This journey has not been easy for us and even more so because we are both private people. To share such personal things with Family and friends has been very difficult for us. This process has not been merely about us, but it has impacted our families, friends, and co-workers. We hope our story can help educate and inform others in similar situations.

Our Journey

Most girls grow up having a dream or fantasy of their perfect wedding with horse and carriage, complete with prince charming. That was not the case when it came to me.  Growing up the two things I knew for certain I wanted to be more than anything in the world was an educator and Mother.  At the age of 17, in my senior year of high school, my world was turned upside down and forever altered. In the matter of one day I would be placed in the hospital at UNC for a total of four months. I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus Cerebritis. In the coming months and for years to come I would have to re-learn how to walk, talk, read, write, and complete daily hygiene routines. In 2006 I was placed on chemo theory for 6 months to help treat my Lupus. My life has been nothing short of a roller coaster. It has never been easy, but what I am thankful for is this adventure has shown me what is truly important in life.  

I have now been married to my best friend for three years.  Before we were even married we both knew having children and a family is and was something that means the world to us both. Our fertility journey started in February 2014 when I was experiencing abnormalities in my body. Doctors advised me to stop taking the birth control I was on so my body and hormones could level out normally. Michael and I where both fine with the decision, both from a medical stand point and if we were to start a family while being off the birth control we were ready to become parents.  I was off the birth control for about a year and half, during which time I wanted to make sure my body and health were in the best possible condition to carry and conceive a child. As a result, I got off all medicine that would not pose a risk to my health and might harm a baby. After the adjustment period of coming off the birth control and medications, Michael and I tried to conceive on our own for about 6 months. After meeting with my Rheumatologist and Primary Care Manager, they both advised us that with my Lupus and other health issues it would be best to see an Infertility Specialist and High Risk OBGYN.  

In December 2015 we had our first visit with Duke Infertility.  Our doctor first tested my AMH level which test how many eggs a woman has based on her age. The test results came back in January and my levels were really low. More tests followed such as FSH and LSH. My FSH levels came back at 31.8. The average woman’s level should be less than 10. Levels of 40 and above are considered menopause. After meeting with the doctor on March 24, I was diagnosed with Chemotherapy Induced Ovarian Insufficiency. He stated we have less than 5% chance of conceiving on our own naturally. After hearing the news, the infertility doctor gave us two options and his thoughts on each. First, use a low dose estrogen patch with chance of success around 1-2%. Second would be to use a Donor Egg with 50-60% success rate. On May 7 we decided to go ahead and try the Estradiol patch. We never wanted to look back and say “well it might have worked”. Michael and I are willing to put in the work and try every avenue, even if that means it will not always work out in our favor. By the end of June my FSH normalized with use of the Estradiol patch. In mid-July our infertility doctor suggested we try a cycle of Provera and Clomid due to my age. That cycle was unsuccessful.  After having an ultrasound and hearing back from the doctor on October 8, we started Norethindrone due to a cyst on my left ovary which was producing estrogen. During our November 8 appointment my ultrasound showed the cyst was gone and we could move forward with fertility treatments. The second round will be an increased dose of Clomid. If the Clomid helps me produce a follicle, the Dr. will give me an injection to make it release as an egg. If I do not produce a follicle this cycle we will only have the hope to use a donor egg with IVF.

This process has been very taxing emotionally, physically, and financially. Each trip to our fertility specialist is over 400 miles round trip at least twice a month and will only increase from here. The IVF with Donor Egg cycle is just over $20k, not including medications for the donor or myself. Medications alone are estimated about $10k. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover any of the costs for infertility treatment.

With Michael in the military and me working in the educational system, pursuing the egg donor option would be nearly impossible without your love and generosity. Making families who have endured so much, but will continue to fight and cherish the things in life that mean the world to them. I truly believe, in life there is always a plan B.

Thank you for your love and support,
Elaina & Michael

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