Since my last post about raising the funds for IVF, I’ve kicked in to fundraiser mode! I began sewing and painting like crazy for upcoming craft shows. Both shows have ended, and I am pleased with the results. I will continue to work on items that would make great Christmas gifts, in an effort to boost sales.
Here is where we are at so far:
Last month- $106.50
This month- $1746.30
Craft Shows- $357
Etsy Sales- $474.80
Other Craft Sales- $295
Facebook Yard Sale Group- $89.50
GoFundMe Donations- $430
Offline Donations- $100
Total- $1852.80
My husband went to a urologist/infertility specialist a few weeks ago as recommended by his mom (a retired nurse) as well as others who have gone through the treatment. We previously thought that radiation from the military caused a defect in the motility of the sperm, but the doctor told him otherwise. Evidently, men can be born without a gene that tells the sperm to penetrate the eggs. That is our situation. The urologist confirmed that IVF with ICSI is our only option.
This month I also visited with the Women’s Clinic at Veteran’s Affairs to discuss the needed medications. We were told that the costs are between $1500-5500, which is a large chunk of the IVF treatment. I hope to have a better idea of what our out of pocket medication expenses will be by the second week of December. Once we finally know the medication costs, we should be fairly certain how much the ICSI treatment will be. I still think it will be around $16,000 but I’m hoping for less, obviously! There are a lot of factors when determining the price, such as whether or not you want to pay a higher rate for guaranteed live birth. We want to be good stewards of the money that has been donated to us. At minimum, we can freeze the extra eggs (extra $1000) or we may do a version of the guaranteed birth (up to $10,000 more).
My sisters in law are helping me organize a chili fundraiser soon (weather and time permitting). I would like to begin the treatment in late February or early March, if possible.
I’m feeling more at peace (mentally) with the process of having IVF. I’m sure that’s easy to say now, since I haven’t started the hormone therapy yet. I might be singing a different tune in the Spring when I’m getting my daily injections. Having a baby should be exciting, not stressful, right? Luckily I have a few IVF friends who have been sending encouraging words my way.
Alex and I appreciate everyone’s support during this time. It really means a lot to us!
Auntie Em
Follow our journey: http://www.gofundme.com/tarshababy
Leave a Reply