Walk of Hope & More Progress

The Walk of Hope is fast approaching, as a matter of fact, it's just a week away now.

From the website:

RESOLVE’s Walk of Hope is a 1-mile walk that recognizes the many ways in which families are built, supports local support and programs for the 7.3 million women and men living with infertility and raises public understanding of how the disease of infertility impacts families nationwide.

 The Walk of Hope is being held in several locations across the country. Funds raised from the Walk support local RESOLVE programming which includes support groups and educational events, public awareness initiatives, and advocacy efforts to ensure family building options are available to all!

 The name "Walk of Hope" embodies the emotion that most people living with infertility feel. They are hopeful their dreams of family come true. Some hope to simply find a peaceful resolution to their infertility journey. A Walk of Hope is an event that represents the infertility journey—a series of small steps, each one filled with hope and a reminder that no one should walk on this journey alone.

If you're interested or would like to join us or donate to the cause here is my page. CLICK HERE or copy and paste this link http://familybuilding.resolve.org/site/TR/WalkofHope2014/General?px=2069941&pg=personal&fr_id=1200

In my last post I noted "progress" - my body finally started to respond to the medications.  I was able to actually finish the cycle (1st full cycle); unfortunately after the agonizing two week wait to see if things "worked" we learned they did not.  While we were sad, we realized that doesn't mean the journey is over.  We will move forward and embark upon more treatments, and cross our fingers.

For those that have asked about it; yes we have changed our diets.  Here is what I have done:

• July 7, 2014 - Gave up drinking alcohol all together (wasn't a big drinker to begin with, usually less than 1 drink per week; but it's totally out of the question now) 
• July 7, 2014 - Started a several day "detox" from caffeine; been caffeine free since about July 18, 2014
• August 18, 2014 - Started a balanced nutrition plan prepared by a very knowledgeable nutritionist who suffered from her own fertility issues and now has a beautiful little girl.  This diet is not restrictive at all; it's simply that is consists mostly of whole, fresh foods.  I learned that my daily sugar intake was nearly 3 times the amount I should be having.  So needless to say a little retaining of the taste buds was in order.  But now almost a month in, I'm not craving sugary things nearly as often and rarely do I exceed my sugar goal in a day.  

Some things I'm not excited about:

• The treatments affect my work outs.  Because of the nature of my situation there are times when I am advised to do nothing more than walk for exercise.  Those weeks are hard.  There are time where my workouts must remain "light" or keep my heart under a certain beats per minute.  I understand the reasons behind this, it's just slightly frustrating. (I know, who complains about not being able to work out!!!  LOL...this girl!)
• Hot flashes - yeah, seriously! 
• Tiredness - I think this is a combination of emotional drain and treatments

The best news though is that treatments are working; so we're happy and excited about that.  We forge forward and continue on the journey.