Jikoen Hongwanji is also one of my favorite bon dances to attend. Unfortunately, inclement weather prevented me from getting more footage, but at least I was able to capture some of the drumming action and the YOH shisa.

We were hoping for a baby bump, but instead we hit a bump in the road in our IVF journey.

We’re nearing the end of our IVF cycle, which means an end to my 5 daily injections very soon. The injections stimulate the production of eggs, and according to the ultrasounds, it has done the trick. However, when the doc did an ultrasound on Friday, he was disturbed by the abnormal appearance of my uterine lining. Thickening of the uterine lining can be attributed to a polyp, a pre-cancerous lesion, or something else entirely. My brain shut down after the c-word fell from his lips. He was quick to assure me that he thinks it’s just “nothing,” since I am low on the risk factor totem pole — and that his concern was more about how the abnormal lining could result in a failed pregnancy, rather than a “big, nasty cancer” in his words.

So, what does this mean for our IVF process now?

Possibly tomorrow or Tuesday, I will be “triggered” for ovulation and the egg retrieval will be done the following day. Under normal circumstances, the eggs would then be fertilized with Hubby’s sperm, and a few days later the embryo transfer would be done. In my case, however, the doc has opted to do a D&C and hysteroscopy in conjunction with the egg retrieval to biopsy the lining and to see exactly what’s going on. In the meantime, simplistically speaking, the eggs will be frozen until it’s time to thaw them out for fertilization and subsequent embryo transfer — probably in about 2 or 3 months.

I’m looking forward to relinquishing my status as a human pincushion, but must admit that I was somewhat discouraged about the delay in the process. Right now, I’m praying that the biopsy will give me a clean bill of health and will not inhibit our future attempts at pregnancy.

Oh, and did I mention that my doc called me his “pain in the a$$ patient”? I guess I’m proving to be more of a challenge than he expected.

Friday 5‘ing, late as usual.

1. Who’s your favorite of the Looney Tunes characters? Pepe Le Pew. For some reason, the thought of a flirtatious, womanizing skunk with a French accent has always tickled my funny bone.

2. What have you done too much of lately? Sleeping and eating. It’s the hormones.

3. When did you last play cards? I can’t remember the last time I played cards, but we did play Munchkin (which uses a deck of cards) several years ago at Uncle Jonah’s beach house.

4. Where were your keys the last time you couldn’t find them? In the side pocket of my ginormous mommy bag.

5. Why didn’t you do today everything you were supposed to? Once in a while, you just have to leave things for tomorrow in lieu of some well-needed relaxation.