Research Study

Rich and I are participating in a Research Study for patient diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility.  PCOS affects the ovulation process causing the eggs not to mature and be released from the ovary.  It is often called a “pearled effect” as shown below because the cross-section looks like a string of pearls.  This ultrasound image is similar to the last one I had last month. Tests showed that the Uterus and Fallopian tubes are functioning.  Dr Casson feels very hopeful that this drug study will be successful.

 

The Drug Study is a double-blind study and at no cost to me. It will last 5 Cycles.  I will have blood work and ultrasounds each month to monitor my progress. I will take one of the two meds, which are Clomid (Current treatment) and Letrozole (Currently used to treat Breast Cancer patients). Both Dr Casson and I will not know which med I am taking, but Dr Casson feels confident that he can figure it out by the side effects of the med and it is different for each one.  Don’t worry, the side effects are mild.  These medications are supposed to regulated the Estrogen level resulting in Ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary).  If this is unsuccessful, then we will have to try more invasive alteratives, but I am trying not to get ahead of myself.

Rich and I are trying to stay positive. We know that having children is a righteous desire of our heart and that we need to put our trust in the Lord.  At times, this is easier said than done.  Even if we have to adopt the Lord with bless us.

Frostbite’s Favorite Places

Frostbite decided to hang with me while I update the Blog. She loves to be at my side, and sometimes Rich.  She is clearly a Mom’s girl. She can be like a 2yr old with separation anxiety.  It is even worse after we return from vacationing in Utah.  She loves to be on the desk, in the window, or at my feet.  She can be quite adorable between moments of crankiness.  We lovingly call her “Princess Pea” because she wants to have everything her way or she whines.

 

Curly Hair?

I moved to Vermont in 2004 with short slightly wavy hair. I started growing my hair out 2 years ago. Now my hair is curly unless I blow dry it straight. The last perm I had was back in 1990. So why the curl now. Ha Ha. I do have to say that when we move I will miss the effects of humidity on my hair here in Vermont.

Ready for a Party!

I was excited to get all dressed up for Rich’s 25th High School Reunion. I have been losing weight over the last few months. I put on this dress and some make-up and felt like a million dollars. Recently, a friend suggested that I create a photo journal of my progress since it is sometimes hard to see the changes in myself. I have been getting a great deal of positive feedback from my co-workers.  So here is my first photos since I started. I am down about 20 lbs so far.  It is amazing how such a small amount can make a huge difference.  I love going to the gym now, but find it challenging to find balance throughout this whole process.

 

Daddy's Little Girl

I was trying out Dad's combat boots. He is my hero. I always wanted to be like him.

How Could You Not Love That Face?

I often look at this photo and wonder if I was very angry or just about to burst into tears. Mom said that after 15minutes of trying to make me smile, she told the photographer to just take the picture. I was not a happy camper that day.

GLEE - Season Finale Performance - "Over the Rainbow"

This is one of my favorite songs.

Unplanned Adventures

Rich was working in his shop a week ago while talking with me on speaker phone. Suddenly I heard weird noises and the phone went silent. No big deal, I thought Rich must have dropped the phone. I tried to call back a few times but he did not answer. Then I began to worry slightly. He may have just been cleaning up a spill or something which had happened before, but I did not know. He finally answered the phone and proceeded to tell me that he cut his hand badly with an X-acto knife while cutting plastic. Thank goodness I was driving home only a few minutes away. He was waiting on the front porch with a towel wrapped around his hand. We spent the next 4 hours in the Emergency Room. Rich had cut through the tendon on his left index finger over the first knuckle down to the bone and across the top of his 3rd and 4th fingers. The image is similar to his injury, but his tendon was cut not torn. The ER doctor was unabled to reattach the tendon and just sutured the wound closed. The doctor applied Dermabond (super glue) to the cuts on his middle fingers. He received a big dose of antibiotics and a referral to a hand surgeon.

So now we have to wait and see how it heals. The surgeon recommended splinting the joint for 6 weeks, instead of surgery, to allow the tenden to reattach. The doctor said that he sees this type of injury only a few times a year and that Rich was lucky the cuts were not deeper on his middle fingers or it would have been more severe. He goes back to the surgeon on Tuesday to have the sutures removed and a new splint to be made. Rich can't return to work for at least 6 weeks because of lifting and mobility restrictions to his left hand.

Rich applied for short-term disability which he should be able to get. His manager told him that she wanted to keep him, but can't guarantee his job is safe, because he is not eligible for Medical Leave since he has been employeed for less than 6 months. She stated that she has very been impressed by Rich and will try to everything that she can to keep him. So we hope and pray that all with work out.