1. < Cancer

Am I selfish getting puppies while I am in remission?

Posted by isadora2021 @isadora2021, Jul 29 8:45pm

For decades my career was my great love. Absolutely had a ball. I always wanted a dog but knew I couldn’t because of the hours I worked away from home - not fair on a furry friend. I always had a dream of getting 2 puppies when I retired. But stage 4 appendix cancer at 58 wasn’t factored in! I worked from home through aggressive treatments and got to NED in May 2022. On 30 June 2023 with my finances all being in order I decided to retire (or as I like to think of it, to go on permanent vacation), It felt absolutely right. It has been absolutely right.

Yet I’ve put off getting my puppies because in a way I’m waiting for a recurrence.

A year later I’ve had enough of that attitude and am about to get 2 Labradoodle puppies. I’m financially able to have them and also deal with my cancer when it does return - hopefully years from now.

Has anyone else gone through a similar struggle with making decisions like this due to cancer? Putting off going overseas?

How did you deal with those decisions?

Thank you ❣️🙏

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Jul 30 10:24pm
In reply to @aardvark2118 "Hi! Was in the same position! Had planned to get a dog in 2023 but diagnosis,..." + (show)
@aardvark2118

Hi! Was in the same position! Had planned to get a dog in 2023 but diagnosis, surgery, chemo and radiation got in the way. Was afraid to move forward but with encouragement from lots of folks (and plan for sister or niece to take over if ever needed) I took the plunge in March and have great standard poodle puppy! Am so glad I have her! Will be honest I still worry about leaving her but the joy she’s brought has helped with stress and worry about a recurrence. Something joyful to focus on. Go fir it and enjoy them!!!

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Thank you for sharing that!!! It’s comforting to hear all these stories from you kind people who have held back on various activities due to our cancer and treatments, then had the courage to take the plunge. So important to have in place back up plans for our loved pets if needed. That helps.

Wishing you continuing good health and good times with your poodle 🙏💝 Thank you.

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Jul 30 10:42pm
In reply to @celia16 "My brother had brother and sister labs from same litter years ago and they were great..." + (show)
@celia16

My brother had brother and sister labs from same litter years ago and they were great together. So, two seem to work well, imo.

But, they love this little guy too. He’s very cute.

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Absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing. We had a girl and a boy Labrador when we were kids, and I think that’s why I decided on going down that path. It was very hard to choose from a tangle of 7 bundles of gorgeousness!!

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Jul 30 10:46pm
In reply to @windyshores "You could also get older dog(s) from a shelter though if you have allergies that is..." + (show)
@windyshores

You could also get older dog(s) from a shelter though if you have allergies that is harder.

I realized I put off getting a long term residence after cancer. It's been almost 10 years and I am finally buying a condo! The effect of cancer has been on the back burner but quietly affecting my decisions.

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Congratulations for making the decision to go ahead and buy the condo! So true how having cancer affects us in so many different ways. I’m glad you’re making your dream come true and it’s time I did so too 🙏❣️

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4me | @4me | Jul 31 1:48pm
In reply to @isadora2021 "Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I can feel your great love for all..." + (show)
@isadora2021

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I can feel your great love for all of your dogs from here.

You’re amazing to be fostering as you do 🙏 That’s very special. It’s something I’ll bear in mind for when my 2 are old enough to consider.

If I go ahead (which I’m now sure I will do if my CT-PET scans next week are clear) I will get my 8 week old puppies at the end of August. They’re too young right now to have a sick mommy in treatment and if my scans are clear they’ll be 4 months older by the next ones.

Doing research including asking friends about training including walking. Great to know we can start gently over several short walks when they are young.

It’s amazing how much I love them already when I visit and cuddle them and looking forward to building our family. A lot of commitment but made easier with a lot of love ❣️❣️ Thank you!

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Make sure you send pictures when you get your new babies.
Your going to be the best dog mom.
😊😊

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Jul 31 8:29pm

Thank you! These are photos from a few days ago sent to me by their mommy’s mommy 🥰

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1 reply
4me | @4me | Aug 1 10:52am
In reply to @isadora2021 "Thank you! These are photos from a few days ago sent to me by their mommy’s..." + (show)
@isadora2021

Thank you! These are photos from a few days ago sent to me by their mommy’s mommy 🥰

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I couldn't see the pictures.
Is lulu and Benji their names?

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Aug 1 8:52pm

I’m sorry - I’ve tried to load twice and it seemed to work but when I pressed “add” it didn’t!! Yes, Lulu and Benji 😊 They’re deep chocolate with the poodle fur winning out in the Labradoodle. Very cute and apparently highly intelligent and potty training going well

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2 replies
relicmeister | @rselicmeister | Aug 3 6:20am

Enjoy your puppies they will give you great joy as you give them the same. It’s not selfish at all. Having dogs to care for keeps your focus off of yourself which is healthy.

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Aug 3 6:24am

Many thanks! That’s an excellent point you make there

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