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S3E15 Who?! The Journey of a Known Egg Donor
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Summary
In this heartfelt episode, Alyssa shares her emotional journey as an egg donor, giving us an inside look at the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. Alyssa candidly discusses her motivations for donating eggs, the steps involved in the matching process, and the strong bond she developed with her intended parents. She also reflects on the ups and downs of the medical procedures, particularly the emotional rollercoaster of the egg retrieval process. Throughout the conversation, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of support from her family, friends, and medical team, and highlights the joy she feels in helping to create life. Her story offers valuable insights for anyone considering egg donation and underscores the profound impact this experience had on her life and those around her.
Takeaways
-The application process for egg donation is lengthy and detailed.
-Alyssa felt a strong sense of purpose in helping others through egg donation.
-She chose Egg Donor & Surrogate Solutions for their supportive environment.
-The matching process can lead to identified cycles, which are becoming more common.
-Alyssa experienced a magical connection with the intended parents.
-The medical screening process was thorough but comfortable for Alyssa.
-Communication with intended parents developed positively over time.
-Alyssa documented her journey, including the medication process.
-The emotional moments leading up to retrieval were significant for Alyssa. The emotional journey of egg retrieval can be intense.
-Building relationships with medical staff is crucial.
-Hope and resilience are key during the egg donation process.
-The outcome of one embryo can be a significant success.
-Community support plays a vital role in the journey.
-Transparency with family about the process is important.
-Being an egg donor can change your perspective on life.
-Every appointment and call is worth the commitment.
-Cherished moments with intended parents create lasting bonds.
-Finding joy in everyday moments is essential.
Links
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction and Alyssa's Egg Donation Journey
00:00:01
Speaker
Hi everyone, welcome to me, you, and who. On today's episode, i get to talk with Alyssa, an amazing egg donor who embarked on an identified, also called known egg donation journey to help create a happy family.
Motivations and Emotional Experiences
00:00:17
Speaker
Alyssa opens up about her motivations for becoming an egg donor, the process from start to finish, and the c incredible relationships she's formed with her intended parents throughout the journey.
00:00:29
Speaker
While this journey didn't go as planned, Alyssa shares the roller coaster of emotions surrounding the egg retrieval process and the joy of ultimately helping to create a precious embryo.
00:00:41
Speaker
Join us as Alyssa reflects on the impact her journey has had on her life while offering valuable advice to aspiring egg donors. Enjoy! Me, you, and who?
00:00:53
Speaker
Who knew it would take more than two people to have a baby in a world where infertility is no longer a taboo topic.
Surrogacy and Alternative Family-Building
00:01:01
Speaker
This podcast will take you through all of the different aspects of surrogacy and egg donation through the lens of many who walk this journey in different ways.
00:01:11
Speaker
My name is Whitney Hall. and I am a two time surrogate now turned surrogacy coordinator for egg donor and surrogate solutions. the very agency I used when I chose to carry for two amazing families.
00:01:25
Speaker
With this podcast, it is our goal to help guide and support you as you learn about what it takes to grow a family in an alternative way, as well as hear inspiring and beautiful stories of how this path has changed lives forever. We can't wait for you to hear about just one more way happy families are created every day.
Getting to Know Egg Donation
00:01:47
Speaker
Hi, Alyssa. I'm so glad you're here. i'm so excited to be here. Oh my gosh. i' just I'm so pumped. I'm so pumped because we, I mean, I have heard about you. I've seen your amazing stuff that you've shared on social media. Yes.
00:02:04
Speaker
And so I'm just so excited that I get to finally talk to you. get to know you more and just hear your story. Yes. I'm so excited. Awesome. Yes. It's going to be so great. Okay.
00:02:15
Speaker
So first Hi, you're Alyssa. Yes. You um are a egg donor and yeah I just want to hear it. Like, let's go way, way back. How did egg donation even like get on your radar?
00:02:30
Speaker
Um, so a while ago, it had just been something that I'd saw somewhere and it totally piqued my interest. Um, i actually got my tubes tied back in 2020.
00:02:42
Speaker
So me and my husband, you know, we didn't have planned to have any more children. sure And i was just like, I feel like it just was an opportunity that came through and I was like, going to really try this out. And then once I started to like, really like,
00:03:00
Speaker
look through agencies and like fill out applications, I feel like even more came to mind of like why I should. So, yeah. I love that. Okay. So you saw it somewhere and then what was kind of that process like as you were kind of going through and figuring out, you know, agency versus bank and going with who you felt comfortable with? How was that process? What did that research look like?
