the IUI begins.. and so does the family health troubles

I had a virtually sleepless night worrying about my early morning appointment, all the pretty needles... and the cancer that seems to be taking over Jeff's side of the family. Three family members on chemotherapy with two responding well. Another was just diagnosed about a month ago, was given a prognosis of one year with chemo, but now may not make it through to see this Christmas as he is worsening by the day even with chemo. Sad and concerning. It is a lot to deal with for everyone involved with it - and incredibly frightening that this cancer may be genetically predisposed. Here we are trying desperately to bring a life into this world while so many around us are suffering with facing their mortality... and others are facing saying their goodbyes to them. It makes our journey feel so trivial right now. I know the bitter reality of life is that it is a circle of life and death. I want to be the one to bring some new life into a family who seems only to see misfortune. That is the only part that seems to make it ok for us to continue our journey.

To top it all off, Saturday kicked off my cycle 24 with a side of IUI #1 and injectibles. Nothing like a rendezvous at 7:30 am for a baseline ultrasound with the vagina cam to wake you right up. On a positive note, there are several good follicles on the right ovary and two on the left. Good thin uterine lining and no cysts. We now have the green light to begin the drugs this evening.

Now it is up to me to limit stress and think positive. In light of all that is going on, it will be a huge undertaking...