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Am I selfish getting puppies while I am in remission?

Posted by isadora2021 @isadora2021, Jul 29, 2024

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.

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bryanta | @bryanta | Oct 12 2:12pm

Try to do what brings you joy. At times live is put on hold because
of too many health issues. Try to have hope for a better future.
Adjusting to a new normal.
I've survived two stage 4 cancers plus damage chemos caused.
Try to keep moving and caring for your pets and others.
Wish you well...

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Oct 12 4:04pm
In reply to @bryanta "Try to do what brings you joy. At times live is put on hold because of..." + (show)
Profile picture for bryanta @bryanta

Try to do what brings you joy. At times live is put on hold because
of too many health issues. Try to have hope for a better future.
Adjusting to a new normal.
I've survived two stage 4 cancers plus damage chemos caused.
Try to keep moving and caring for your pets and others.
Wish you well...

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@bryanta Such a powerful message ❤️‍🩹

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Oct 12 4:15pm
In reply to @justmare7 "I think if you are ready then you are ready to give all you can to..." + (show)
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I think if you are ready then you are ready to give all you can to the puppies..Time and lot's of love ...I know for me with NED of stage 4 ovarian cancer I miss my little dog so much ...He was a great comfort to me going thru my cancer treatments plus just his company alone ...I had him an extra 7 years after my late husband passed away Thanksgiving 2018 ...I am grateful for the time I had him he I believe made me heal that much faster ...I say go for it ...Get the puppies live your life and be so fulfilled with them in it...God Bless 🙏💜⚘️🌹😊🐕🐾

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@justmare7 Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry for all you have been through. That’s a lot. So glad you’re NED and I hope you’re still living a fulfilling life with joyful moments 🙏

That’s exactly it - being ready to give them my time and energy. I got 2 as I help my family care for our father/grandfather. I take him out for the morning (breakfast by the ocean and a drive) 3-4 times a week. The puppies are such good company for each other, safe and sound in the big TV room, while I’m out and also when they play generally. I’ve been careful from day one having a trainer to help avoid littermate issues. We’re a team. They are absolutely a real joy 🐾♥️

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justmare7 | @justmare7 | Oct 12 8:39pm
In reply to @isadora2021 "@justmare7 Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry for all you have been through. That’s a..." + (show)
Profile picture for isadora2021 @isadora2021

@justmare7 Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry for all you have been through. That’s a lot. So glad you’re NED and I hope you’re still living a fulfilling life with joyful moments 🙏

That’s exactly it - being ready to give them my time and energy. I got 2 as I help my family care for our father/grandfather. I take him out for the morning (breakfast by the ocean and a drive) 3-4 times a week. The puppies are such good company for each other, safe and sound in the big TV room, while I’m out and also when they play generally. I’ve been careful from day one having a trainer to help avoid littermate issues. We’re a team. They are absolutely a real joy 🐾♥️

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@isadora2021 I'm so happy to hear everyone is doing well ...What a great addition to your home life....Thank- you for your kind response ...All tbe very best ....Marianne L.👍😊🐾🐕

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Read & learn & live! | @readandlearn | Oct 13 12:54am

If you were 30 years old & perfectly healthy, you could get two puppies & then be hit by a bus the next day. Or, you could live your life as though you were going to die in three months & end up living several years. Not to mention that medicine is advancing & treatments will change & perhaps extend your life beyond any present estimate.

My view is that living out a worst case scenario ("one day at a time") will shorten your life & make you miserable & depressed. Create some goals & go do them!

Since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago, I have;

* Moved to another state & bought a new two-story house.
* Adopted several cats & outlived one of them.

I haven't bought a new car since, but if mine fails while I'm still able to drive, I'll buy a new one.

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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Oct 13 1:29am
In reply to @readandlearn "If you were 30 years old & perfectly healthy, you could get two puppies & then..." + (show)
Profile picture for Read & learn & live! @readandlearn

If you were 30 years old & perfectly healthy, you could get two puppies & then be hit by a bus the next day. Or, you could live your life as though you were going to die in three months & end up living several years. Not to mention that medicine is advancing & treatments will change & perhaps extend your life beyond any present estimate.

My view is that living out a worst case scenario ("one day at a time") will shorten your life & make you miserable & depressed. Create some goals & go do them!

Since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago, I have;

* Moved to another state & bought a new two-story house.
* Adopted several cats & outlived one of them.

I haven't bought a new car since, but if mine fails while I'm still able to drive, I'll buy a new one.

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@readandlearn That’s a great attitude to have! Thank you

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