00:03:24
Speaker
um Yeah, so I actually, you know, I thought I applied to like maybe two different agencies. And I, you know, the application process is so lengthy.
00:03:36
Speaker
and Yes, it's a lot. Yes. It's just, I'm so happy that I ended up with egg donor solutions because it has been absolutely amazing every step of the way, literally no complaints.
00:03:50
Speaker
Um, but yeah, it's so funny. I started doing my application on my bachelorette. Oh my gosh. like dis like me In my downtime, I was like, started it.
00:04:02
Speaker
I love it.
00:04:09
Speaker
It's funny. um But I started it in May, ah just to explain to anyone how long it takes. It doesn't have to take so long, but you know, you really think about the questions and everything.
00:04:21
Speaker
So I started it in May, and it didn't truly be completed until um I think it was, I tried to like write it down. um February, it was like accepted and posted.
00:04:33
Speaker
Oh my gosh. To be fair, you were living life during that time. Yeah. yeah But it is, it's a really extensive application. I know whenever I've looked at it, I mean, gosh, they ask so many questions about, you have to know so much about your family history and you have to like call people together. And you really want to answer it with purpose, you know?
00:04:52
Speaker
no No, you're so right. Like with purpose. Exactly. Exactly. No, for sure. That makes a ton of sense. So you had said that you applied. to two different agencies. So good Lord, you did the application twice.
00:05:07
Speaker
But I was like, I really want to do this. So yeah, yeah,
Support and Matching Process
00:05:11
Speaker
absolutely. So what made you ultimately decide that egg donor and surrogate solutions was kind of like, Hey, this is the right spot for me.
00:05:19
Speaker
Um, everything, you know, I was seeing, I was seeing stuff online, like um on social medias. So it really piqued my interest there. Um, And then once it got accepted, um immediately, I would say like the s support, like just right from the beginning when you get accepted, i was like, yeah, this is, this feels good. Yeah. Yeah. I love that. I love that. Okay. So you said that you had started your application at your bachelorette, which is hilarious.
00:05:47
Speaker
What did your friends and family and at the time fiance now husband think about you being like, yeah, I'm going to do this. Yeah, I had brought it up to my husband and ever since the beginning, he was, you know, men, I feel like not all men, but he didn't know much about it, but he was like, yeah, that's pretty cool.
00:06:04
Speaker
um And ah from I've always had I have many clients and friends who struggle with fertility, too. And it's been very, I've never struggled. um So I figured, I just felt like it was a great opportunity for me.
00:06:25
Speaker
No, for sure. Absolutely. You're able to help somebody. No, for sure. For sure. And I'm sure, especially with having kind of that firsthand knowledge, you know, seeing your friends and clients. Oh, I've seen it. Yeah. I hear it from my clients. You know, I feel like I've gone through,
00:06:42
Speaker
struggle like the ups and downs with them because they're, you know, they come to me to relax, but it also, you know, it's pouring out of them. You hear it all. and Yeah. So, Oh gosh. Yeah, for sure. For sure.
00:06:54
Speaker
So ultimately you um, you finally finished your application. Yay. Um, and then you get to the matching process. Now you decided to do identified cycle.
00:07:11
Speaker
Yeah, so when I did apply though, I i applied as um I didn't mind if it was known, I didn't mind if it was unknown, all the boxes.
00:07:21
Speaker
All the boxes, I was like, I'm here for whoever. So yeah, it ended up it ended up being unknown identified cycle. I'm happy that I worked out that way Yeah, tell me more, tell me more. What made you so happy?
00:07:38
Speaker
um Like I said from the beginning, I was like, known, unknown, it'll be okay, you know. um But I think, do you think it's like pretty rare that it's you get chosen for a known um identified cycle?
