This update is a tough one to write. I'm stuck in a whirlwind of emotions--sadness, anger, disappointment. But at the same time, I just feel numb.
We just got the call from the lab with the first blastocyst report. On day one, they were able to fertilize five eggs. Today, three of those embryos are stuck at cleavage, approximately day three of cell division, when they should be closer to day six. Chances are we will not be able to use those embryos. A fourth embryo is at the early blastocyst phase, which is just slightly behind schedule. The lab is going to grow this one out another day to see if it becomes a full blastocyst tomorrow.
The fifth embryo is currently our lucky one. It is a full blastocyst, grade 5bb. We are told this is good quality, but if you are really interested in learning about embryo grading, click here.
5 = hatching out of the shell
b = inner cell mass has several cells, loosely grouped
b = trophectoderm has few cells, forming a loose epithelium
On day two, the lab was able to fertilize two more embryos. Today, one embryo is at cleavage, a bit behind. The second embryo is a morula, which is at day four, when it should be closer to day five. They will continue to grow these two embryos out another day in hopes of them becoming full blastocysts.
It's amazing how quickly things change in this journey. One day we are beyond thrilled to have seven embryos. The next day, we are saddened by the news that we might only have one embryo make it to blastocyst. While we do have that one embryo, it still has to go through genetic testing. If the testing reveals that the embryo is abnormal, it won't be transferred--not by our choice, rather by the policy of the center and lab. We could walk out of this second round of IVF empty handed, just like the first. And truthfully, if CCRM and the Fertility Lab can't make it happen, I don't think that anyone can.
The lab will call us again tomorrow with another update. We hope to hear that several embryos finally made it to full blastocyst. But, best case scenario, only two will.
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