Ugh, new change of plans. Any ideas?

shay062

Hi ladies, I was all set to start my injections for our first IUI cycle today: 150 IU Gonal-F and then trigger with Ovidrel. I had my ultrasound and bloodwork appointment this morning, and my RE even said that I had more follicles than usual- a few at 10 mm on one side. I thought we were hearing good news all around. They showed us how to do the shots, and my nurse said she would call later to let me know that we were absolutely starting today, but she was sure we would. Well it turns out, we are not, and doesn't look like we will for a while. 

My blood work showed the following:

Estradiol: 29

FSH: 19

LH 9.9

Progesterone: <.2

Uterine lining- 4.5

Basically, he is saying that he still isn't sure where I am in my cycle, because I haven't gotten my period since May 18. He wants to recheck me on Wednesday to see how things are progressing, and then is considering giving me Estrogen patches to use before we would begin to stim. The issue that I have with this plan is that by increasing my estrogen with pills or patches, increases my chance by 80% of not being in cancer remission anymore, and getting a breast/ovarian cancer. My oncologist is not happy about the possibility of going on Estrogen, as she is only worried about my cancer returning. I have been in remission of Hodgkin's Lymphoma since November, and am 29 years old. 

I will have to talk with our RE about this plan, as I just spoke with my nurse this evening. I am super bummed that it seems like again, we are just pushing back the process, and my husband says I have to be patient, and follow the doctors, but it just so hard to get your hopes up to starting, and then hear that levels are all over the place again. Ugh. Good news, hubs semen analysis all came back totally normal. Guess it really is just my problems!

Have any of you done/heard of Estrogen patches to increase the uterine lining? 

Best wishes to all! xx

Shannon

emmuffy

I haven't done it, but I've heard of it. Sounds like a tough situation. I think you should have a review with your RE about your plans. I don't think I'd want to take extra estrogen in your situation. How long have you been monitoring? Maybe the lining will thicken on its own. Also, I've heard pumpkin seeds and pomegranate juice are good for developing your lining (although I don't know how scientific or accurate this is).

BunnyBerry

I'm a little confused about the meds...are you doing just this one day of Gonal-F injects, with follicles of 10mm or so, and trigger the same day? It just didn't make sense to me, triggering with such small follies.

To have a lining of 4.5mm when follies are 10mm is normal, I'm quite sure. The RE told me that follies grow 1-2mm per day and lining grows 0.5-1mm per day, so I would think there's time for it to thicken.

I would not add estrogen if it gives an 80% chance of not being in remission. I would give the RE some more cycles if needed to try and work out a protocol that gets your lining where it needs to be without all that risk. And I would definitely look into natural remedies that can thicken the lining, unless oncologist feels they are also risky.

I'm so sorry you've had this disappointment today after being soo close!!

shay062

Thanks for the thoughts, the plan was to use Gonal-F until follicles got to 18 ish mm, then trigger with Ovidrel. Now, they are talking about waiting on the Gonal-F, using the Estrogen patches for a week or so, and then seeing how the lining is, and beginning the Gonal-F. 

I will start the pomegranate juice to see if this helps naturally thicken the lining. I have read that the patch has less side effects then the Estrace I was on for a short amount of time. Hopefully, we get it sorted out quickly and can begin a cycle soon. 

lebradford

I'm so confused. Usually your lining is supposed to be thin before you start meds. Injects do a nice job of not thinning your lining while growing follicles (unlike Clomid). I'm not a doctor, but I don't see any problems with starting the Gonal-F as planned.