00:07:53
Speaker
Or you think it's more common now? I think it's becoming more common now because right, like back, I mean, back in when egg donation first became a thing, everything was, you know, quote unquote anonymous. yeah So, which now in this day and age, there's no such thing as anonymous. Right, right. um And now I think more and more people are wanting to, you know, I know like we really want to encourage the known and identified because, you know, of just, of so many reasons, you know, those, those tiny little humans that we work so hard to create become people and, and they want to know more about just their genetic history and, you know, and not to mention like kind of the obvious of like medical, you know, developments and wanting to have medical history specifically, like if, if anything that alone, but, hi but yeah, I think more and more it's becoming common. And I think, you know, to what I
00:08:45
Speaker
it sounds like your experience was pretty magical and you were pretty excited about it. Yeah. It's amazing. it really is. But yes, once I found out that it was going to be known,
00:08:56
Speaker
I feel like every um major part of the process where you get like more information, fireworks to go off in your head. that was just awesome to hear that. And then eventually, you know, get to know their names and see their pictures, all the things. so Oh my gosh. That's so exciting. Okay. Where were you when you got the call?
00:09:18
Speaker
Here. you were Every time i usually do stuff, I'm here. but yeah, so I was actually, i just so happened to be on a break and I got the call and I think I took a video like right after I got the call too.
00:09:32
Speaker
Oh my gosh. What were some of those feelings? you've hey Alyssa, you've just been chosen. Yeah. What was that like? Almost, i'm I feel stuck because I'm like, I don't want to say indescribable, but like I was at a loss for words, you know, like just so excited. Like, you know, we're moving forward and yeah, just so excited to see where it was going to go from there.
00:09:59
Speaker
Did it feel real or not really? um Yeah, I would say yeah for a second, you know, I feel like it took a couple days to process, but immediately, you know, like I... yeah called my husband and my mother because they're like the two biggest supports along the way everyone's super supportive but it was just so exciting to like you know let them know and it just so happened to be around like the holidays and everything it's so cool Oh my gosh. I love that. I love that.
00:10:30
Speaker
Okay. So fast forward a little bit, you start going through kind of those major, you know, points in the process and you are, like you said, you're, you're starting to see pictures. You're starting to know names. What was that experience like getting to really get to know the people that, um, you know, you were doing this for?
00:10:52
Speaker
Yeah. Um, yeah. I will say, i'm not I feel like i as i every year I get older, I get a little more emotional. ah But it was all good emotions. like Everything along the way has been like so heartwarming.
00:11:12
Speaker
Just getting to read their story and really understand everything, you know it really it makes it so much bigger Yeah. Yeah.
00:11:23
Speaker
Oh, for sure. For sure.
Medical Screenings and Cycle Process
00:11:25
Speaker
Okay. So take me through the process. You get the call. You're learning more about, you know, your intended parents and now things are starting to become real. So you go for that medical screening appointment. What was that like?
00:11:38
Speaker
Yep. Um, so, uh, I'm trying to, let me think back here. Yeah. I think there is so many steps along the way. Yeah. So, um,
00:11:51
Speaker
I think I, you know, you so I started out with like doing the blood work. Um, I'm trying to think, um, if I traveled for the medical screening appointment, I've traveled to them three times, um, because we're not, we're a couple States away. Yeah.
00:12:08
Speaker
So, um, But every time I've traveled, even to their, um, the clinic that they're at, everyone was amazing. so I just, I felt, i felt comfortable. i have felt comfortable totally the whole way.
00:12:23
Speaker
That's amazing. That's amazing. And even because you're so right, there are so many steps and to be able to have the support from the clinic, the agency, like, I mean, that's so super helpful whenever you're in the midst of doing something that you've never done before. Right. Right.
00:12:39
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. Okay. so you got through medical screening. Everything looks fantastic and wonderful. yeah We get through, you know, legal. That's whenever we got to get, you know, all of the fun paperwork done. and now it's time to get the process started. Tell me all the things.
00:12:57
Speaker
Yes. So um we got matched, um learned that it was known. And then I would say after that, it was a little bit of waiting. We did some legal where we got to like release names. That was a huge day, like releasing the names.
00:13:12
Speaker
That was super huge. Um, and then it all started to move forward, you know, the genetic testing, everything. So the second time I had traveled to their clinic was when I was doing my baseline.
00:13:28
Speaker
Okay. So does that sound about right? Yeah. yeah Yeah. So that was, um, huge, uh, appointment and it was so exciting because um the coordinator I had, we worked so closely together.
00:13:42
Speaker
had, became so close. It's like so awesome. um So I was prepared for everything. You know, I went in there knowing what to do. And then I like have my list here of like making sure I left with everything because I did go there to get the meds too. And I fly home with them.
