Hey Jack and Renata,

Fellow Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor here in a similar boat.

I wanted to join the Army Reserves but I was diagnosed with this nasty disease. Before the diagnosis I was medically deferred for some small thing. My application with the Army stayed open though and after I finished chemo I kept going back and forth with the medical appeals team. Eventually, they asked about medical documentation and history of my cHL. I thought they'd straight reject me at this point (that's how I interpreted JSP-950 paragraph about cHL and irradiated blood products). Instead they asked for a letter stating that I don't need any irradiated blood products. Not sure who I'd obtain it from? My GP?

I've only been in remission for 2 years. Moderator Renata is it strictly 5 years? I saw that being mentioned for some types of cancer (e.g. Acute Lymphatic Leukaemia) as opposed to a broader requirement, but I might be wrong.

Jack12345677 I'm also thinking of applying to RAF, but I worry I will hit the same wall.

Cheers,

Rich

Hey Jack and Renata,

Fellow Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor here in a similar boat.

I wanted to join the Army Reserves but I was diagnosed with this nasty disease. Before the diagnosis I was medically deferred for some small thing. My application with the Army stayed open though and after I finished chemo I kept going back and forth with the medical appeals team. Eventually, they asked about medical documentation and history of my cHL. I thought they'd straight reject me at this point (that's how I interpreted JSP-950 paragraph about cHL and irradiated blood products). Instead they asked for a letter stating that I don't need any irradiated blood products. Not sure who I'd obtain it from? My GP?

I've only been in remission for 2 years. Moderator Renata is it strictly 5 years? I saw that being mentioned for some types of cancer (e.g. Acute Lymphatic Leukaemia) as opposed to a broader requirement, but I might be wrong.

Jack12345677 I'm also thinking of applying to RAF, but I worry I will hit the same wall.

Cheers,

Rich

Thanks for your post Rich. As Renata explained, we are not experts in the armed forces requirements and so would suggest you would probably be best to ask RAF recruitment directly to be sure you have the most up to date and accurate information. 

Wishing you both good luck in your chosen career path

Moderator Sarah

Hi Rich. I don’t know, cos i am in the process of appealing to the RAF myself. I hope they accept me.