“In Vitro Journey”
The Montpas family and their little miracles, Cameron and Maggie; West Bloomfield, MI

It seems so long ago in my mind, but it was actually a short time ago. I still shake myself to make sure I am not sleeping and our dream of having children did come true. I guess it wasn’t our time yet.

My husband Paul and I were married in April 2000. What a great year to be married! We started trying to have children right away. We wondered after not being successful in the first year if there was an issue. We decided to speak with a doctor. After participating in several tests, we were directed to the In Vitro Program at William Beaumont Hospital, specifically, William Keye, MD. Our options were given to us and we decided to start our first cycle in November 2003 (using REPRONEX^®). Our first cycle was unsuccessful. It was then discovered that I needed a fibroid cyst removed. This cyst was removed and I waited the needed recovery time of 2 months before starting the second cycle.

During this time my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I didn’t even think I could want children more than I wanted them before. Now I wanted them even more so they could meet their grandmother. I knew my mother had a short time left in her battle. My sense of urgency increased.

We started our second cycle in April 2004 (using BRAVELLE^®). This cycle was unsuccessful. This was my last chance. I could not believe it…My mother’s illness was getting worse. I knew in my heart when I had children they were not going to physically meet their grandmother.

My husband and I decided to make several lifestyle chances. I quit my full-time sales position and started taking care of my mother full time. I had read several articles on how stress can affect conceiving. I spoke with Dr. Keye on this subject also. My husband and I had a big decision of what path to take, adoption or a third in vitro. I could not imagine having to go through a third cycle. No more shots! No more doctor appointments! No more shots! No more waiting! I kept thinking about what a friend said to me that babies arrive when they are ready. Maybe it wasn’t our time yet.

I continued to take care of my mother until she passed away in September 2004. After waiting a couple of months, my husband and I discussed our path. I felt different in my life. I did not feel as stressed. We decided to try the third cycle in January 2005 (using REPRONEX^®). I remember a conversation with my friend Jenny at her kitchen table. I told her with complete confidence and a strong gut feeling that this time I was pregnant. We found out in February 2005 that we were pregnant! It was the best feeling to receive the positive call from the nurse and even better feeing to call my husband with positive news! Wait, there is more. Two weeks later was my first ultrasound. Not only were we pregnant, but we were having twins! Double the blessing! Wait, there is more…18 weeks later we found out the sexes. One boy and 1 girl. How did we get so lucky?!! I know I had help from my mother. It was now our time!