Getting rid of radiation tattoos?

I have three large blue ones right down the middle of my breast bone that I wish I could have removed but I don't want more scars if I can help it.   I hope someone comes along with some things that have worked!

I understand that keeping the tattoos visible is important if you ever need additional radiation, either the other breast or some other problem.  It helps delineate the prior field of radiation.  I only have two and one is very visible in lower cut necklines.  I dab concealer on it.  I've wondered if it could be tatooed to look more lke a brown mole than a black felt pen mark.  It's the color that bothers me the most.  Getting my nipple done soon, so I may ask about this.

I agree about the color. If they could use brown ink, they would at least look like a beauty marks.  The lighter blue color of mine looks like I got stabbed by a pen.   I have tried to use makeup to conceal them if I'm wearing a blouse. 

I have three tattoos. one in the middle and one on each side. I found out my hospital will cover the laser treatments to have them removed at their laser center so have been trying it. I've gone twice so far and have an appt. for a third treatment. I was told they can be stubborn but as the hospital is paying for it and I really don't want to look at them the rest of my life I am going until they are gone (the one in the middle at least). I don't want to wear a bathing suit with it so obvious a radiation tattoo.

Marie,,,,,keep us posted. I really want mine off. I find people stare at the one in the centre of my chest like they are not sure what it is but at the same time why the hell would this lady have a small tattoo in the centre of her chest??...kinda look on their face!

lol

I refused the tattoos too. It was not an issue at all with my tx.

Thank you, Rockym!  Great explanation.  I'm going to go get these darn dots removed.  I know it takes more than one laser session, hopefully not more than three.

I wonder how long the rad onc keeps the scan info.  I'll ask my MO next appointment if he has those scans since he's the one I'm seeing for a long time.

Gosh, didn't even think about removal when I was getting them put on (and then my radiation has been pushed out by a month, possibly month and a half from when I got my CAT scans!!).  I guess I kind of view them as warrior "paint".  But I already have tats, so maybe it's less of an issue.  I did consider possibly getting other things put over them when I am done but then I thought of one poster's point, that well, they might be needed again.  So, they get to stay.  I hope you find a workable method for you!

My dermatologist got rid of the top middle one today for free with a laser, I've heard that creams don't work.  It took less than 30 seconds with 3 zaps and didn't hurt.  The others don't bother me, but I don't like broadcasting my medical history to to public in v necks, or looking at it every day.  Booyah!  As Jesse from BB would say! (Boy I miss that show!)

Your body, your choice slv.  I knew those dots would have driven me up a wall so that is why I opted out.  If your RO isn't supportive, go to you BS or like bedo, a dermatologist.

I had mine removed with a laser at Tataway in Boston. They are offering the service free to anyone looking to remove those radiation blue dots. If anyone is in Boston, call the great ladies over at Tataway: (617) 391-7922.

Dear ladies, this is great feedback as it is yet another aspect to rads that can be considered and discussed prior to the tatts, but only if you are aware there are possible options - like sharpie marks covered in tape for the duration. Many medicos would just dismiss it as you have bigger things to worry about, but often it is the little things that annoy and are permanent reminders after treatment, so this is a valid point of discussion. Interesting.

The Mods

I had a couple of cysts removed when my BS did the cancer surgery. The incision he did for the cyst was between my breasts and didn't heal as well as the cancer scar. I still regret having him do that while I was under. Maybe it should have been done by a plastic surgeon or maybe the skin was delicate and it was going to heal with a scar anyway, but it's a permanent bummer. I am SO GLAD I never let them put those dots on me. I can only imagine how I would have felt. Wait... I knew how I would feel and that it why I told them no. They weren't happy because it's more work for them.

I forgot to mention Hopeful, my RO also showed me an example at the time, but it was a couple of dots on her hand. I suppose she had them put there so she could show patients, but a hand and breasts are very different. How often does any one look at the back of their hand?

I agree with what others have said about the blue-black color of these tattoos. They look more like tiny melanomas than freckles. I wonder if they'll fool my dermatologist?!