Opinions wanted on continuing current cycle (DOR, EPP MDLF) long!

joules12

First off, thanks again for all of the well wishes and E2-rise vibes from earlier this week!  I never did get cancelled, as my E2 continued to rise.  That said, it has been an extremely slow rise and is still very low compared to my last cycle that made it to ER.

My monitoring appointments over the past week have been with two different REs at my clinic (my RE and one who happens to be the head of the IVF program).  They have both thrown 'donor eggs' into the conversations on more than one occasion.  The phrase "last ditch effort" has also been mentioned.  While DE is definitely something that's been on my mind for some time now, I really wasn't ready to start hearing it from my clinic.  For financial reasons, we plan to do one more ER with this clinic -- after that, we plan to get a second (3rd?) opinion before further exploring DE.

My current dilemma, where I'm seeking opinions from you ladies, is whether or not we should continue with this cycle or cancel it and try again a different month (with the thought that things might be better another go-round).  If E2 rises again today, my REs plan for me to trigger tonight and have ER on Wed.  They don't necessarily feel that things will be any better a different month.  They may very well be right, but I'm not feeling entirely confident in them since they've started the DE push. 

As for cycle details...
-- Expectation for this ER = max of 3 eggs
-- AFC 7
-- This morning's follies = 23.5, 22.5, 19, 16.5, 13.5, 13, 12.5, 2@11.5, 2 <10
-- E2 as of yesterday = 565
-- estrace priming, MDLF, 600u Follistim (tonight will be stim day 13)

For comparison...
2/2012 IVF:
-- AFC 10, best case scenario was 6 or 7 eggs at ER
-- 4 eggs retrieved (all mature), 1 fertilized and transferred
-- BFP (low, but doubling HCG); missed m/c at 9 weeks
-- MDLF, 600u Follistim (stimmed for 8 days)

1/2012 IVF:
-- AFC 5; cycle cancelled due to poor response
-- Antagonist, 600u Follistim (stimmed for 8 days)

9/2011 monitoring:
-- AFC 8

I know that I should be trusting my RE's plan.  I just can't help but question them and wonder if they're just trying to get this "last ditch effort" over and done with (MH is especially feeling this way about them).  I know that there's probably little chance that any other month would be significantly better -- but, a potential extra one or two eggs is HUGE for us.  I'm not really looking for any major decision-making help, just hoping that someone might have some opinions/insight.  Thanks so very, very much!

lynn0926

It looks like you could maybe get max 4 instead of 3??? It is a tough call to make because things can be worse off the next month you try again. That is one of the things that suck about DOR. Your numbers can drop quickly. That being said, I agree with another opinion. GL with your decision hun!

joules12

Thanks so much, Lynn -- I really appreciate your thoughts on this!  Based on how I've been leaning all along and thoughts like yours echoed in the responses I got on IF, I'm going to move forward with the ER (assuming my E2 didn't plateau today, still awaiting my nurse's call).  I've been over-thinking this all and letting it get to me...difficult not to do, but certainly not healthy!  Thanks again!

(BTW, caught up on your blog the other morning while waiting for my blood draw and u/s.  Hadn't checked it out since you were in SD...even though I know what's been going on due to your post here/PAIF, I absolutely loved reading all the detailed updates!)

Gregermis

That's so hard! I have no advice, but wanted to send lots of ((((hugs))))

joules12

Gregermis:

That's so hard! I have no advice, but wanted to send lots of ((((hugs))))

Thanks so much, Gregermis!!!