Jenna Haskins, a 35-year-old mother, has spoken out about her decision to adopt her now three-year-old daughter, Bella, after being diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer. Haskins detailed her experience, including the initial shock of her diagnosis, the subsequent stability of her condition, and the emotional and practical hurdles faced during the adoption process.
Haskins' journey with cancer began in February 2019, when she was 27 and her elder daughter, Riley, was 18 months old. A lump in her breast led to a diagnosis of triple-positive breast cancer. Although initially treated with a mastectomy, doctors later discovered the cancer had spread to 23 out of 24 lymph nodes and a lesion was found on her spine. This revealed it to be Stage 4 secondary breast cancer, with an initial prognosis of three to five years.
Seeking specialized treatment, Haskins traveled to Madrid for radiotherapy and Herceptin, a drug targeting the HER2 protein. This treatment proved effective, stabilizing her cancer for two years. During this period of stability, she and her husband, Jack, decided they wanted another child for their daughter Riley, despite pregnancy being too risky due to her hormone-positive cancer and early menopause induced by treatment.
Adoption emerged as their path, but the process proved challenging. Two agencies initially rejected them upon disclosure of her diagnosis. Haskins described the pain of being deemed unsuitable to parent solely based on her medical condition. However, Adoption West in Gloucester eventually considered their application, requiring a detailed letter from her oncologist and extensive assessments. Haskins' oncologist confirmed that while her cancer was incurable, it had been stable for years, suggesting she could still have many good years ahead.
The assessment process, lasting nearly two years, involved rigorous background checks, psychological evaluations, and discussions about her prognosis and support network. Haskins stated that she and Jack were open about the uncertainties, acknowledging that all families face unpredictable challenges.
In 2023, after being approved, they were connected with a nine-week-old baby girl. Haskins described an immediate bond, and Bella was placed with them within three days. Her elder daughter, Riley, then six, embraced Bella, and the family felt complete.
However, in the past year, Haskins' cancer began to spread again, first detected after a fall led to a broken femur. Scans revealed the cancer had returned to her spine and bones. This relapse brought renewed fear, particularly regarding her ability to be present for Bella, who had already experienced early life upheaval. Despite a new treatment regime, including oral chemotherapy, the cancer continued to spread to her vertebrae.
In June, the couple received news that her cancer, while still incurable, was stable. No new tumors were growing, and existing ones were shrinking. Haskins continues to undergo regular scans and remains uncertain about her long-term prognosis, choosing not to ask doctors for a specific timeframe. She focuses on maintaining stability and normalcy for her daughters, who are unaware of the full extent of her illness.
Haskins defended her decision to adopt, emphasizing the love and family life provided to Bella. She stated that fear of the future should not prevent providing a loving home and that her diagnosis has deepened her appreciation for motherhood. She expressed a strong desire to witness her daughters' future milestones, concluding that adopting Bella was a decision made with honesty, careful thought, and love.