for any and all advice good or bad...we want to hear it all so we are able to make an informed decision!!!
Hope everyone has a great day and I will send the latest ultrasound picts soon when I get a chance to scan them in...we were hoping to share video with you guys but my camera didn't record the whole thing we thought it did. We will try again though next week!
Love, The Huffman's
Email update sent out December 8, 2010:
Hey everyone. Really quickly just wanted to let you all know we go in tomorrow morning for our next ultrasound/appointment. We would appreciate your prayers!!! Also thank you to those who gave your advice on OBGYN's and hospitals...sooooo much to think about and consider. If you didn't have a chance to share your thoughts yet please feel free to do so at any point...it would really be appreciated! Hope that everyone is having a great week!!!
Love, The Huffman's
Email update sent out December 9, 2010:
Hey everyone!!! We had a great appointment today!!! We got to hear the babies heart beats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so amazing!!! We have a video the file is just so large I am going to have to figure out how to share it with everyone. Both babies are growing right on target....they are now on top of each other which the dr says is great. The baby on top is measuring 8 weeks 3 days and the one on the bottom is measuring 8 weeks 2 days! Praist the Lord!!!!
I am at work now but will try and send some picts and video out asap! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!!!!!! Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
Love, The Huffman's
I am at work now but will try and send some picts and video out asap! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!!!!!! Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
Love, The Huffman's
I was able to upload the video onto here...its kind of long but towards the end of the video we got to hear the babies heart beats for the first time...it was incredible!!!
8 weeks 4 days
Email update sent out December 23, 2010:
Merry almost Christmas Eve everyone!!! Just wanted to send out a quick update. We had another ultrasound today and it was AWESOME!!! The babies are growing right as they should be (one measures 10 weeks 4 days and the other measures 10 weeks 2 days) and their little hearts were just a beating away! They actually look like babies now with little arms and legs...it was so incredible!!! The bigger little one is super active...it was so cool to see and just so amazing!!! We had to talk the Dr into letting us here the heartbeats again...he claims he does not normally do that but as you will hear in the videos to come I asked for a Christmas present...and he did it! He even called in another nurse to show him how to measure the heart rate...it was 178...very fast and healthy!!! He only measured the one but I was thankful for that and did not want to push it. We did get to hear both of them and they were strong as can be (Ill send that video a little later).
We were also officially released from the specialist and are now going to move on to a regular OBGYN!!! This is exciting because it means things are going awesome...it is also a little scary because we have become so close with this amazing staff and know we can count on them for anything at anytime. Plus I am still on my meds for another 11 days (which means I will be 12 weeks!!!!) so I will be in between Dr's while coming off my meds. We just ask for your continued prayers and support especially through this transition. We also made the big decision on the OBGYN. We will be sticking with Dr Toma's practice and going to Triangle OBGYN. We are familiar with some of the Dr's and they deal with the most twins and its Dr Toma's practice who has been an amazing Dr for us and part of our journey. I even asked him today if he ever delivers babies anymore and he said he does for friends and family and he would for US...I almost cried but felt sooooo amazing when he said that! This also means we will most likely have a C-Section, but I was already well aware of that. (I will also send a video of this conversation out later)
We are just feeling so incredibly excited and blessed!!!! Thank you all for the prayers and support and we hope you have an amazing Christmas!!!
We were also officially released from the specialist and are now going to move on to a regular OBGYN!!! This is exciting because it means things are going awesome...it is also a little scary because we have become so close with this amazing staff and know we can count on them for anything at anytime. Plus I am still on my meds for another 11 days (which means I will be 12 weeks!!!!) so I will be in between Dr's while coming off my meds. We just ask for your continued prayers and support especially through this transition. We also made the big decision on the OBGYN. We will be sticking with Dr Toma's practice and going to Triangle OBGYN. We are familiar with some of the Dr's and they deal with the most twins and its Dr Toma's practice who has been an amazing Dr for us and part of our journey. I even asked him today if he ever delivers babies anymore and he said he does for friends and family and he would for US...I almost cried but felt sooooo amazing when he said that! This also means we will most likely have a C-Section, but I was already well aware of that. (I will also send a video of this conversation out later)
We are just feeling so incredibly excited and blessed!!!! Thank you all for the prayers and support and we hope you have an amazing Christmas!!!
Christmas 2010
We had a wonderful Christmas this year and so much to celebrate and be thankful for. We spent Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family. We went to the early church service as a family taking up two whole rows in church and got to hear the message of the miracle of Jesus birth and be reminded of what the true meaning of Christmas is. Then we headed back to Pop-Poo's (my grandpa) and had a yummy steak dinner. After dinner we headed down to the family room for our tradition of watching A Christmas Story and opening gifts...we had a blast and lots of laughs.
Christmas morning we woke up early and went to my parents for a delicious brunch and opened gifts and celebrated with them including singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.
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| Happy birthday Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Then we headed over to Carl's parents to celebrate with his family. It was great! We stayed in our PJ's all day long and got to spend time with the family open more gifts and eat lots more food!
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| The Twins got their own oven mits as stockings since they are still "in the oven" :) |
After a long fun day we headed home and had our own little Christmas. It was such a special time and we truly feel so blessed and just praise God for our many blessings!!!!!!!!!! The next day we woke up to a BEAUTIFUL winter wonderland. Carl had fun on the Go-Kart in the snow thats for sure. I just took it easy and had a nice relaxing day!
