A Reminder To BE THANKFUL

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Let me share with you this short poem on being thankful in the hope that it will bring a smile on your face as you stop and think about all the wonderful things that you have been blessed with. 

May this poem serve as a reminder for us to be thankful everyday for the good times and even the bad…  
Here’s the wonderful poem that brings home the point beautifully.

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. 

They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

-- Author Unknown

A 50-50 Chance on IVF

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I got the results of my blood tests and husband’s semen analysis through email two weeks after the tests were done.  The results of my PRL (prolactin) and TSH were within normal limits.  The level of AMH is 3.36mg/ml, thus should I continue with the IVF, I have to take protocol 1.  To read more about PRL, TSH and AMH, please click here.  

The semen analysis, on the other hand, was also within normal limits.  In addition to the usual semen analysis, sperm staining was also performed.  Sperm are stained and enlarged up to 1000 times to assess the normal morphological proportion, to predict the probability of oocyte fertilization (General sperm analysis only checks up to 100-fold amplification, and staining is not performed.)  This is a stricter classification called the Kruger strict criteria for assessing sperm morphology.     

Given our case, the success rate is 50% according to Dr. Lee.  That’s a 50-50 chance for us… A gamble?!?  Indeed it is!  With all the associated risks and costs involve in IVF, the whole thing can seem like an enormous gamble.  It can feel a lot like playing in casino tables wherein you put down a huge amount of money in the hope of a big payoff – a baby.  And just like gambling, the more money you lose, the more you’re tempted to try just one more time to get that prize.

Honestly, up until now, we are still thinking whether or not to push through with the IVF.  I’m sure everything will be worth it if it is successful, but what if it isn’t?  If you were in my place, would you go for it?!?   

Right now, what I'm doing is I’m trying to increase the odds of our success by finding and doing every possible ways, no matter how small it is, to optimize our fertility...  getting myself ready... physically,  mentally, emotionally, financially and spiritually for this one big fight.  

Should you have some tips and advices, please feel free to leave your messages below.  All these will be very much appreciated.  Thank you very much!     

Back After A Long Hiatus...

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Hi guys, I’m back!  I went to China with hubby for a business trip last August and was there for almost two weeks… can’t access blogspot, Facebook and many other sites.  We returned here in the Philippines around 1^st week of September already.  After that, we’ve been busy with the Mooncake Festival, dice games left and right, birthday parties and wedding celebrations.  Little did I know, we are on the last few days of September already… time really flies sooo fast!!! 

I just got my period again for this month.  So, sad to say, no good news to share with you yet.  With regards to our IVF plan in Taiwan, we are still contemplating about it.  To do, or Not to do… That is the question!

In the meantime, I’m just taking it one day at a time knowing that I am closer to my goal than I was yesterday.

“Don’t try to force anything.  Let life be a deep let-go.  See God opening millions of flowers every day without forcing the buds.”   

                             - Bhagwan Shree Rayneesh

God open millions of flowers without forcing the buds, reminding us not to force our way but to WAIT for things to happen PERFECTLY IN TIME…

Stay happy always!