Tattoos after sentinel node biopsy?

ahahto

I had a sentinel node biopsy 3.5 years ago along with my bilateral mast. Only 4 nodes were removed. I know to not have blood draws or blood pressure taken in the affected arm...and I also fly with a compression sleeve. But I'm hoping to get a tattoo on my forearm this Friday to pay homage to my dad who lost his battle with cancer 2 months ago. I've had my heart set on the tattoo location.

But, I'm not an idiot, before I do I'm looking for solid info on whether it's ok or not.

I've never had problems with strenuous exercise or hot temperatures.

I'd ask my oncologist, but he retired a few months ago and I don't have a new medical team for follow ups yet.

Thanks in advance for any direction.

Binney4

ahahto, you certainly are not an idiot--good for you for thinking of the risk!

There's no "guarantee" you'll get lymphedema from a tattoo on an at-risk arm, but certainly it's a risk. Partly for the usual reasons. First, that any time you create trauma to a part of your body, the response of the body is to send loads of lymph fluid to the area (which is why injured areas swell), and this can overwhelm an already-compromised system. (The reason for the lymph fluid flood is that the lymph system is part of your immune system--it's there to intercept any bacteria and to carry off wounded or damaged cells.)

And second, anyone who has been treated for breast cancer is at risk for lymphedema, which can be present before any swelling is obvious (it's called Stage 0 lymphedema). That means there's stagnant lymph fluid in the area, and any skin break can introduce bacteria which will absolutely thrive in all that warm, protein-rich lymph fluid. In other words, infection risk is really high, and such an infection constitutes an emergency because it can spread and become systemic very quickly.

But with a tattoo there's more to think about, even if I don't know exactly what it means. It's this: tattoos result in a bit of the pigment straying off into the tissues. These bits get picked up by the lymph system and carried to any remaining nodes, where they never leave, because the lymph nodes can't break them down. There's no evidence that's particularly harmful (and no evidence that it's not either), but it's something to think about with a compromised lymph system.

And on the other hand, lots of women have gotten tattoos post breast cancer with apparently no adverse effects.

One of the really rotten things about lymphedema is that it's so hard to get any hard-and-fast advice. So, definitely, your call!

I'm so sorry about your Dad's passing. I trust you'll find a tribute to the love you have for him that is truly worry-free.

Be well!
Binney

AmyQ

I posted in another thread my desire to get a large, beautiful tattoo to cover my mastectomy scars and I am NOT the tattooing type. Recently I had a bad lymphedema flare in my right arm so during PT with a specialist I mentioned my desire for the tattoo. She strongly advised against it for the reasons outlined above. I am so bummed. I really thought I could feel good about my body again, and that getting a tat would feel I had a positive choice to make, rather than no choice with a BMX.

I know my situation is vastly different in that I already have LE, however if you can continue to avoid LE, it's worth it.

Good luck

Amy

glennie19

I wanted to cover my MX scar with a tattoo also, but was advised against it, now that I have LE.  Especially since mine is mainly truncal.  

  It would be somewhat safer to have it on a different body quandrant that the one where you had the SNB.  Can you tattoo the other arm? Just a thought.    It is a risk, but as Binney said,, many women have had tatts since BC and have done OK with them.

I'm sorry about your dad.

Binney4

AmyQ, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the disappointment. It's no small thing to have your plans dashed when you find a way that you hope will restore your comfort in your own body. Even if you have to give up on the tattoo, don't give up on finding a way to be confident and secure again--it's tough after bc, especially with the stupid lymphedema, but you're worth all the effort it takes.

Gentle hugs,
Binney

Moderators

Welcome to BCO ahahto, we're glad you found this great group of experienced people.

LE is a real risk and very problematic if it develops. IAs you know, doctors advise against blood draws or pressure cuff use on that arm so having a tattoo would seem a high risk option.

We are sorry about your dad but you should consider a different location to your at risk arm. Is it worth the gamble? Would your dad think so?

All the best

The Mods

doxie

I had nipple reconstruction including a tattooed areola on a radiated breast, all done at the same time by my PS. Before the surgery I thought I might have Stage 0 truncal LE, but was not dx. After I definitely had it. Though mild, it took 6 months to bring it under control. My PS was meticulous with antibiotics and bandaging, but it didn't stop my body from reacting to the stitches and ink.

Still I cannot imagine seeing a scar and no nipple/areola the rest of my life on that breast. I knew I was taking a risk. I'd now like a touch up, but may pass due to the initial reaction.