Entering USA first time with H1 B expiring in one month

I got my petition with validity just for 5 months from October 1, 2016 to March 1, 2017. I am supposed to travel between January 23-january 28. But my company has now raise concerns regarding my travel that they wont be able to file extension as they require 3 pay stubs for that which wont be possible till Feb end so I should not travel. Are 3 pay stubs necessary for extension or is there any other way to still file my extension ?

Also company says that if I dont travel once before March 1, then also my petition will lapse. So its catch 22 situation for me! Please guide!