Hello Peeps,
I talked to the head embryologist today about my 4AA frozen blast from my previous cycle. I verified that it was vitrified and not slow frozen, so that's good. I asked him what kind of stress would be put on this embryo to thaw it, biopsy it and revitrify it. He said that is hard to quantify into a percentage but they have done this about a dozen times, the embryos have always survived and that they haven't lost any. He said the unknown is if it affects implantation, though they have had ones that did implant.
Vitrification is so new that they just don't have a lot of data on this. Many patients are opting to biopsy their previously slow frozen embryos so they can know which ones to transfer and avoid unsuccessful FETs. He said his gut feeling is that it would be fine.
If we biopsy it today, it will be at no additional cost because it will be included in our current cycle. If we choose to biopsy it at a later date, it will cost $5000! We gave him the go ahead to biopsy it. We both just really want to know so that we can make a more informed decision when it comes to transfer.
I had my embryo report faxed to me, here's the final results:
Pretty interesting seeing which embryos on day 3 made the cut. I guess greater than 8 cells does not equal a better embryo, and don't underestimate the slow pokes.
Let the countdown begin...
PS... thanks Friends/Family for your cheery comments!!!
I talked to the head embryologist today about my 4AA frozen blast from my previous cycle. I verified that it was vitrified and not slow frozen, so that's good. I asked him what kind of stress would be put on this embryo to thaw it, biopsy it and revitrify it. He said that is hard to quantify into a percentage but they have done this about a dozen times, the embryos have always survived and that they haven't lost any. He said the unknown is if it affects implantation, though they have had ones that did implant.
Vitrification is so new that they just don't have a lot of data on this. Many patients are opting to biopsy their previously slow frozen embryos so they can know which ones to transfer and avoid unsuccessful FETs. He said his gut feeling is that it would be fine.
If we biopsy it today, it will be at no additional cost because it will be included in our current cycle. If we choose to biopsy it at a later date, it will cost $5000! We gave him the go ahead to biopsy it. We both just really want to know so that we can make a more informed decision when it comes to transfer.
I had my embryo report faxed to me, here's the final results:
| # | Day 3 | Day 5 | Day 6 |
| 1 | 10-cell grade 4- | Arrested | |
| 2 | 10-cell grade 3+ | Arrested | |
| 3 | 9-cell grade 4 | Arrested | |
| 4 | 8-cell grade 4 | 4AA Blast, Biopsied, Vitrified | |
| 5 | 8-cell grade 4 | Early Level 2 Blast, Poor Quality, Arrested | |
| 6 | 8-cell grade 4- | Arrested | |
| 7 | 7-cell grade 4- | Morula | 4BB Blast, Biopsied, Vitrified |
| 8 | 7-cell grade 3 (fertilized late) | Arrested | |
| 9 | 6-cell grade 4- | Compacting | 4BB Blast, Biopsied, Vitrified |
| 10 | 5-cell grade 3+ | Arrested | |
| 11 | 4-cell grade 4 | Early Level 1 Blast, Poor Quality, Arrested | |
| IVF#3 | 6-cell grade 4- | Early Level 1 Blast | 4AA Blast, Vitrified, Thawed, Biopsied, Vitrified |
Pretty interesting seeing which embryos on day 3 made the cut. I guess greater than 8 cells does not equal a better embryo, and don't underestimate the slow pokes.
Let the countdown begin...
PS... thanks Friends/Family for your cheery comments!!!
******************** Update ********************
The lab called and said my embryo thawed beautifully, was biopsied and revitrified. They said its grade remains a 4AA. Wahoo!
That is awesome news about the additional embryo! It is very interesting to see your embryo report and that the best looking ones were the ones that arrested. It goes against logic doesn't it? I hope that the next few weeks fly by and you get your results really quickly!
ReplyDeleteWell sounds like right now we're, excuse the pun, coasting along. So far this has been a much better ride.
ReplyDeleteI like the downhill thrills much better than climbing the hills and not knowing what's on the other side.
Later
Sheree
Those are very encouraging results. congrats!
ReplyDeleteWahooo is right. We are on the countdown with you. This trip has been better all the way.Believing the rest of the ride will be even more exciting.
ReplyDeleteLove you bunches,
Jean and Crew
So glad the first embryo did so well. That was great to hear, along with the others of course. Wow, four little ones, that's a full house you know... :) Great job momma. you're on your way.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Lyndsay
Awesome job little embaby!!! I always thought since the last IVF for some reason that that little he/she was going to be a future baby someday....wouldn't it be wild if that little bean ends up being your first born??? That is such exciting news!!
ReplyDeleteI am following your journey and cheering hard for you! x
ReplyDeleteAnd the news just keeps getting better...a sign of good things to come! ;)
ReplyDeleteSmiles, Heidi
Awesome! So glad that embie thawed and re-vitrified so well. More great news! That much be a really strong embie! Hopefully it will become you child:)
ReplyDeleteI love how this gives hope for the slow-growers! Best of luck and so glad the extra embie thawed so well!
ReplyDeleteThose Day 3 embie stats are mystifying. How will we pass the next two months? This is a cliff hanger, for sure, but things are looking up!!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you Jill, Kerry and the snowbabies.
ReplyDeleteHope that you are able to rest and relax some now!
Take care!
Wooohooo!!! Great report, Jill!!! Praying for continued good news to come your way. ;0)
ReplyDeleteThe Other Jill
Wow, this all sounds so reassuring! How awesome is it that the one made it through thaw, biopsy and re-vit ... AWESOME! Now you have 4... FOUR! that's great!
ReplyDeleteThe wait must be grueling! (I know mine was for CGH on oocytes) ... So excited and hopeful for your 4!!
Congrats!