I read a great excerpt from a book in Nancy’s blog which examined the needs of adopted children.
It reminded me of the time when I started to ask about how I arrived in my family. It became my favourite bed time story, with Mum starting it off, and me finishing it. I loved the story, because I felt so special, that I had been chosen.
It was only many years later that I realised the need I had for reassurance, that I was ok, that even though I was given up, I was still lovable. The other thing I realised is that kids who aren’t adopted don’t keep asking the question of how they were born into the family. So in this respect, adopted children are different, and this needs to be recognised.
In chapter two of Beyond the Red Door you will find out more about how I fitted in with my family and the wider community during my childhood years.
I hope you enjoy the read.’
Archive for November, 2006
Telling a child he/she is adopted
November 29th, 2006 by janetAn adopted child born with a rare eye cancer
November 28th, 2006 by janetImagine the array of emotions parents go through when their baby is diagnosed with cancer. Now add to that the fact that their child is adopted, and that this condition is genetic.
IN the first chapter of ‘Beyond the Red Door’, I focus on the time when my cancer was diagnosed. Of course I have no memory of what went on, but my parents certainly did. For them, it was a harrowing time, watching me undergo intensive radiotherapy, waiting to see if the tumours would shrink, wondering if I would live. Amongst all this, they wondered if my natural parents should be told. I was their child, after all – the child of my natural parents – and they had a right to know. My parents have always had a high regard for the parents who gave me life; they’ve never been scared of losing me.
In the rest of the chapter, I reveal my memories of the many trips to hospital to check on the tumours, to make sure they didn’t come back. And this went on for five years, years I have strong memories about.
But even when I am given the all clear, more is yet to come.
Stay tuned for chapter two.
Latest research on retinoblastoma treatment
November 16th, 2006 by janetI came across an exciting article about a new treatment for eye cancer in children, or retinoblastoma, as we know it.
Scientists at St Jude Children’s Research Centre are working on a targeted treatment which works on the actual eye tumour. This would eliminate the toxic effects of systemic therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
You can read the article here.
Of course, it is early days, but I am really glad that research into this childhood cancer is continuing. Having had radiotherapy myself, and having experienced the side effects during my life, I would be all for an alternative treatment.
In ‘Beyond the Red Door’, I have written about the side effects of the treatment I had, right from the time of initial treatment, through to my early thirties.
Another good thing about this piece of research is that it makes treatment more available to third world countries. Children in these countries will have a better chance of survival, if this new therapy is proved effective down the track.
Special offer to those buying my book online
November 15th, 2006 by janetWell, I’ve finally got my website set up to sell my book, ‘Beyond the Red Door’ online.
And I’ve had a brain wave! I’m going to autograph each copy that I send out to you when you buy from me.
I was thinking that this way of selling is so impersonal, and wondering how to change this. And now I have the answer.
So when you order online and receive your book, you’ll find my signature in the front.
Here’s another thought. If you want a personal message as well, put that in the comments section of the online form. I’d be happy to oblige.
