The Secret's Path

I absolutely love being in the North, experiencing the seasons, seeing snow, etc. Most of the plants that grow up here are beautiful, also. However, I have come to know and despise poison ivy. I avoid all types of ivy, for that matter. This is my second poison ivy incident, and it would be an understatement to say that I am very sensitive to it.

My reaction was so severe that I was sent home from work on Monday, told not to come in on Tuesday, and had to call out sick for the rest of the week. It's starting to go away, but it definitely takes time.

In other news, please check out Dan & Ali's blog - there's some really good news there. My brother's cancer situation is looking better every day. We're very happy about that. I wanted to go outside and run all around and scream at the top of my lungs, but Joe has forbidden me from going too far from the house (see above paragraphs).

Yup, life is good.

Yesterday, I had my follow-up visit with Dr. McKeeby. We reviewed my blood work and the results of Joe's urologist visit. It turns out that because I was on Depo-Provera (birth control shot) for so long (12 years) that I cannot continue fertility treatment until I have been off of that birth control for 12 months or my cycle is regular (whichever is later). This will put us well into July. We're trying to think positively, though, and this will give us extra time to save some money.

On that note, I also spoke with the financial coordinator, Darlene. She is wonderful. She told me that Joe's sperm harvesting procedure (TESA-testicular sperm extraction) was probably covered by his insurance (normal cost is $1400 plus doctor fees), and my insurance will provide a $5000 lifetime maximum for fertility treatment. That helps us immensely. We calculated the price tag, including medications, to be around $15000-$18000. Ouch. So, we can definitely use the extra time to save our money.