00:14:01
Speaker
So yeah, it was just a huge, exciting process because then once you're um getting ready for all that, it's really the ball's rolling. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
00:14:12
Speaker
What were some of, like, what was your experience with the cycle? Did you have any side effects from the meds? How did you feel about bringing home all of those meds? Oh, my goodness. Yes, I know. I was like, of course, I'm an overpacker.
00:14:26
Speaker
I was am i going to How am I going to do this? It's totally going to be okay. um yes so um you know We had the checkup appointments at home that were like a little more local to me. and and Everything along the way for me went really well. you know I almost felt like almost felt like an A-plus student or something. Yes! All my tests that I was doing, of all the appointments I was going to they were like, oh, this is awesome.
00:14:55
Speaker
Everything looks great. so I was super super excited and just even more excited that they were getting to hear that and fall back to, know? Yeah.
00:15:07
Speaker
Did you have any communication with the intended parents during this time?
Egg Retrieval Experiences
00:15:11
Speaker
Um, no, we didn't end up, um, having communication until, um, later on.
00:15:18
Speaker
Um, And then we now have a very great relationship. Oh my gosh, that's so feel like we did along the way. They um released a lot of information to me throughout the process, you know, sharing their story. They went out of their way to like write me letters.
00:15:36
Speaker
They're really amazing. Oh, I love that. Yeah. So you started going through just your cycling process, all of the meds and things like that. Kind of, you know, logistically speaking, how was...
00:15:49
Speaker
How did you handle taking all those meds? how Did you have any side effects? Like, tell me The meds were pretty – I've never had an issue with um needles or anything. So that was another thing from the beginning. I was like, and I feel like I can totally handle this. Like, I've never – um been, you know, it's never been like a fear of mine. So it was awesome. um The meds went great. I didn't really have any side effects. I tried to take videos and like document the process along the way with that too.
00:16:23
Speaker
and everything was pretty good for me. um The only thing that was a little funky was the birth control, which I've never really haven't been on a birth control pill since I was like 18 years old. So yeah,
00:16:37
Speaker
But other than that, um yeah, everything went pretty well throughout that process there. Yeah. Okay. Tell me more. um So I'm doing my checkups here at home. um Tons of follicles. They're seeing like everything they want to see. Yes, it was so exciting.
00:16:58
Speaker
um And then it came time towards the end of like my calendar that I was going to be traveling to um the clinic that they were at a couple of steps away.
00:17:09
Speaker
And, you know, we're going to do our last visit there. And then after the weekend plan to do the retrieval. say So. um We have all my meds with me. you know i'm had When I would fly, it would usually take me almost like a day, i feel like between flights, because I would have to take two flights. So you know I'm doing some meds in the airport or on the plane. um
00:17:41
Speaker
And my I had a companion come with me, which was my mother. So that was awesome. And we get to the part where we are doing our retrieval and we're taking our trigger, you know, the night before.
00:17:58
Speaker
So that was, that timeframe right there was so emotional in the best way, like so exciting.
00:18:09
Speaker
um you know, they, my IPs had sent me a letter the night before, or like the week, the week of I had sent them a letter the night before that I wanted them to receive just to read on that day. yeah it was so, ah relationship is so great.
00:18:24
Speaker
So. yeah Oh, my gosh. Yes. So I take the trigger um the night before, which i have you've probably seen a video of. I documented that.
00:18:37
Speaker
yeah And then. um Okay. It's not the night. It's like 36 hours for, you know. Yeah. Not quite the night before, but like you're, yeah, you're getting things started.
00:18:48
Speaker
Yeah. And I hadn't, we didn't have a checkup between the trigger and my retrieval. Okay. So I go in for my retrieval bright and early.
00:19:00
Speaker
Everything's good. me and the doctor are like, I got close with the doctor and the nurse along the way. but Oh yeah. You're seeing them a lot. So yeah. Uh huh. and So now it's to the point where we're going in for surgery and, you know, super excited.
00:19:19
Speaker
And then um we go through that. It's a super, I mean, it's a fairly quick prop procedure, you know, super comfortable.
00:19:30
Speaker
um But i woke up after my retrieval and my doctor had came in and he kind of looked like a little sad almost.
00:19:40
Speaker
Oh, And then he had told me that my retro my trigger shot that i had pen I had taken didn't... My body didn't react to. Oh, no. So he told me we got one egg that day.
