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Monday, May 05, 2008

Life goes on

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Mainly it's because there's really been nothing to post about, at least on the TTC front.

Yesterday was the first day in a few where the sun was out and there was no rain. So I was finally able to meet up with Aurelia for coffee and I must say, she looked mahhvelous. We started talking as we walked down to the main road for a quick "coffee" and never stopped. I really am not sure how long we were out, although on likely more than an hour, but we headed back when her husband called to see if we were lost. :) It was the same as when V. and I met Gil. It was like we'd known each other for years and were just picking up from where we'd left off the last time, had there been a last time. There was no awkward silences when we ran out of "blog" talk. And I had the pleasure of meeting her husband and one of her boys. Based on our numerous email chats, and her recommendation, I have started taking DHEA. We'll see if it helps or not. She knows I'm not overly optimistic, but we've got nothing to lose. :)

Another friend we saw on the weekend asked what was going on with us. My response was nothing; that we weren't doing anything in regards to IF. However, I guess that's not entirely true. I'm currently exploring our options. I've been up on one message board reading posts of others looking for donors, although I've not yet had the nerve to post looking for someone. I am still more comfortable with a third party involved. I've been in touch with a Canadian agency (rather they contacted me)who has started to provide egg donors to couples. As most of you know, it's illegal to compensate donors in Canada for providing eggs. This agency has gotten around that by recommending that intended parents give a "gift" to the donor which essentially is the fee that would have paid if they used a US agency. I have trouble with that. If I'm using a Canadian agency, I would expect that the donor (even if they are from the US)is making the donation altruistically, not expecting any kind of remuneration/gift, and allowing me, the IP, to benefit from the Canadian law. I didn't get the impression that this "gift" was optional. And if it's not optional, why would I choose to use their services rather than go back to the US agency? At least if I use the US agency, I get a receipt for all monies paid and can then claim it all as medical expenses. The other thing we've got to get done is complete the application for our clinic's egg donors. No big rush there, but we need to do it.

I finally got our taxes done! Woohoo!! And we're both getting a nice refund. Our benefactor had requested that my refund get invested in my retirement. But when I receive it, I'm going to speak to that person and see if it would be alright to put that refund towards the next cycle. It's not enough, but definitely a good start.

I started Wei.ght Watc.hers last week. I am not happy with the extra weight that piled on with these two cycles over the last 6 months. We've got a wedding to go to at the end of July and I'm hoping I can lose 20lbs by then. I think I can do it. :)

The only other thing that's keeping V. and I (and other family members busy) is the preparation for my FIL's 70th birthday party on the 24th. What had started off as perhaps 100 people has become a 200+ person, West Indian partay!!! A lot of work, but we know it's going to be a good time in the end. And the food is going to be amazing! (We've got a really good caterer. :) )

Other than that, there's really not much going on.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

welcome back. Its nice to hear your voice again.

Kami said...

Thanks for the update. I often think about the altruistic vs paid donor. I think some compensation makes sense, but it kind of bugs me that the compensations are so high.

I also understand many US clinics encourage a gift / card to the donor . . .on top of the $4-$8,000 payment. That bugs me. A card, I understand, but why a gift?

Ok, off my soap box. I hope you get lucky and find a donor soon.

Anonymous said...

Hi there, nothing new to report on my end either. Glad to see you back.