My first Resolve meeting

At Jim's request, I've made an appointment to see the IF counselor on Monday after my biopsy and also as of today I've attended my first Resolve meeting.

For those who are unaware of what Resolve is, its an organization dedicated to bringing awareness about infertility to the public. They also have support groups strategically placed around the state of Illinois so that you can attend and meet other women going through similar issues.

The closest meeting is in Plainfield and so back in July, I had emailed the leader and asked if I could attend. We spoke on the phone and I gave her my story (which was a lot less troublesome in July) and she said that I'd fit in and they'd be happy to have me be a part of their group. Well...they meet the 2nd Saturday of each month and I'm not sure what happened but each month since July something came up...even right down to in November I had my ER the day before the meeting and I was in noooo mood to be leaving the house. So this month, since I've been especially out of this world crazy, my husband begged me to finally go. That I did.

The meeting is held in the old part of Plainfield and I've always liked that part of town (I used to live their briefly...but THAT is for another blog, LOL). Today's meeting was centered on the holidays and a pastor came in to have a spiritual talk and candle lighting ceremony with us. We each lit one interlocking candle and said something we would like to light the candle for (loss, failed cycle, etc.) and then lock it with another already lit candle. I lit mine for the loss of myself, as I feel like each passing month without pregnancy I'm losing a little spark in my flame so to speak. It was really emotional but the meeting got better once we went back to our meeting room and had treats!!! Someone made Oreo balls...OMG, love them!

At any rate, even though I know there are other ladies out there with similar issues, it was nice to sit around a circle and just vent. Lord knows Jim is sick of hearing about it. I'm hopeful that my upcoming IVF cycle doesn't interfere with the January meeting so that I can go again.

I'm also looking forward to meeting with the IF counselor at Northwestern. It will be nice to get a professional person's outlook on my feelings. Originally I thought I'd only be able to meet with her the one time, since she only works M-Thurs until 4pm and I work M-F until 3pm and can't get downtown in time. However, since the woman I work for is unable to fill in for my monitoring appointments, it looks like I'm going to have to take my entire IVF cycle off. So, I guess I'll be able to see the counselor a few more times afterall. Yay for mental health but boooo for no money coming in from me (like it was all that much to begin with, LOL)

After my biopsy and IF appt. (and some Michigan Ave. shopping in between, heehee) , I'll be sure to update the blog again!!

Laters!!