00:19:54
Speaker
wow. So, yeah. That was super... And he, you know, i could tell he was pretty, you know... Because I had over 20... I had a lot of follicles.
00:20:05
Speaker
Yeah. So it was a little... emotional and a little bit of like a bummer and I just felt for me it was like my heart was hurting for them you know my IPs so i laugh and i feel like everyone was like brainstorming at this point you know and Um, and they called me and we just, they asked me if I was comfortable doing a second retrieval.
00:20:33
Speaker
Yeah. Because once you, you know, do your retrieval, that's, that's, you've done your part. Right. You know, that's what you, you've done it. are you You've done everything that's been asked of you.
00:20:43
Speaker
Right, right. But there was no one saw it coming. You know, everything looked so perfect. Right. um And it was just kind of like a fluke thing that happened.
00:20:54
Speaker
So I was like, there's no way that like, I'm done here. You know, so I was talking to my coordinator and the nurses and everything. and i was like, I'd definitely would like to come in and do another retrieval. So we administered another trigger the next day um and did a second retrieval.
00:21:18
Speaker
Oh my gosh. Okay. So you were still able to like kind of... Quote, save the cycle. You didn't have to start yeah all the way back over anything like that. Wow. this all happened within, like, i would say this all happened within, like, 48 hours. Like, the two retrievals. Oh, my gosh. What an emotional roller coaster. Yeah.
00:21:40
Speaker
Wow. Yes. But I knew. I was like, this is not – there was no way that I wasn't doing a second one, you know? Yeah. Yeah. Oh, I love that. Okay.
00:21:50
Speaker
So how was your – so how was the second – It was good. We went, you know, no matter how emotional it was, I was like, me and I know my IPs were like manifesting this, you know, we're like, this is going to be, you know, yes, it was like, it's just a fluke, crazy thing that happened, but um still like holding all that hope in there that, you know, we're still going to be able to retrieve more.
00:22:17
Speaker
So we did. We went back in the next day. The doctor, he was like, had told me, he was thinking about it all night, you know, thinking about, her you know, so, um, yep. We saw each other before, and then we went in and we were able to retrieve seven more eggs the next day.
00:22:37
Speaker
Oh, amazing. Oh my gosh. Yeah. But so that was it So it was an emotional journey for me during that retrieval.
00:22:50
Speaker
um You know, just because I was like, just only want the best for my IPs. They're so deserving and they're such sweet people. um Yeah.
00:23:02
Speaker
So. I love that. So you had that second retrieval within the one cycle. Yes.
Results and Community Support
00:23:11
Speaker
And then how was, was recovery having had done that twice? know. I was, yes. I was nervous. And my coordinator, I think she was a little nervous for me too, you know, because they, they really, everyone does so great at preparing you for what could happen.
00:23:29
Speaker
Like the OHS and everything. You're so, um prepared of, you know, any side effects that could come along. But, um, you know, I drank a ton of water. I was like sitting up, I was doing everything that I could totally resting.
00:23:48
Speaker
And, um, I was just, you know, of course I was bloated and everything, but other than that, I would say i'm very lucky like that. My recovery was totally, you know, minimal, minimal side effects, just like bloating and my pad was my best friend. and Yeah.
00:24:12
Speaker
Oh my gosh. That's amazing. So you had recovery, your parts done. yeah How, what was that? i mean, you've said you've kind of given us the sneak peek that you still have a,
00:24:25
Speaker
relationship with your intended parents. What did you, what did you hear from them after it went from one to now we have eight eggs and like, what was tell me more.
00:24:38
Speaker
Right. So I ended up, um, We ended up getting, in the end, one embryo. This magical one embryo that we are still, is still waiting to be transferred. it will be soon. You know, she just needs to, she was taking the time to get herself 100% and totally be there for and be ready.
00:25:01
Speaker
and But she totally knows when the time's right. She is amazing. She is totally amazing So, We are just still fingers crossed and... i was saying Yeah, So...
00:25:13
Speaker
Absolutely. Well, and that just shows, i mean, there's a reason why, right? That, you know, i I know, I know you hear a lot of people who like, oh, you hear things like 25 eggs and, you know, 25 eggs does not equate to 25 embryos.
00:25:26
Speaker
Right. Right. Yeah. And that's, so I was so nervous. I was nervous. Like, um, I'm very positive and I try not to think negatively at all, but i was like, oh, okay. So this is uh,
00:25:40
Speaker
Eight eggs in total. I know, you know, that they've got to go through their process and do their thing to make it to that embryo. Right. so I was, we were just so happy that we, you know, we ended up with that embryo. Yeah.
