[Eowen14]

Hi all, I'm new here : ) And I'm wondering if I should even try to adopt...

My husband and I had been married all of three months when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I had surgery, chemo, and radiation and now am in good health. All my tests since then have come back normal. There is little reason to believe that the disease could recur. I'm wondering though if, given that diagnosis, we would be disqualified from adopting.

Anyone have any insight into this?

Thanks!

[tweetybirdus]

I think it would still be possible. Just be upfront about it with your caseworker. They may require a letter for your homestudy from your oncologist regarding your physical ability to care for a child and life expectancy and that sort of thing. I don't think it will be that big a deal.

And btw, congrats on beating cancer.

Good Luck in your journey.

Kat

[mrsred]

Since you have had treatment and have not had any type of recurrence I doubt it would be a problem. Part of that may depend on how long you have been cancer free, but really, I doubt it will have any bearing.

[Eowen14]

Thanks for the replies : )

I suppose it's just being new to this journey and not knowing what to expect and what may or may not be acceptable. I didn't realize how involved the process was until a few days ago when I really started researching. I've learned a lot in a very short period of time, but I know that I have lots more still to learn!

[Poleczech]

I was diagnosed with beginning stages of ovarian cancer in 2004 and immediately had a total hysterectomy. It was supposedly all contained within the ovary removed, but all over repro organs were removed as well. I didn't have to have chemo or radiation, but I have tests every year and all is clear. We now have a 7 month old son who is the joy of our lives and we are going to the attorney's office next week to sign the petition for finalization.

I was required to provide a statement from my physician that although I did have this diagnosis, that I was successfully treated, that there is nothing to prevent me from properly caring for a child, and that I have a normal life expectancy.

What is the point of my rambling? That if you truly want to adopt, then I would highly encourage you to do so and just be yourself, and be upfront and honest about your diagnosis and treatment. I seriously doubt you'll have any problems because of this.

Best wishes

[survivor]

Originally Posted by Poleczech

I was diagnosed with beginning stages of ovarian cancer in 2004 and immediately had a total hysterectomy. It was supposedly all contained within the ovary removed, but all over repro organs were removed as well. I didn't have to have chemo or radiation, but I have tests every year and all is clear. We now have a 7 month old son who is the joy of our lives and we are going to the attorney's office next week to sign the petition for finalization.

I was required to provide a statement from my physician that although I did have this diagnosis, that I was successfully treated, that there is nothing to prevent me from properly caring for a child, and that I have a normal life expectancy.

What is the point of my rambling? That if you truly want to adopt, then I would highly encourage you to do so and just be yourself, and be upfront and honest about your diagnosis and treatment. I seriously doubt you'll have any problems because of this.

Best wishes

I too am a cancer survivor (uterine/ovarian) and I am having a hard time adopting despite dr's note...rather finding an agency to take us...can u pks PM me who u are going through...I am at a loss

[lkw5]

I have a friend who went through treatment and everything and then adopted a little girl from China about a year after her last treatment.

I think it all depends on your specific case.

[bethy724]

I had Leukemia & a bone marrow transplant & foster & adopted thru CPS. I jsut needed a note from my primary care Dr. saying I can care for children.

Congrats on being cancer free & you will be a great mom!!! It gives you a different perspective on life & has helped with foster parenting to understand the meaning of "loss" when you have a child that has just lost everything.