decorative tattoos

Lilyn

I have gone back and forth in regard reconstruction. I am know almost 4 years since double mastectomy and I have finally decided not to go ahead with reconstruction. I now have decided I would like to get a delicate tattoo of cherry blossoms across the top of my chest just softly coming down from the right shoulder a few inches above mastectomy scar. I know of two excellent places in Toronto where I can go that have very high standards and are given passes always by public health department. I went there years ago with my daughters who had small tattoos. I went of course to check the place out, make sure autoclave etc. I never imagined I would decide to take a trip there myself. Anyway just wondered if many of you ladies have had tattoos since breast cancer diagnosis. It is funny I always love the look of the Japanese cherry blossom branch and small blossoms. When I was looking up pictures for a tattoo I found out that they signify "rebirth" pretty cool.  Wondering about your thoughts. Cheers ladies!

libraylil

Haven t done it yet, but I want a dragonfly

Binney4

Ladies, both ideas sound lovely. Since all of us who have been treated for breast cancer are at risk for lymphedema for the rest of our lives, you might want to check in with a well-trained lymphedema therapist for baseline arm measurements, personalized risk reduction tips, and instruction in a gentle, prophylactic lymph massage. As you probably already know, any needles (or blood pressure) to the at risk quadrant of your body may trigger lymphedma -- or if there is early-stage but undetected lymphedema in the area already, it can greatly increase the danger of infection.

Any doctor on your team can give you a referral for a lymphedema evaluation. Here's how to find a well-qualified lymphedema therapist near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Be well!
Binney

IndigoMont11

I would like to get two tattoos on the back of my neck - the Chinese characters for warrior and for phoenix. I almost did the warrior one already but DH was so freaked out by my BMX that I "gave" him this one (noting I've never ever been inked before). And I'm sure that a tattoo right before or during chemo is a no-no, so I didn't even ask. However, I still might do it after I finish all my followup.

LuAnnH

I have a cute tattoo on my ankle, never had a desire for one and was walking past a shop in the mall one day with my daughter.  We looked around and next thing I know I'm getting one done.  I have to take a new pic of mine since I lost my photos in a computer crash.  It is a pretty pink ribbon (and I hate pink but this was appropriate)  The ribbon is outlined in blue and has angels wings done in another shade of pink coming out from the wings with what appears to be lights from a sunset below the wings.  Above the top of the ribbon is a yellow halo.

Being stage IV I wanted to show people breast cancer is everywhere you look.  Yes pink is the pretty color assigned to its ribbon but the wings and halo are a gentle reminder that we are all dying of breast cancer still daily.  They have been successful in makng people away the disease is real, now to make them understand it is deadly and we need a cure. 

I get lots of comments and questions on the tattoo and will share as much or as little info as they want but I am sure to stress the fact a cure it needed!

NevadaPaula

I had a tattoo put over my port scar. It is of cherry blossoms, with a black /green vine. A blue green hummingbird is hovering over a blossom.  Very delicate, and pretty. It took about 2 hours to do it.

Lilyn

Thanks for all your responses. When I get mine done I will ask my girls to help me 

put a photo on the site. Still cant figure out how to do that stuff. Take care everyone