00:25:55
Speaker
Oh, what a loved little embryo. Yes. Yes. Oh my gosh. So loved. By everyone. um I know, like, I have a huge community here, like, on my end. Yeah.
00:26:08
Speaker
I was super open throughout the whole entire process with my clients. You know, everyone knew what was going on. Everyone knew that I was committed to a cycle. So, you know, i would have to move people here and there. sure You know, everyone was um amazing here on my side, too. So people still ask me when they come in, like they'll still check in. They'll be like, so do we know? Do you know?
00:26:31
Speaker
Oh, I love that. I love that. Well, I mean, that just shows how important it is to have that community and that support, especially when things don't go the way that, you know, we were expecting them and to still have all of those cheerleaders just rooting for you and your intended parents, people that they haven't even met.
00:26:53
Speaker
Like, yeah. yeah Oh my gosh. That's amazing. So Since then, and as we're kind of, i know we're in this you know waiting period, which I feel like that's you know that's what IVF and egg donation and surrogacy is, is a lot of hurry up and wait.
00:27:09
Speaker
yeah what how has this just How has this experience impacted you and your life and your family? Yes. So um it has totally given me a whole new perspective.
00:27:27
Speaker
Completely. You know, I am now also so educated on it where, you know, I had known things before and like kind of when I started, but I feel like so much more educated now. And I do my best to try and also like share my story and educate others as well.
00:27:44
Speaker
Just and even my husband, you know, he didn't know. much at about anything now. And now he's like, knows so much more. and so it's so Let me talk to you about follicles.
00:28:01
Speaker
Yeah. I love it. Also my kids, like i i have three children and they, watched me go through it all too. And, you know, I was super open with them too. Of course, I didn't get down to like the nitty gritty of it all. Like they're, they're young still, but they totally knew like mom was going through something for someone else um to help them, you know, have a baby too. It's actually so funny. My youngest who is four, um, she, you know,
00:28:34
Speaker
In the morning, I was doing my um medication. Sure. time I'm getting them kind of ready for school, too. Right. So they saw me go through that, too. And they were, you know, it's... Anyways, my four-year-old, she knew that I was had eggs in my tummy ah for someone else.
00:28:52
Speaker
And just the, I think just a couple weeks ago, she says, um so how... She's rubbing my belly. She said, how's the egg doing? She's like, egg? How's the egg?
00:29:04
Speaker
And it's just so funny to me because in her mind, she's probably... in her mind she's probably Picturing like a chicken. egg ah water absolutely Oh,
00:29:17
Speaker
that's precious. Have you thought about, you know, how to explain, or maybe you already have. Yeah. How to have kind of that conversation with your kiddos of, Hey, there's going to be this little person in the world that is, you know, a half sibling. Like how has that conversation been?
00:29:37
Speaker
Yeah, definitely. And we've talked about it, especially with my oldest. My oldest is 11. Yeah. I we did you know, we had our own conversation about, you know, someone else could be having um this baby that mom helped.
00:29:54
Speaker
um And that would be your half sibling. And um me and my IPs, we have had that discussion of like, you know, um being totally transparent with our kids and like our kids knowing that they have other siblings too.
00:30:14
Speaker
we're totally ah So, transparent with that. I love that. Yeah. I love that. Well, it's part of their story just as much as it's your story. Yes. And they've said that they said they do, know, everything goes great and as planned. They want their child to know like, you know, that we're a part of the story and that we're a piece of the puzzle.
00:30:35
Speaker
So I love that.
Reflections and Future Plans
00:30:37
Speaker
That's amazing. Yeah. So thinking, you know, looking back, finish this sentence.
00:30:46
Speaker
I'm glad i was an egg donor because. Because I'm glad I'm an egg donor because I feel like I truly helped make difference in someone else's life, you know?
00:31:03
Speaker
yeah Oh gosh. Oh gosh. yeah Yeah. I mean the hope you've given. Yeah. It's, it's, um, so in the very beginning of the process too, I feel like, um, I talked on the phone with, um, Katie. Yeah.
00:31:23
Speaker
Yeah. And she, i think she had asked me, you know, like, um, why I was interested or what, you know, caused my interest. And I'm going to tell you ah doctor that I had delivered my last two children, i would lose sleep over how thankful I was for her.
