[SGH]

Hi,
I'm new to this website, so forgive me if I ramble! My husband and I are considering adopting from Russia. We've recently started the process of searching out information on different adoption agencies, and have found that many have varying eligibility rules. One of our primary issues is that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 03. Since then, I've undergone a lumpectomy, bilateral mastectomies, reconstruction, and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, there's a very good chance the chemo has induced premature menopause. This possible infertility, and a host of accompanying reasons, has led us toward the path of adoption. My doctors have declared me cancer-free, and I have an outstanding prognosis. The probability of recurrence is very, very small. I also realize that many countries associate cancer of any kind with a death sentence. We've been fortunate to find at least one agency who is willing to work with us. I was hoping to find out if any of you are in a similar situation and what agencies you considered. I think we'd be happy with the agency we currently are talking with, but I'd like some basis of comparison for fees, services, etc.

SGH

[dlhall]

My husband had cancer and has been cancer free now for 7 years. We adopted a little girl last year and we did not run into any problems. We made sure that the doctor emphasized that he was cancer free on the medical report. Our situation is a little different in that he had passed the 5 year mark of being cancer free before we started the process. I don't know if the fact your cancer diagnosis was rather recent if you'll run into problems. Best of luck.

Liz

[Bcelli]

We adopted through Williams International Adoptions in Memphis (www.williamsinternational.org) in 1998. The only thing we had to provide to the agency for our dossier was a statement from our physician saying we were mentally and physically capable of parenting a child. We weren't required to provide a medical history. Have you been asked to provide detailed health data or are you asking before you get to that road so you'll be prepared for what you might encounter? Good luck and congrats on your outcome!