Martina Navratilova's Journey To Adoption
- Martina Navratilova is celebrating being a mom to her and her loving wife Julia Lemigova, just one year after she bravely battled stage 1 throat cancer and breast cancer last year..
- Various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can affect both men’s and women’s fertility. IVF is among several options cancer patients can turn to if they have hopes of parenthood.
- Before undergoing cancer treatment, patients must speak to their doctors about fertility preservation if they wish to have a family in the future.
- Egg, sperm, and embryo freezing are common approaches to fertility preservation, but other options exist, like adoption—a journey which Navratilova and Lemigova have embarked on.
The 67-year-old Czech-American sports legend, who previously had plans for motherhood with Lemigova, who has two adult daughters, Victoria and Emma, from previous relationships, is entering this new chapter of her life after cancer made adoption seem impossible.
Read MoreHere’s some @Martina Navratilova news. She and Julia Lemigova announced today that they have adopted two young boys. They are delighted and request that they are now given the space and privacy to welcome the new members of their family. Martina: “We are the over the moon…
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) August 14, 2024
A statement to Bravo, made by Navratilova and Lemigova, read, “We are the over the moon recognizing the challenges and the rewards for everybody.”
However, they haven’t revealed the names or ages of the boys.
It’s also unclear if the boys are related.
Martina Navratilova and Wife Julie Lemigova’s Previous Adoption Challenges
Prior to Navratilova’s two cancer diagnoses, the tennis legend was hoping to try again for a child again with her Russian former model wife, Julie Lemigova.
The pair, who wed in December 2014, had ultimately decided to pause their motherhood plans when Navratilova found out she had cancer again.
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Speaking to Piers Morgan this past March, Navratilova explained. “We were thinking about adopting but that’s definitely put on hold, and I don’t think it’s going to happen.
“I think it’s just too complicated and the energy, I only have so much right now.”
Navratilova, who retired back in 2006, admitted that the idea of adoption was “nice,” however it now seems unlikely.
“I’m not really the youngest anymore and I don’t want to be the grandmother on the playground,” she further explained, according to the Daily Mail. “Forget that part, there’s just not enough space I think for this to happen.
“So we will think about adopting but, that’s definitely put on hold I don’t think it’s gonna happen.”
Helping Patients With Fertility Resources
That same month, Lemigova also offered some insight into their adoption plans during a “Real Housewives Of Miami” reunion.
Lemigova told the RHOM cast and host Andy Cohen, “When you’re adopting a child, it has to be about the child. And, right now, it’s everything about Martina, and for her [to be] getting healthy.”
“So, we’re putting it on hold,” Lemigova said, according to Bravo TV. “You know, we were thinking [that at] any moment, the agency would call and give us happy news that we’re going to have a baby. Instead, we are fighting two cancers. Like one was not enough.”
The Impact of Cancer on a Growing Family
The impact of Martina Navratilova’s recent double cancer diagnosis and the journey was definitely felt by her loving wife. However, we’re delighted to hear the iconic duo will be exploring the joys of motherhood together with their new sons.
This scenario plays out following a diagnosis for many families helping the cancer warrior in their fight. It’s important for family members and close friends to be as supportive as possible for the cancer warrior.
Dr. Terri Woodard On Options For Preserving Fertility After a Cancer Diagnosis
Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview, it’s “important that you surround yourself with individuals who care and support you throughout your treatment,” which she explained can be an “arduous chapter.”
It’s important cancer warriors have a strong support system to help ease their anxieties during a challenging time in their lives.
It’s Very Important to Connect: A Survivor’s Advice For Getting Through Cancer
“There are a number of common things cancer patients can experience, such as anxiety, depression, financial toxicity, social isolation, and sometimes even PTSD,” Dr. Shelly Tworoger, a researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center told SurvivorNet.
Some ways loved ones can help cancer warriors include helping out with household chores, running errands or preparing them a meal to eat. Sending them gifts can also help lift the spirits of your loved one fighting their disease.
While comforting the cancer warrior in your life is extremely helpful, don’t forget to care for yourself. Caregivers of cancer warriors are greatly impacted by the everyday challenges the disease can bring.
WATCH: Family planning after cancer.
Martina Navratilova’s Cancer Journey
Martina Navratilova announced in January 2023 that she had stage 1 throat cancer. At the time, she explained publicly, “The prognosis is good and I will start treatment this month. The cancer type is HPV and this particular type responds really well to treatment.”
She was referring to the human papillomavirus, the most common sexually transmitted disease, which raises your risk of several cancers, including throat.
The statement also noted that the cancer was found after Navratilova discovered an enlarged lymph node on her neck while she was at the WTA finals in Fort Worth, Texas.
It was then, while undergoing testing for her throat, that a suspicious lump was detected in her breast, which was “subsequently diagnosed as cancer, completely unrelated to the throat cancer.”
Thankfully, both cancers were found in early stages and had good prognoses, as per the statement.
Navratilova, who is now officially cancer free after receiving the “all clear” shortly after, returned to her job with the Tennis Channel just in time for the Miami Open in March 2023.
Meanwhile, Navratilova’s recent cancer battle was not the only time Navratilova faced a disease. She was first diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive form of breast cancer, in 2010.
DCIS means abnormal cells in the breast milk duct have become cancerous but have not yet metastasized, or spread, to other parts of the body.
During this time, Navratilova underwent radiation and a lumpectomy treatment (when a surgeon removes a portion of cancerous breast tissue).
For more information on this disease, SurvivorNet is proud to offer a large resource center on Breast Cancer, treatment options, and the latest advancements that are changing lives today.
Milestones After Cancer
For cancer survivors and their families, reaching life’s milestones is a big deal.
Milestones can be the birth of a child or grandchild, adopting a child, getting married, traveling on a dream vacation, or reaching another birthday. Most importantly, these milestones during or after cancer tend to have a more significant meaning since many cancer patients will gain a greater sense of gratitude from all they’ve endured.
WATCH: One cancer survivor’s incredible story detailing the value of milestones.
Aside from celebrating milestones, standard day-to-day activities can also feel more special, such as planning a nice dinner or spending time working with a cancer charity.
The way you memorialize your cancer milestone could also be independent of others in the form of simple reflection or a walk in nature.
Survivorship, overall, can enhance the time you spend doing all of the above.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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