00:31:42
Speaker
you know, for helping me bring these, um, she helped with my last two C-sections, helped me bringing these babies into this world. I was like, she's an angel, you know, of course I'm not becoming a doctor.
00:31:56
Speaker
right i was like, what if I could like be that person for someone else, you know, just someone that they're like, yeah, I don't know. That was such a feeling that I feel for her. i don't know.
00:32:11
Speaker
Just so thankful. And Sure. And wanting to give back in that way, just having that impact. yeah Yeah, What is any advice that you would want to give to you any, you know, women who are thinking about being egg donors, who currently are being egg donors, whether it's logistical or just from your experience? What what is some advice you want to give?
00:32:37
Speaker
I would say it's true it will truly change your life in all the best ways. You will truly have like a wider perspective. um And i have a lot of people who peak interest in the process throughout like my journey. And they um like our I've thought about it or I would like to do it too. it And I totally am so for it.
00:33:02
Speaker
I just do let them know. I'm like, it is not like a quick, easy thing. You're totally um committing yourself. It's not just a two month thing that you're just gonna jump into. So it's a time commitment, but it's so worth it. Every, every appointment, every call, every email, you know?
00:33:22
Speaker
Yeah. Yeah. It's all worth it. yeah Okay. Looking back, what would you say is maybe just a favorite moment? If you can pick one.
00:33:34
Speaker
Oh, goodness. ah
00:33:38
Speaker
so Definitely the first time i heard from my IPs. You know, our first communication. done we we've done like ah we've done videos together when we did like our, I think with our, during like our psych eval maybe. ah so And that was amazing too.
00:34:01
Speaker
i feel like the whole time we were just like looking at each other with like grins to hear. um We had such a good conversation.
00:34:11
Speaker
We both truly feel like it was like,
00:34:16
Speaker
matchmate you know like perfect they've said that to me from the beginning they're like we've looked through thousands of profiles and she said it was just something about mine for her and for me i just I could not imagine who else you know yeah it's I feel like everything happens for a reason um before I matched with my IPs that I donated to, I did have a match before, yeah um but it didn't end up, it didn't end up going through.
00:34:48
Speaker
um And I think they just weren't ready. You know, it was, but everything happens for a reason. here you are. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, gosh.
00:34:59
Speaker
Well, I feel like that's... Definitely my first communications with them. Yeah. Yeah. I feel like, I mean, I feel like that's your story is everything does ultimately happen for a reason. And you ride that roller coaster ultimately knowing that it's heading towards good.
00:35:12
Speaker
And i love that. Every time we talk, it's just, we feel like we have known each other, you know, rock forever, forever. Yeah. So...
00:35:23
Speaker
Well, it's beautiful. It's a really special relationship. There's just this connection. It's so special. Yeah. Oh, I love that so much. yeah So my final question to you, and it's a fun one.
00:35:38
Speaker
um For anyone who knows me, they know that I have a very codependent relationship on coffee. And so I always like to ask what filled your cup this morning, literally or figuratively.
00:35:54
Speaker
What was the thing that filled your cup?
00:35:59
Speaker
Okay, this morning, what filled my cup? Um, literally Dunkin Donuts, Dunk-A-Latte. yeah But in other sense, um, you know, i get up early with the kids in the morning and I have that separate time with my oldest and with my youngest.
00:36:19
Speaker
And, um, today was a really good morning, you know? So it was just one of those days where just it was like, yeah. just felt awesome oh everyone woke up happy everyone woke up with a smile that always feels good
Conclusion and Gratitude
00:36:37
Speaker
for today that's what it was that always feels good when those kids wake up in the morning you're like all right we can do this yes Awesome. Well, Alyssa, thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing your story and continuing to, you know, just spread your knowledge and your experience to others. And um we're just so grateful for you. And we are thinking and sending all of the happy thoughts, prayers, good vibes for yeah that sweet little embryo just waiting.
00:37:12
Speaker
Yes. It's all going to be awesome. It's all going to be worth it all the way. Absolutely. Absolutely. Thank you, Alyssa. Thank you. Thank you so much for joining us on this episode of me, you and who we appreciate your time and hope you enjoyed our discussion today.
00:37:32
Speaker
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Speaker
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Speaker
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Speaker
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00:38:34
Speaker
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