Would you ever consider having a child with a man who survived leukaemia?

Question

I've been married for 7 years to a really great guy who was diagnosed with acute myloid leukaemia a few years back.Thankfully he survived and we're considering having a baby but I'm terrified of it coming back and not only losing my husband but the father of my child.It's something we both really want but the risk just seems too high since leukaemia is one of those cancers that people rarely survive a second time around.

Answer 1

If you love him, and you want to have a baby with him, don't let his medical condition stop you.

Answer 2

Skylar, been there, only in our case the choice had already been made before the illness arrived.

At 7 years of remission, your husband's leukemia is probably gone for good. They never use the word "cure," but the odds for him getting it are probably less than yours by now. Congratulations.

While there does appear to be some familial pattern to it, that's no guarantee your children, if you have any, are going to get leukemia. Every single couple carried genes for various bad-azz diseases, and if we were all to exercise full caution, none of us would dare have children lest we subject them to whatever our DNA dooms them to be at increased risk for. (Did that make sense?)

Consider the cause of death and all the major illnesses you know about in every blood relative, as far back as you can trace. Pretty scary stuff, right? Yet you're okay. Was is right for your parents to have you? Of course!

To ease your mind, seek genetic counseling. Find out the facts about familial inheritance for the specific type of AML your husband survived, then make your decision. If you opt not to have bio-kids, there are always terrific kids awaiting adoption.

Meanwhile, give your husband a big hug from the wife of another AML survivor.

Answer 3

You both want a child.

All mothers run the risk of losing their partners to death thrrough illness or accident.

You are just more aware of the risks, so will hopefully be able to make better preparation for that worst case scenaio.

Hugs and good luck!

Answer 4

Yes I would. Children are conceived out of love. If God wants to take your husband it doesn't matter what you do, he wants him home. As for a baby, it will give you a love unlike any love you've ever known......Do it! Besides, consider it as a gift from your husband in the event that he doesn't stay here long. Babies are precious and they are a blessing from God!! It will give you something to strive for, to live for, and to keep you focused on the good things in life........