--- In neurofibromatosis2@yahoogroups.com, jwg090973 <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> My fiance and I have been talking about having a baby. I have NF1
and
> know that my chances of passing it on to our child is 50%.
> We have been looking at alternative ways of having a baby from
> adoption to using a friends sperm. We're having a really hard
time
> trying to figure out what is right.
> I guess what I'm wondering is, does anyone have any advice they
can
> give us? We've just started talking again about harvesting some
of my
> sperm (I've had a vasectomy) but we're both aware, and afraid of
the
> dangers of passing it on.
> Please, any advice or comments will be greatly appreciated.
> Thank you in advance!
> Justin and Machelle

My name is Melissa. I also have NF1. For the longest time I have
wanted to be a mom. I am 34 and I had been dead set against having
biological children for the fear of passing it on. I wouldnt want
them to go through what I have been through. I have some other
medical issues on top of my NF. I knew my husband was the one for me
when (while we were dating) he asked me how I felt about adoption
(he knew my concerns at this point). Needless to say we have been
married for six years and we still both want to be parents.

I recently had an appointment with my neurologist and after that we
both met with a genetic counselor. They threw out different options
(IVF/ taking out eggs and testing each one and implanting the non NF
ones to various other options). Unfortunatley many of these options
are costly (just like adoption can be). We started talking about
trying biolocially. We know the risks and if we get pregnant and our
child does wind up having NF or any other issue we will love it no
matter what. Unfortunately fincially the options presented to us
were not feesible (sp?)due to cost, so we are trying the biolocial
route It took me a few days to decide that we did want to and my
husband left the decision to me (no pressure what so ever) We talked
about it and decided to try on our own.This is our second month of
trying.

I know it is a heart wrenching decision but in the long run you need
to do what is best for you and your fiancee. Have you talked with a
genetic counselor? . Good luck in what you decide to do.
>