It’s beta day.
I left the house at 6am, the night receding, the crescent moon like a sleepy eye waking from a dream. All summer, I’d been searching the night skies for Orion, not realizing he’s an autumnal constellation. As I walked to my car, I looked up and there he was: his bow and arrow pointed at the coming dawn.
I actually had to wait this morning at my clinic; I never get here this early. I told the nurse right away to start with the butterfly needle. She had to dig, but oddly, in all the blood that’s ever been taken from me in my entire life: I felt nothing this morning. I actually had to open my eyes and look to confirm there was in fact, a needle in my arm. And just like every other time, I was out of there in minutes. I collected my requisite Dum Dum lollipop as I headed out the door.
* * *
My blood has been collected at my clinic’s lab and the levels of beta human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) are being measured. They are measuring for a numeric value, telling me how much βhCG is in my bloodstream.
If it’s very low (5 or less), this indicates our cycle will not have worked at all.
If it’s in the middle (5-25), I may need a second beta in 48-72 hours.
It’s it’s higher than 25 (and, based on days past ovulation, we’re shooting for the 50-75 range), we can be confident that this cycle worked.
And now we’re just waiting for the phone call from my RE. It could come at any time today.
* * *
As a reminder, I will not be sharing beta results here at the blog until Monday. This gives us enough time to process, share the news with our families and donor and a short list of folks, and just in case we need to do a second beta.
That said, I have a VERY BIG BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT tomorrow. Just not my beta results. Those you gotta wait for until Monday.
* * *
I’m on internet radio silence today, including email. But please do Facebook message, comment, tweet and email me today – I’m checking, just not responding yet.
See y’all tomorrow for my VERY BIG BLOG (non-beta result) ANNOUNCEMENT and beta results Monday.
Wishing you all the best and thinking positive thoughts for you! -naomi
Naomi, thank you so much! And CONGRATS on the new Amazon book announcement! That’s so awesome!
So excited for you! Lots of good energy coming your way from our house. I am so touched that you have been brave enough to share your journey. For a future IVFer, this is invaluable. Sending love and peace your way.
Liz, thank you so much for reading and commenting and sharing your support. Sending you all that same love and support right back atcha as you begin IVF.
I so rarely comment here, and so while I may not seem like a regular follower, I have been reading since Hannah/Sarah and first finding the ALI community. Keiko – I am wishing you the absolute best of luck today and in the future. From the bottom of my heart and the tips of my crossed fingers. xoxo
SRB, that means so much to me right now. Thank you so, so much for the kind words and for sticking around for our journey for so long.
I’m getting ready to do IVF and am grateful I came across this blog for information and inspiration. You are in my thoughts and how all goes well for you today. 🙂
Kalena, I’m wishing you all the best as you begin IVF. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share your support.
On pins and needles, Keiko! Fingers, toes and other digits are crossed for a first great beta!!
Thank you so much for your continuing support, Cristy.
I am absolutely on the edge of my seat (for both announcements). 😀 Much luck to you!
Thanks Maria.
Hold in there today. Beta day is nerve wracking! Best of luck!
Thank you Sarah. I found new reserves of patience yesterday.
Congrats on Katie! I cannot wait to watch you represent for the IF community!
My friend’s 9 year old is an Orion… in case the beta is positive and you need a boy’s name. 🙂
Good luck and thinking of you!
My whole life, I have always felt a special connection to the Orion constellation. Thank you for the well-wishes.
Best of luck! Thinking of you!
Thank you so much Carolyn.
Thinking of you and your blood!!!
Thanks Rebecca.
Hoping so hard that today is an AMAZING day for your family!
Thank you Dora.. And how wonderful that you’ve set up a virtual baby shower for Mo – it speaks volumes to your compassionate character.
Thinking of you today, and hoping really hard.
xoxo
Serenity, thank you so much. I also just read your post about your mama drama, which I have been reading and following. How you holdin’ up?
Thanks for asking – I’m doing okay. Taking it a day at a time. 🙂
xoxo
Sending strong vibes out for good news today <3
Thank you Tracey and thanks for all the love from Long Island IVF.
Hi! Came across your fb comment on a resolve post and I just want you to know how much your video spoke to us! Seeing your name elicited a similar response for me to if Cameron Diaz had commented. you are famous in our house! It was SO comforting at a time when I thought no one knew my pain. Thank you! Thank you for your courage and for sharing your struggle!
Jess, you have SERIOUSLY made my day – it still amazes me to think that there are people who read my blog or watch my videos and talk about me in their homes. It’s really humbling 🙂 I’m so glad you’ve taken comfort in the video and wishing you much success!
How exciting and nervewrecking all at the same time. I am sending as many positive thoughts and as many much hope through the web as I can possibly fit. And I am sending some more prayers up to God for you.
Hopefully you will find out Mission Team Zoll 3 has been a success!
Carli- I’m touched. Thank you so much for allowing me into the private space of your faith and your heart.
Yay! Today is here! I know how hard that waiting is on Beta Day. Hang in there Keiko! Hoping, wishing and praying for Team Zoll and TZ3. xoxo
As always, thank you so much for your abiding support and love, Kathy.
Sending you love, warm thoughts, and confirmation that yes, no matter what happens, everything will be ok. Love you and everything you do, ~ Rachel
Rachel, thank you so much for your support. It has meant worlds to me over the years. And how wonderful is it that we can say “over the years”? Thanks for linking to your infertility and mental health post – off to read and share this morning. I forgot it was Mental Health Week.
Big hugs and strength for whatever today brings you! I will be thinking of you!
Thank you Alexis.